Family Fun at AMNH: A Guide to Roaring Adventures

Calling all dino enthusiasts, budding naturalists, and world explorers! The world famous American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) is not just a museum; it's a prehistoric paradise, a space odyssey, and an underwater wonderland all rolled into one! No doubt, it is one of our favorite places to visit and to recommend to family and friends when they visit NYC.

Within every section highlighted below, you'll find a direct link to a related educator's guide—an invaluable resource if you're looking to take a deeper dive and invest dedicated time in a specific exhibit. These links are just a glimpse of the extensive collection of educational materials accessible on the AMNH's website. Whether you're a teacher planning a class field trip, a homeschooling parent crafting engaging lessons, or a young learner with an insatiable thirst for knowledge, these resources are tailor-made for you.

There is so much to see in this sprawling museum that it's impossible to take it all in with just one day. But, fear not! With our insider knowledge, you can pick and choose your own perfect AMNH adventure.

🦕 Have a DINO-MITE Time

Our family can't get enough of dinosaurs, and it's not uncommon for us to head straight to the fourth floor for a morning filled with our favorite prehistoric pals. During our kid's peak dino obsession years, we explored dinosaur exhibits across North America (and even in London!), but nothing quite compares to the awe-inspiring experience of standing before the OG T. Rex which has been captivating audiences for over a century since it first opened to the public in 1915.

📓 Educator's Guide: The World's Largest Dinosaurs

Getting There: From the main entrances off Central Park West and 81st St, you'll most likely find yourself at the central elevator banks. These will conveniently whisk you up to the Saurischian Hall, home of the mighty T. Rex. Within this hall and the Ornithischian hall around the corner you'll find the most recognizable fossils of all your favorites from the Land Before Time.

🦋 Explore the The West Wing

Embark on a journey through the AMNH's newest gem – the Richard Gilder Center! Unearth the secrets of the insect world in the Susan and Peter J. Solomon Insectarium, flutter with excitement in the Davis Family Butterfly Vivarium, and get lost inside Invisible Worlds–a mind-boggling interactive exhibit that takes you deep into the networks of life that cannot be seen with the naked eye.

📓 Educator's Guide: Butterfly Vivarium

Getting There: Enter directly into the new wing through the entrance at Columbus Ave and 79th St. The exhibits are spread out between floors 1 through 3.

🚀 Reach for the Stars

Whether your kiddo dreams of intergalactic adventures or Earthly explorations, the Rose Center has it all. Dive into the Hayden Planetarium, stroll the Cosmic Pathway for a lesson in the 13 billion year history of the universe, and discover how our planet Earth works at the David S. and Ruth L. Gottesman Hall.

📓 Educator's Guide: Journey to the Stars

Getting There: Enter through the 81st Street entrance for a quieter start and easy access to your favorite out of this world exhibits.

🌊 Dive into Ocean Life

Behold the iconic blue whale and be mesmerized by the marine wonders in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life. With its dim lighting and cavernous space beneath the blue whale, this is the perfect spot for sensory breaks and toddler-friendly exploration. Find the answers to your future marine biologist's burning questions: What fascinating creatures inhabit the ocean depths? What threats do marine ecosystems face? And how do scientists unravel the mysteries concealed in the deep blue sea?

📓 Educator's Guide: Hall of Ocean Life

Getting There: From the Central Park West entrances on the 1st floor head south through the Hall of Biodiversity and you'll find your great blue whale.

💎 Shimmer and Shine

What's more fascinating than your toddler's rock collection? This exhibit of rare, shiny, and colorful rocks! For the young gem enthusiasts who can't resist a little sparkle, the Allison and Roberto Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals is a literal treasure trove. Get up close and personal with the celebrated Star of India sapphire, the 110-carat diamond Organdie necklace worn once by Rihanna, the 9.5 lb Brazilian Princess topaz, and so many others. You'll marvel at over 5,000 specimens showcasing the Earth's dazzling geological bling!

📓 Educator's Guide: Hall of Gems & Minerals

Getting There: Enter through the Columbus Ave Gilder Center entrances and turn right (South) for the most direct route.

🌎 Travel the Globe

Navigate your way through the diverse tapestry of human culture and history on the second floor – from African to Asian to Central and South American Peoples. Escape the crowds and savor rich cultural artifacts from around the world at your own pace.

📓 Educator's Guide: A Silk Road Journey

Getting There: You'll find these halls just past the Halls of African or Asian Mammals on the 2nd Floor.

🔍 Discover Adventure

While the Discovery Room is temporarily closed, we're eagerly awaiting its return. Fingers crossed that when it reopens, it maintains its status as a fantastic space for families and hands-on exploration. Engage in the excitement as you piece together a life-sized skeleton of Prestosuchus, curate your own collections of artifacts and specimens, and tackle puzzles and scientific challenges with your kids firsthand.

Keep in the loop about reopening updates and exciting new family programs by becoming a subscriber to the AMNH Family Programs Newsletter.

Planning Your Visit

Ready for your own expedition through the American Museum of Natural History? Here's the scoop on making your visit a roaring success!

🕒 Exploration Hours:
The AMNH is open for your little explorers from 10 am to 5:30 pm almost every day! The doors are only closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.

Reservations for timed-entry are required, no matter what kind of ticket holder you are. Make your reservation here!

🎟️ Love for the Locals:
If you're a local from NY, NJ, or CT, you can waltz in for FREE with Pay-What-You-Wish Admission. Flash your timed entry reservation and photo ID and you'll be on your way.

💰 Special Exhibitions:
Eyeing the Butterfly Vivarium, Invisible Worlds, planetarium shows, or any of the dazzling rotating exhibits? Spring for the resident pricing to add these on or read on to see how you can maximize your museum mojo with a membership.

🏛️ Membership Perks:
An AMNH family membership (good for 2 adults and 4 kids!) is the golden key that unlocks free tickets for special events and shows. The membership practically pays for itself after just two visits! And guess what? With your IDNYC card, you may qualify for a free membership ride. Check out more deets here on scoring free memberships with IDNYC.

As you embark on your epic adventure through the American Museum of Natural History, may the wonders of the natural world and beyond captivate your family's imagination! Share your favorite AMNH memories with us and remember to pass this guide along to your friends and family for their next visit. Happy exploring, and may your adventures be as boundless as your curiosity.