American Museum of Natural History

Location: Central Park West, New York

Hours: 10am-5:45pm daily

Admission: Varies

The American Museum of Natural History is one of the nation’s finest and a major New York landmark. And it’s currently going with a perennial winner: DINOSAURS!

The main exhibit, “Dinosaurs: Ancient Fossils, New Discoveries” centers on how current thinking about dinosaur biology has changed.

You’ll marvel at a seemingly endless collection of skeletons and fossils. The fearsome Tyrannosaurus Rex skeleton is a classic and worth the price of admission alone.

But there’s much more, including the Hall of Human Biology and Evolution, the hands-on Hall of Meteorites, a huge gemstone collection, an IMAX theater and Rose Center for Earth and Space planetarium shows.

Established in 1869, it’s the largest institution of its kind in the world, covering four blocks. And, unlike other major museums, there is nothing “stuffy” about this one. Kids are welcome, and there are special programs like a story time for tots and “critter outfitters,” which allows youngsters to craft and assemble their own cuddly toys.

Use New York City kids and make New York City fun for the kids...and you!