10 Most Famous Things For Visitors to See and Do in New York

4. American Museum of Natural History

Since opening to the public in 1869, the American Museum of Natural History has evolved and grown. In addition to the Rose Center planetarium and permanent exhibits, the museum hosts a revolving series of temporary exhibits, so there is always something new to see. The museum welcomes roughly 5 million visitors annually!

This museum is an amazing place for visitors of all ages — everyone from toddlers to grandparents is sure to find something that is engaging and exciting to learn more about.

When we visit as a family, we let each person in our group pick one exhibit they really want to see and that easily fills our day. Their app is super helpful for navigating the sometimes confusing layout.

It’s easy to spend an entire day here — in addition to exploring the many permanent and temporary exhibits, there are planetarium and IMAX shows to enjoy, guided tours and families will love visiting the Discovery Center that is full of hands-on activities for children. The food court and several cafes offer visitors a variety of different dining options, and a chance to refuel during an extended visit. Don’t miss our Tips for Visiting AMNH to make the most of your visit.

Alternative Idea: Also on the Upper West Side, the New-York Historical Society is New York City’s oldest museum and offers visitors wonderful exhibits as well as its own children’s museum, the Dimenna Children’s History Museum.