Buffalo Rising Online

Yes, I would go to such a place, it would be wonderful to have this in the city limits. My Three and Five year old like the Strong Museum in Rochester, but we hate the drive. The kids enjoy the Post Office, Wegmans store and cashout, the old fashioned kitchen with antique stove, and the working two-way "helicopter" radio. They did not enjoy "Busy Town" at the Science Museum, but they did like pressing the buttons to animate the previous exibit. Another exibit they like ( at the time my four year old) was at the Historical Society's location on Forest. They had large vinyl building blocks in a pit area.

A membership, or Science Museum price would work, open during holidays, and if it was near something else we could enjoy would be great: like Hoit lake (impossibe I'm sure) or the water front to keep the place active during the summer days. Maybe people could COME to Buffalo to enjoy it too.

If you need any help let me know, I'd be glad to lend a hand (Illustrator, Retired Visual Manager)

My nephew LOVES Strong Museum - I was there the first time this past December and from 2 to 8 years old, he's enjoyed going. And the place is PACKED! He loves anything interactive - the mini Wegmans, the Sesame St. set, the braille machine, the old toys,the diner (what a hit - he loves the burgers!). If Buffalo had something similar (uniquely it's own), I'm sure it'd be a hit with other kids!

And don't forget :

the Elmwood Science Spot @ the Neighborhood Collective 810 Elmwood

http://www.sciencebuff.org/ftp_only/CSL/Spot.brochureNovFeb0506.pdf

This is a fantastic idea and one I had hoped to pursue as well myself at some point. We just moved here from Brooklyn and played at a wonderful place called WillyBee's that was half play area and half cafe with coffee/snacks. We lived at this place. Not only do I think this would be successful and would thrive in Buffalo, a place like this is essential for stay at home moms and families. Please contact me if you would like to here more about WillyBee's or for help in your project. I have a long restaurant background and can possibly give some advice. Good Luck!!!

1. Absolutely!

2. I'd rather have a membership type of program that allowed for unlimited usage. I'd consider $50 - $100 per year reasonable.

3. It would depend on the location. If it was within walking distance for us, we'd go at least once during the week (more depending on specific programs) and probably at least once per weekend.

4. I have a few things for this category:

--Some sort of division by age -- either separate areas for under 5/over 5 or separate times so that the tiniest participants can go at their own pace rather than at the pace of the oldest kids

--A variety of equipment/options: as you mentioned, gross motor stuff in one area, arts in another area, etc.

--CLEAN, well-maintained, etc. Before we found our playgroup in our old neighborhood, we looked around at other places. We completely rejected one place (despite some appeal) because it was FILTHY. That's a deal breaker for me (and for a lot of others I spoke with who had rejected the same place for the same reason)

--safe -- no broken equipment, recalled toys, etc.

--a place to eat (simple fare: sandwiches, etc.) so that parents and kids have the option of a one-stop activity.

--good policies -- e.g., kids who are obviously ill will be asked to leave, rules (no hitting, etc.) and the caveat that kids/grownups who don't follow them will be asked to leave

5. A few things under this one, too:

--large enough to offer ample space for each activity

--secure (people sign in, sign out, etc. -- look to Gymboree, Wegmans play space, etc., for examples)

--walking distance from someone's neighborhood (even if it's not mine!) so that there's some built-in clientele -- it will create a buzz about the place if there's some activity there

I'd be willing to offer further assistance as part of a focus group or whatever -- this is a brilliant idea!

1. Absolutely!

2. I'd rather have a membership type of program that allowed for unlimited usage. I'd consider $50 - $100 per year reasonable.

3. It would depend on the location. If it was within walking distance for us, we'd go at least once during the week (more depending on specific programs) and probably at least once per weekend.

4. I have a few things for this category:

--Some sort of division by age -- either separate areas for under 5/over 5 or separate times so that the tiniest participants can go at their own pace rather than at the pace of the oldest kids

--A variety of equipment/options: as you mentioned, gross motor stuff in one area, arts in another area, etc.

--CLEAN, well-maintained, etc. Before we found our playgroup in our old neighborhood, we looked around at other places. We completely rejected one place (despite some appeal) because it was FILTHY. That's a deal breaker for me (and for a lot of others I spoke with who had rejected the same place for the same reason)

--safe -- no broken equipment, recalled toys, etc.

--a place to eat (simple fare: sandwiches, etc.) so that parents and kids have the option of a one-stop activity.

