American Museum of Natural History
Central Park West at 79th Street
212-769-5100
Known for having the best dinosaurs in the world, this museum includes a full skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus Rex. The Discovery Room contains excavation sites for children. They can also search for creatures in a two-story African Baobab tree. The gem room contains the biggest and most famous star sapphire in the world: “Star of India,”. During the summer there is also the annual Butterfly Conservatory and the all new, “Gold” exhibit which displays a room made entirely of flattened gold.
Ellis Island Museum
Ellis Island
212-269-5755
There are over 2,000 artifacts housed at this museum. Enter immediately into a world of the past by learning about the rich history of the first immigrants to the United States. “Island of Hope, Island of Tears” is an award winning film which plays continually throughout the day. Other historical rooms include the Registry Room and the Great Hall.
South Street Seaport
12 Fulton St.
212-748-8600
Covering eleven city blocks, this museum complex houses something for everyone! You can wander in and out of the 19th century buildings and six historic ships that are docked on the waterfront. During the warmer months there is also a motorboat called the “Beast” that will stop at the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge. “New York Unearthed” is another exhibition where children can learn about fossils and bones. The mall contains several restaurants as well as an eating area with a view.
Central Park Zoo
830 Fifth Avenue
212-439-6500
Here in the center of the city 5 ½ acres house two dozen species of animals. Home to many animals including some endangered species, like the Tamarin Monkeys, and Red Pandas. Children will experience everything from a steamy rainforest to an icy Antarctica penguin exhibit. The Tisch Children’s Zoo contained there in proved the opportunity for closer contact with the animals. There are year round educational classes and a “Wildlife” theatre that encourages children to learn more about the natural world and protecting animals.
Prospect Park Zoo
450 Flatbush Ave
718-399-7339
This zoo was designed with a passion to help children learn about wildlife. The three major exhibits areas are; The World of Animals, Animal Lifestyles, and Animals in our lives. Waddle around with prarie dogs and wallabies in the ‘World of Animals’ or visit the baboons in ‘Animal Lifestyles’. Learn to interact and observe wildlife at the ‘Animals in our Lives exhibit’.
New York Aquarium
Surf Avenue and West 8th St.
718-265-FISH
The New York Aquarium is “Where the City meets the Sea!” This is the only aquarium in New York, and offers over 8,000 species of fish. “Aqua Theatre” and “Alien Stingers” offer different educational activities which children can learn about sea lions and jelly fish. Children will discover sea life at this science based aquarium.
