American Museum of Natural History Tours and Activities

American Museum of Natural History
American Museum of Natural History
American Museum of Natural History
American Museum of Natural History
American Museum of Natural History


See natural wonders from mammoth dinosaurs to delicate butterflies to outer space in this vast museum in the heart of Manhattan.

The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world’s largest natural history museums, with over 32 million specimens and artifacts. Bring your family to this New York City attraction for enthralling hours of wonder.

Look for your favourite exhibits from the film A Night at the Museum, plus much more. The museum offers a special self-guided tour of “characters” from the film as well as other tours featuring dinosaurs, earth and space, whales, Theodore Roosevelt and museum highlights. Join a guided tour in English, French or Spanish.

Forty halls offer varied attractions for all interests. Reconstructed dinosaur skeletons in the Fossil Halls are popular with kids of all ages. Gaze in awe at the remains of these giant beasts. View lifelike dioramas of birds, reptiles, mammals and amphibians. The Hall of Biodiversity provides visualization of life’s beauty and vulnerability.

Cultural halls feature information on the peoples of the world, while the Earth and Planetary Sciences halls deal with mysteries of the solar system. Explore the universe at the Rose Centre for Earth and Space, which includes the Hayden Planetarium and Hayden Big Bang Theatre.

Learn about “Conservation President” Theodore Roosevelt, who is honored in several exhibit areas. Visit the Butterfly Conservatory from September through May. Investigate the temporary exhibitions that always offer fascinating themes.

Plan to spend a full day at the museum if you want to see most of the exhibits. When you’re hungry, visit the food court or one of the three cafés. Before you leave, pick up a scientific or unique gift from one of the museum’s four gift shops.

Choose from several pricing options for general admission and special exhibitions. Check in advance online to plan your visit and purchase tickets. To avoid school or vacation crowds, arrive early in the day midweek in late winter or spring. The museum is open daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Find the American Museum of Natural History on the western side of Central Park. At the end of the day, stroll around the lake in the park and discuss the highlights of your day’s museum visit.

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Best Lodging Options Near American Museum of Natural History

Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel

Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel

4 out of 5
811 7th Ave, New York, NY
Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel
Empire Hotel

Empire Hotel

4 out of 5
44 W 63rd St, New York, NY
Empire Hotel
Arthouse Hotel New York City

Arthouse Hotel New York City

4 out of 5
2178 Broadway at W 77th St, New York, NY
Arthouse Hotel New York City
The Lucerne Hotel

The Lucerne Hotel

4 out of 5
201 W 79th St, New York, NY
The Lucerne Hotel
Hotel Beacon

Hotel Beacon

4 out of 5
2130 Broadway at 75th Street, New York, NY
Hotel Beacon
Hotel Belleclaire

Hotel Belleclaire

4 out of 5
2175 Broadway, New York, NY
Hotel Belleclaire
Night Hotel Broadway

Night Hotel Broadway

2.5 out of 5
215 W 94th St, New York, NY
Night Hotel Broadway
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham New York City Central Park

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham New York City Central Park

3 out of 5
31 W 71st St, New York, NY
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham New York City Central Park
The Wallace

The Wallace

4 out of 5
242 W 76th St, New York, NY
The Wallace
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near American Museum of Natural History

At the American Museum of Natural History in New York, visitors can immerse themselves in a variety of engaging activities. Explore fascinating museum exhibits, enjoy walking tours, and take part in nature walks to appreciate the natural world. Additionally, nearby attractions include theatres and art venues, making it easy to combine a day of cultural exploration with entertainment options, ensuring a memorable experience for tourists from Canada.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near the American Museum of Natural History, visit Tiffany & Co. just 1.6km away, or explore Macy's and Grand Central Market, both located 3.2km away, offering vibrant city vibes and various gifts and souvenirs.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant tunes at Carnegie Hall, 1.6km away, perfect for music enthusiasts. Enjoy rejuvenation at SoJo Spa Club, three miles distant, offering soothing body treatments. For adventure, glide across the ice at the Rink at Rockefeller Center, located two miles from the museum, combining sports and entertainment.

Adventure

Experience the thrills of DreamWorks Water Park, located 8.0km away, with its exciting rides and family-friendly atmosphere. For a taste of nature, visit the Sixth Street and Avenue B Community Garden, 6.4km away, where you can enjoy the outdoors. Don't miss ExtraVertical Climbing Center, only 1.3km away, for an exhilarating climbing adventure.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near the American Museum of Natural History. Catch a romantic film at the Broadway Theatre, just 1.6km away. For a cultural evening, visit the Beacon Theater, 644m away, or enjoy the captivating shows at the Hayden Planetarium right next door.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near American Museum of Natural History

While visiting the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, explore nearby urban parks and art museums for a cultural experience. The museum itself offers fascinating natural history exhibits, making it a great family-friendly attraction. Don't miss the chance to discover iconic New York City skyscrapers and delve into the rich history that surrounds this vibrant area, ensuring an enriching vacation experience for all types of travellers.

  • Times Square: Experience the vibrant energy of Times Square, renowned for its dazzling lights and bustling atmosphere. This modern square, located 3.2km from the American Museum of Natural History, is a hub of entertainment, shopping, and dining, making it a must-see for visitors looking to soak in the city vibes.
  • Central Park: Just 483m away, Central Park is an urban oasis perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Stroll through its picturesque paths, enjoy a picnic, or explore its various attractions amidst the lush greenery, providing a refreshing escape from the city.
  • Broadway: Immerse yourself in the world of theatre along Broadway, located 3.2km from the museum. This iconic street is famous for its spectacular shows and vibrant nightlife, offering an unforgettable experience filled with city charm and creativity.

Best time to go to American Museum of Natural History

The best time to visit American Museum of Natural History can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around American Museum of Natural History falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around American Museum of Natural History falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January31.6°F (-0.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February33.1°F (0.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March40.5°F (4.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
April51.1°F (10.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May61.3°F (16.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June70.2°F (21.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
July76.8°F (24.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August75.4°F (24.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September68.7°F (20.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October57.9°F (14.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
November46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
December37.9°F (3.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for American Museum of Natural History

To save money on your trip to the American Museum of Natural History, consider visiting between January and March for lower hotel rates. Book your accommodation about a month in advance, or check Expedia for last-minute deals. Sundays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia’s tools to filter for budget-friendly, eco-certified hotels, and consider combining your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Don’t forget to look for special offers and discounts to maximise your budget while enjoying this iconic museum.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around American Museum of Natural History are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to September to October and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around American Museum of Natural History is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around American Museum of Natural History is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around American Museum of Natural History is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To discover the best prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel stay near the American Museum of Natural History with your flights and activities by booking a package through Expedia.

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