June 6, 2023

Health and wellness event will once again take place at the Buffalo Museum of Science

The Buffalo Museum of Science’s annual free admission day, Community Health Day sponsored by Independent Health, will take place on Monday, June 19, 2023. Many area schools will be closed for the Juneteenth holiday, giving everyone the opportunity to explore the Museum’s interactive exhibits and galleries at no cost.

In addition to free admission, Community Health Day offers several health and wellness-focused activities for visitors of all ages from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Independent Health’s RedShirts will offer free giveaways and family-friendly activities indoors and outdoors (weather permitting), and community partners will be stationed throughout the Museum to provide information on health and wellness resources available in the western New York.

“Our mission to inspire joyful exploration of science is at the heart of Community Health Day,” says Kathy Leacock, Deputy Director for the Buffalo Society of Natural Sciences. “Thanks to our longtime friends and partners at Independent Health, we are able to open our doors to everyone, free of charge, to engage with our interactive science studios and to learn more about some of the many health and wellness organizations and resources available in our own backyards.”

Community partners representing a range of health and wellness resources will be on site, including UB Environmental health studies, New York Life’s Child ID program, and Crisis Services. There will also be a special storytime in the SensERIE early childhood space led by the BMS highlighting the significance of Juneteenth.

All four floors of the Museum and its interactive science studios will be open for guests to explore. Families can also take part in a scavenger hunt and quiz in Explore YOU presented by Independent Health, the Museum’s health-focused science studio designed to provide a hands-on approach to understanding the human body and importance of healthy behaviors.

Independent Health will offer free giveaways while supplies last and a variety of health and wellness activities, including a family fitness activity from YMCA Buffalo Niagara, an obstacle course courtesy of the Independent Health Wellness Team, PlayStreets programming through the Police Athletic League of Buffalo, Reddy Bikeshare demonstrations, a special appearance by Billy Buffalo, and more.

“Independent Health is proud to be involved with Community Health Day at the Buffalo Museum of Science for all families in Western New York, but especially those who may not have direct access to the health education and wellness activities offered,” said Kathy Glieco, vice president, Marketing, Independent Health. “Our goal is to expand a culture of health and wellness in our community with programs like this and others, such as Fitness in the Parks, Reddy Bikeshare, SkyRide with GOBike Buffalo, and more.”

This will be the second year the annual event will take place in June. Community Health Day was previously held annually in January.

For more information about Community Health Day, please visit the Museum website.