Anyone been to the Museum of Natural History lately?

I'm going next weekend with family and bringing DS whose almost 3yrs old and DD whose almost 1.

If you went recently, did you have a plan? Do certain exhibits have "showing times?" DS is currently obsessed with dinosaurs, so I know that'll be a hit with him, and also loves stars/planets (I think there's a planetarium).

I haven't been there since a little kid, so I don't really know what to expect. I'd like to have some sort of "plan" so that I don't end up with cranky kids while we try to figure out where to go next.

Any advice?

Anyone been to the Museum of Natural History lately?

I went about two or three years ago. There was the plantarium which had certain times...you can check out their website to see when it is. The dinosaur exhibit was pretty cool. You just walk through that so you arent limited on time there. I think they periodically swap out exhibits so I would check out their website to see what there is and make a game plan that way.

Message edited 1/30/2016 8:54:20 AM.

Anyone been to the Museum of Natural History lately?

Call and check with them, to make sure the Dino part is open. I know they were going to do up keep on that part and was going to be closed. I do know that the new Dino they just put in is able to be seen. Just not sure about the whole Dino area.

Re: Anyone been to the Museum of Natural History lately?

Start at the top and work your way down. The top is where the dinosaurs are anyway. Yes, there's a planetarium (Hayden Planetarium), but that might be a lot for 2 young kids to do in a single day if you plan on seeing all of the museum, too. Totally doable if you just do the dinosaurs and the planetarium. There are show times for the planetarium (that are fairly often) as well as exhibits to see. I think there are 2 separate tickets, if I remember correctly.

Anyone been to the Museum of Natural History lately?

We went over Christmas. The dinosaur was open. We always do some of the films. The Big Bang one (???) is free and it's nice to take a break from the crowds and just be quiet for a little bit.

Re: Anyone been to the Museum of Natural History lately?

we just went today with our two DDs (2 and 4). i would advise to get there at opening (10 am) and start at the dinosaurs on the 4th floor and then work your way down. this is what we did today and it was pretty doable. we also got to see the new titanosaur while it was still relatively empty.

have fun

Re: Anyone been to the Museum of Natural History lately?

We've been many times with our DSs. They are now 4.5 and 2. We went a few weeks ago. I definitely recommend being there as close to 10 as possible and going right up to the dinosaurs. The other big hit with my kids is the Hall of Ocean Life that includes the giant blue whale. We are usually done after those two things. We've never even seen anything on the second or third floor yet!

There's also a kids room called the Discovery Room. It's aimed at kids a little older, but it's fun if you have time. You do have to go get a timed ticket for it though, so that can be a pain to walk over there, get the ticket and then have to go back later.

Re: Anyone been to the Museum of Natural History lately?

Thanks for all the tips. Looks like we'll be starting at the top and working out way down!

Anyone been to the Museum of Natural History lately?

Dinos are on the 4th floor. There is a new dinosaur that was just installed two weeks ago called a Titanosaur. It's spectacular!! The planetarium show and other special exhibits all have timed tickets. The dinos do not. Have a great time!