Museum of Natural History for a 4 year old

I am thinking of taking my son on his 4th birthday. So you think he is too young? What kind of exhibits do they have there that are good for kids?

I couldn't find anything helpful on their website--all the recommneded things seem to be targeted towards older kids.

Anyone taken their kids there and has any tips?

Re: Museum of Natural History for a 4 year old

My kids loved it when they were that young.

Re: Museum of Natural History for a 4 year old

I took my nephew there when he was 4 or 5 and he loved it. He got bored sitting through whatever movie they were showing, but he loved all the displays.

Re: Museum of Natural History for a 4 year old

Sounds like the perfect age to go!

My DD is only 20 months and DH is already counting down the months until he can take her-- science geek

Re: Museum of Natural History for a 4 year old

I took Emma last week (almost 23 months) and while she wasn't old enough to understand a lot of it, she seemed to enjoy it. I think your DC will have fun

Re: Museum of Natural History for a 4 year old

we were there last week with my 13 month old, he liked it too, he had no clue but he liked looking!!!

ETA the hall of science in queeens is really good for all ages, its all hands on, batting cage teaches about science...

Message edited 2/23/2009 8:58:53 PM.

Re: Museum of Natural History for a 4 year old

We were just there this weekend. I have a 2 1/2 y/o and a 10 m/o. My toddler loved the butterfly conservatory. It was okay...a little small and cramped for the amount of $ the tickets are. She also loved the Africa plains exhibit and the ocean exhibit. She was also fascinated with the water table window. We didn't go into the planetarium because my kids are alittle young but it might be good for a 4 year old. We didn't see as much as I would have liked to but the museum was packed!

We also walked through Central Park a bit which was great.

Re: Museum of Natural History for a 4 year old

Posted by shamrock124

We were just there this weekend. I have a 2 1/2 y/o and a 10 m/o. My toddler loved the butterfly conservatory. It was okay...a little small and cramped for the amount of $ the tickets are. She also loved the Africa plains exhibit and the ocean exhibit. She was also fascinated with the water table window. We didn't go into the planetarium because my kids are alittle young but it might be good for a 4 year old. We didn't see as much as I would have liked to but the museum was packed!

We also walked through Central Park a bit which was great.

Re: Museum of Natural History for a 4 year old

Ahhh I love it there!!! I cant wait to take my DD and shes only 13 weeks. Im a science teacher though so Im sure I will bore the heck out of her.
I was reading stellaluna tonight and incorporated into my storyline that shes nocturnal...DH walked by and

Re: Museum of Natural History for a 4 year old

Why not go to the Children's museum of manhattan - its in the same area as the Natural History museum
Children's museum

Re: Museum of Natural History for a 4 year old

Posted by shellybean

Posted by shamrock124

We were just there this weekend. I have a 2 1/2 y/o and a 10 m/o. My toddler loved the butterfly conservatory. It was okay...a little small and cramped for the amount of $ the tickets are. She also loved the Africa plains exhibit and the ocean exhibit. She was also fascinated with the water table window. We didn't go into the planetarium because my kids are alittle young but it might be good for a 4 year old. We didn't see as much as I would have liked to but the museum was packed!

We also walked through Central Park a bit which was great.

we are members so we dont pay BUT...did u know you dont have to pay the reg. admission...its a suggested donation, you can pay whatveer you want...

Re: Museum of Natural History for a 4 year old

Posted by shellybean

Posted by shamrock124

We were just there this weekend. I have a 2 1/2 y/o and a 10 m/o. My toddler loved the butterfly conservatory. It was okay...a little small and cramped for the amount of $ the tickets are. She also loved the Africa plains exhibit and the ocean exhibit. She was also fascinated with the water table window. We didn't go into the planetarium because my kids are alittle young but it might be good for a 4 year old. We didn't see as much as I would have liked to but the museum was packed!

We also walked through Central Park a bit which was great.

we are members so we dont pay BUT...did u know you dont have to pay the reg. admission...its a suggested donation, you can pay whatveer you want...

Re: Museum of Natural History for a 4 year old

Thank you girls for all your replies.

I would love to go the children's museum with both my kiddies. It's definitely in our plans for immediate future.

Thanks for the tip on eh Queens planetarium. We actually live in Queens so I will definitely keep that place in mind.

Re: Museum of Natural History for a 4 year old

My 2 year old loved it! He loved looking at all the animals.

Re: Museum of Natural History for a 4 year old

I have been taking DD since she was a baby. Now that she is almost 3, she really loves it. We go with my neice, who is 3, and the two of them have a great time.

Some things are not age appropriate- like the climate change exhibit- but they love the dinosaurs, mammals, ocean life...

Re: Museum of Natural History for a 4 year old

We took DS when he was 8 months old (in December). He absolutely loved the Butterfly exhibit. He was trying to touch them left and right and was mesmerized by them. I guess it was because the exhibit was hands-on. Aside from that, he had no clue what the rest of the museum was about. I think a 4 year old would enjoy it.

Re: Museum of Natural History for a 4 year old

we took ds at 3 when he started his dinosaur obsession. we have gone several times since and he loves it each time we go.

Re: Museum of Natural History for a 4 year old

I've taken DD (2yo) to the Met and AMNH since she was a baby too. She loves them. It's not the same type of trip if you were to go there with adults, but it is interesting and visually stimulating to young kids. I never pay full admission because I figure we aren't there the whole day and we won't see everything in one trip.

I was actually disappointed with the Children's Museum. The third floor (Playworks) was the most fun for DD but it doesn't not warrant another $20 in admission for us to go again. I'd suggest the Hall of Science over the Children's Museum, especially for a 4yo.


ETA: NY Hall of Science

Message edited 2/24/2009 10:14:50 AM.

Re: Museum of Natural History for a 4 year old

Thank you for all the wonderful tips, ladies!!

I am so excited to take him!!

Re: Museum of Natural History for a 4 year old

If you are going to be over by the hall of science in Queens and it is a nice day - the Queens zoo is right there as well you can walk right there and do both. Sorry I don't know the cost b.c we are bronx zoo members and so we get into the queens zoo for free.

Re: Museum of Natural History for a 4 year old