This is without a doubt my favorite museum in the city, perhaps the country. It is such a rich combination of history, biology, anthropology, and sociology that details the description of living... More

This is without a doubt my favorite museum in the city, perhaps the country. It is such a rich combination of history, biology, anthropology, and sociology that details the description of living things from molecular biological perspective to socioeconomics and is accurate and clear in its descriptions. The museum is very children-friendly and is a great place for kids and adults of all ages to get an education.
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This IS a fantastic museum, as all the other reviewers said, not just for those of us that grew up in the city and were lucky to have it close enough to visit frequently, and it's equally... More

This IS a fantastic museum, as all the other reviewers said, not just for those of us that grew up in the city and were lucky to have it close enough to visit frequently, and it's equally fascinating for adults, as it is for kids. But, if you're with a small kid who isn't yet in control of their bladder functions, you might want to bring a diaper for them - I just went this past weekend with a friend and her 3-year old daughter. Thank goodness the 3-year old had a strong bladder - we were in the gems room on the Lower Level when she decided to tell her mother she had to go and couldn't hold it any longer. There are NO bathrooms on the lower level. The closest one required us to wait for an elevator, go up a floor, and then walk and walk and walk. The maps they hand out are very poor for navigating, and every guard we asked gave us such complicated directions we had to keep asking the next guard, and somehow wound up passing the CPW entrance and going to bathroom which was basically walking around the entire museum. Apart from being very difficult to navigate, they do have fascinating exhibits, fun films, and enough varied animal, human, and dinosaur information to satisfy anyone.
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I thnk this must be the favourite museum of anyone who grew up in New York City. School trips and parents take us here constantly when we're little, and we grow up chatting with the giant whale. ... More

I thnk this must be the favourite museum of anyone who grew up in New York City. School trips and parents take us here constantly when we're little, and we grow up chatting with the giant whale. The thing is, even if you're not a kid or don't have any, the museum is still cool (and fun for afternoon dates, but I'm a nerd). Also the Rose Science Center is amazing.
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I'm sure I'm not alone in saying that I absolutely love this museum. What's not to like about a place filled with ancient dinosaur bones, a huge blue whale hanging overhead, an IMAX theater, a big... More

I'm sure I'm not alone in saying that I absolutely love this museum. What's not to like about a place filled with ancient dinosaur bones, a huge blue whale hanging overhead, an IMAX theater, a big spherical ecosystem full of little shrimp things, and displays of cave men and wooly mammoths? This museum is just plain fun, no matter how old you are. I enjoyed it recently as a young adult just as much as I had as a child.
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This is not just for kids. I know that dinosaurs sometime evoke a kiddie theme, but there is something for everybody at this museum. Geology, butterflies, an IMAX theater, the solar system... More

This is not just for kids. I know that dinosaurs sometime evoke a kiddie theme, but there is something for everybody at this museum. Geology, butterflies, an IMAX theater, the solar system display...they also have terrific special exhibits. A couple of years ago they hosted a baseball exhibit that toured the US. Currently, DARWIN is the big ticket item, along with the IMAX spectacular GALAPAGOS.
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The big draw here has always been the dinosaurs. You really get the feel for the size and terror these creatures must have had when you stand below the massive frames of their bones. Over the... More

The big draw here has always been the dinosaurs. You really get the feel for the size and terror these creatures must have had when you stand below the massive frames of their bones. Over the years features have been added, realistic features and mechanical renditions, but it's the bones that have always gotten me. The other big feature is the displays of stuffed animals that are preserved for future generations to gaze upon and appreciate. From Kodiak bears to elephants on the African plains, a trip to the zoo does not compare to the impact these displays can have on kids and adults as well. There is more to see at this museum, and well worth the trip. Parking stinks, so take public transport and save. A great rainy afternoon diversion.
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Who could resist a museum with world famous dinosaurs and casts of dinosaur footprints? If it's too crowded in the dino sections, scope out the gems and minerals, animals from Teddy Roosevelt's time... More

Who could resist a museum with world famous dinosaurs and casts of dinosaur footprints? If it's too crowded in the dino sections, scope out the gems and minerals, animals from Teddy Roosevelt's time in huge dioramas, look at what's living underground - giant depictions of ants and worms, as well as exhibits on Eskimo life, forests, etc etc. Lots to see and you can spend a full day roaming around here. Yes, there are sometimes lots of schoolkids but you can go to the less popular sections and still be entertained and of course, when you get tired, there's always IMAX movie to fall back on. Children's store could be upgraded with better quality goods but upstairs gift shop is chock full of interesting books and items.
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