Create your own science craft and learn how it relates to one of our interactive science studios. All materials provided. Registration required.

Once a month, our special Au-Some Evenings give children with autism spectrum disorder and sensory processing disorder, their friends and family an opportunity to play and learn together in an understanding and supportive environment. Families will have access to the museum space and play zones, including our cafe. Featured activities include a music center, therapy dogs, art projects and gross motor activities. Explore & More will also have a social narrative about the new museum and its play zones, quiet kits, as well as calming sensory-friendly spaces in the museum. The theme for February Au-Some Evening is Friendship and Kindness. In addition to a fun night of play on all of our inclusive exhibits, we have special programming for families! In the Art Studio, families can make a Hanging Hearts Collage or Doily Heart Print. There will be sensory activities to explore in the Tinkering Tank including Valentine’s Day glitter playdough, themed “Fun is in the Air”, light tables and sensory bottles. Families can also decorate and add their handprint to our Explore & More Friendship Wreath! We will feature therapy animals from the SPCA and volunteers from SUNY Buffalo State’s Exceptional Education program. Parent resources will be available such as a How to be a Superfriend scripted story, parent tips on how to teach friendship skills, and links for books/stories about making friends.

Join the N.Y.S. Dept. of Environmental Conservation (DEC) biologists, Erie County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs, and volunteers for a family day of fishing education and fishing at Tifft’s Lake Kirsty.

Bears, bears and more bears! We’ll start our day playing in the Tree House and Farm to Fork. There will be puzzles and sensory bins to play with, and new friends to make! We’ll make bear themed crafts and read bear themed stories. We’ll end our day with story time and snack- picnic style! Don’t forget to bring your teddy bear, they can join the fun! This class is perfect for ages 3-4. Preregistration is required. Admission not included in the price of the class.

Children age 5 to 15 years are invited to borrow our fishing gear and join in a guided fishing experience to celebrate Father’s Day off our front fishing pier. Advance registration required. Space is limited.

Let’s have some fun in the sun this summer as we play and make friends! FREE PLAY FRIDAYS take place rain or shine from 11 am-1 pm at the Pierce Lawn, Canalside. Registration is not required!

Join local entrepreneur and educator Myles Stubblefield of BFLO Worm Works to dig into why compost is important to our families and friends, who can help compost, and types of composting including vermicomposting

Enjoy a morning of early childhood fun with a storytime, guided trail walk, and playful activities to help foster the nature explorer in your child. Bring your own snack to enjoy in the Center or on the Deck.

Ocean Explorers is an online after school program designed for children 8-12. Over the course of this program, children learn about a diversity of marine mammals, their adaptations, and what they do to make a living under the sea. This program is hosted by instructors who lead your children through live chats, videos, presentations, interactive activities and/or crafts. No parent assistance is needed as this program comes with a kit that includes supplies needed.

Fold, Launch, and Fly! Join us in the Tinkering Tank as we design and fold our own paper airplanes and then test them in the Fun is in the Air exhibit!

Celebrate Pride at The Strong with inclusive story readings, performances, and activities.

Does Your Child have a business?? Do you know a kid friendly business? We want YOU!

Get those wheels turning this weekend as STEM based activities power the play across the museum the third Saturday of each month on STEM Saturdays presented by National Grid. Come play your way through Science, Technology, Engineering & Math based activities that are so fun, kids don’t even know they’re learning! All of the fun is included with price of paid admission or membership!

Beep beep! I hear the sounds of cars, trucks and even trains! Your little one will enjoy this Toddler Time class as we explore and learn all about modes of transportation. We will even have some fun in the Delta Sonic Car Wash and play with boats in our Moving Water exhibit. Circle time, a story, and songs will all be part of the fun! Zoom on over to Explore & More to check it out!

Drop by Tifft Nature Preserve every Thursday and join us for a casual volunteer-led tour of the Preserve. All Ages are welcomed at this FREE program ($3 donation per person would be greatly appreciated). Please call 716.825.6397 to confirm walk will take place.