--good policies -- e.g., kids who are obviously ill will be asked to leave, rules (no hitting, etc.) and the caveat that kids/grownups who don't follow them will be asked to leave

5. A few things under this one, too:

--large enough to offer ample space for each activity

--secure (people sign in, sign out, etc. -- look to Gymboree, Wegmans play space, etc., for examples)

--walking distance from someone's neighborhood (even if it's not mine!) so that there's some built-in clientele -- it will create a buzz about the place if there's some activity there

I'd be willing to offer further assistance as part of a focus group or whatever -- this is a brilliant idea!

When my son was pre-school age, between the playgrounds, zoo, science museum I didn't find it hard to keep him active and entertained. Now that he is a bit older (almost 11) I wish we had more and/ or better bike paths for biking, roller blading, running, skate boarding, etc. Delaware Park is great, but the loop gets old. I am hoping that the waterfront development will include a lot of paths and recreation areas for such activities (and, of course, for just walking and enjoyment of the beauty of the area)...I love Buffalo, but it really needs to get with the times (take a hint from Portland, Oregon or Boulder, Co) and include a major focus on recreation and outdoor enjoyment as a part of our future plans. I may be getting a bit off topic here, but kids only stay little so long! And this type of "quality of life" feature is important in attracting and retaining our young adult population, too.

Yes, I would for sure go to such a place. My price range would have to be under $5 total for both me and my daughter. I would visit any day of the week in the morning. Afternoons are more difficult as my daughter sleeps then. We're not picky about ammenities - toys, music and other children are all we'll need to have fun! I'd love for the location to be either down or on the elmwood strip, but we'd go anywhere within the city limits. Locating this new business on or very near to Main Street, or in the lower west side, might be a good idea to increase diversity of patrons. I do think diversity is important as most of the time when my daughter and I participate in such groups, most of the people are white middle class. I feel sad about this as we live in a city with tremendous diversity. It is important to me that outreach be done to people of racial and economic diversity so that everyone has a chance to participate and so that my daughter can meet all sorts of different people. I'd be happy to help with this!

My daughter is almost 3 and she loves to climb more than anything. I don't know if anyone's ever been to the Baltimore Children's Museum, but I think it's probably the coolest thing I've ever seen for kids. The entire central space, converted from an old mill, is occupied by a 4-story cargonet and chain maze of sorts. It is one of the most amazing contaptions I've ever seen.

I would totally pay for a membership to such a place, and I would gladly donate to such a place being built. This city could really use a children's museum, and they are fantastic attractions for tourists. We had one in Portland, Maine where we lived before we bought here, and it was a regular stop on rainy days. Their membership was around $50 a year.

How about this type of play/learn space that offers limited babysitting at night?? Parents could drop kids off for two hours and walk to an Elmwood restaurant for dinner. That would be fantastic!

Explore and More Go there it be good for the 6 under group

This is a great Idea! I think the price should be somewhere in the $5 per child range. Somewhere on the Elmwood strip for location would be great, so many people in the city could walk there. Any day of the week would be grat as long as it is in the mornings, because my son sleeps in the afternoon. My son like anything from slides to music, and just being around other children! this is a great idea!

I echo many of the comments of BuffaloBeacon. One thing that is a definite must is segregation of space for big kids and little kids that is enforced. Little kids need a space where they can play without getting manhandled or knocked over by older kids who are more aggressive and more coordinated due to their age.

I think it should be located in North Buffalo. North Buffalo is loaded with kids and families. Look to the success of Xtreme Wheels (indoor skate park) that has opened in Black Rock/North Buffalo as a sign of success (for old children and teens). North Buffalo also adds the ability to attract families from other parts of the city and the suburbs because it is car friendly. Hauling a baby and a toddler with accessories is a real pain if you have to park far away (especially in inclement weather). If you want to open a specialty shop or an offbeat restaurant, I'd say to look to the Elmwood Strip, if you want to open a family related business look to North Buffalo. There was a rumor going around a couple of years ago that Explore & More was looking to move to the Delaware Park area to capitalize on the Park, the Zoo and increase access to families in Buffalo and nearby suburbs.

1. absolutely! 2. varying membership levels might work, e.g., like ski passes...half day, full day, "2-for" packs, seasons pass, etc. 3. probably midweek, depending on location. the evening suggestion is great...a drop-off/dinner date offer in conjunction w/an elmwood restaurant, perhaps. 4. cleanliness and safety are of primary importance. 5. location, location, location. How about taking advantage of open space on elmwood? the soda bar has been languishing forever and that's a nice big space with parking. Could use the lower half for jungle gym equipment and the upper area for crafty-type activities. Or perhaps one of the old garages behind the buildings opposite the Co-Op could be rehabbed like the Science Center satellite...that would make for major convenience and choice.