No matter which wing you wander through or where your little one’s curiosities lie (dinosaurs, ocean life, space), it’s hard to explore the Upper West Side’s American Museum of Natural History, one of our favorite family attractions in the city, without being awestruck. The thrills begin when you cross the threshold of the newly renovated Theodore Roosevelt Memorial and spot the rotunda’s hulking Barosaurus skeleton replica. Head to the fourth-floor dinosaur halls and you’ll find astonishing fossil specimens. When the kids tire of dinos, make your way to the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life to gawk at the famed 94-foot-long blue whale model. You’ll also want to stop by the Rose Center for Earth and Center and visit the Hayden Planetarium. Keep an eye out for special exhibits throughout the year at the American Museum of Natural History—recent favorites have included “Spiders Alive!” and “Our Global Kitchen” and seasonal activities for Halloween and Kwanzaa. Read through our guide to the AMNH (including great family restaurants near the museum!), then head to the UWS for an afternoon outing.
RECOMMENDED: 50 best family attractions in NYC
How to buy tickets to the American Museum of Natural History: Visitamnh.org to buy tickets (including general admission tickets, general admission plus one tickets and super saver admission). Tickets can also be bought at the American Museum of Natural History.
How to become a member of the American Museum of Natural History: Visit amnh.org to learn about memebership benefits, including free admission and special access to exhibits.
How to support the American Museum of Natural History: Visit amnh.org to donate online to the museum—donations help support school visits, scientific research and conservation efforts.
AMNH ticketing information
American Museum of Natural History
Exhibits and attractions at the AMNH
Rose Center for Earth and Space
The American Museum of Natural History’s Rose Center was founded in 2000. It is home to the Hayden Planetarium, daily Space Shows and an IMAX auditorium.
AMNH coverage
Whale show opens at AMNH (2013)
“Whales: Giants of the Deep” at the American Museum of Natural History wows visitors with sperm whale skeletons, interactive fun and Maori culture.
Theodore Roosevelt Memorial (2012)
Celebrate the iconic museum’s founder by paying the new memorial wing a visit.
Other museums in New York City
Museum of Mathematics (MoMath)
Brooklyn Museum
Children’s Museum of the Arts
DiMenna Children’s History Museum
