Maria B.
Yelp
This is not the Science Museum of years ago. I think it's been made larger and brighter, lighter, generally more inviting.
Tom D would be happy to see the hand sanitizer dispensers all around. He'd be less happy about the crumbs I saw though, more on that later.
I came for the mummies. It's open until Oct sometime (extended a few weeks from original close date of Sept 21). Then it moves on to other cities. Both the Science Museum and the Buffalo Historical Society helped create this exhibit, working with about 10 other organizations from around the world.
I enjoyed the mummies. It's a pretty "grown up" exhibit I felt, yet they seem to have school groups often around lunchtime. I assume there is a "child's version" lecture to go with that but I saw only the "adult version".
The museum also has a nice area that teaches you about the history (science wise) of this area. From before the last ice age.
There is a large children's area, from the toddlers to the older ones. Interactive. The kids I saw were having a blast.
Independent Health has joined the museum for a display all about YOU, the person. Healthy choices. How does the body work? Genetics and what they mean.
Learn about the solar system and how it affects weather on Earth.
And of course the BUG section. Everything you wanted to know and see. And more. But really everything that small child in your world wants to see. Creepy. Crawly. Flying. It's all covered.
On to the cafe. This is a small cafe. It's not the focus of the museum, but it offers a place for a coffee break if needed or a sandwich for lunch. There is food aimed at kids. There are adult sandwich choices. And some pizza choices. All made to order in front of you. Not a huge selection, but something for everyone (including vegetarian) and all reasonably priced. With tables. Which is where the crumbs come into it. There were crumbs on the two tables I went to sit at. I did not order food, just needed a moment to sit (which you are welcome to do without food too). But there were crumbs. Both of the cafe workers were very busy, which explains it, but just calling it out.
There is a store here as well. Not your usual museum store. But a store with games, both for kids and adults, puzzles, fun fact books and more. I did not buy anything, or even browse that long, but I do expect to be back when I need an interesting gift for a child, or perhaps an adult. They have some of the more typical things too, pens, little replicas etc.
Some fundamentals:
Very pleasant staff all around. All smiling.
Easy plentiful parking
Wheelchairs and strollers available there for borrowing (free)
Easy large aisles for above mentioned wheeled options
Open 7 days
All in all this is a great place for kids. It's an interesting place for adults, especially with a good exhibit happening.