Nine Tips for Visiting the American Museum of Natural History in New York City

Founded in 1869 and open to the public in 1877, the American Museum of Natural History is one of the top attractions in New York City, welcoming  over five million visitors each year. 

Located on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, directly across the street from Central Park, the 2.5 million square foot complex includes 21 interconnecting buildings which are home to almost 50 permanent collections and several rotating collections, displaying some of the 32 million specimens in the museum’s collection. Exhibits feature collections of plants, minerals, meteorite, fossils, and artifacts from dozens of cultures. The museum is exceptionally family friendly and there are daily activities that children of all ages will enjoy.The American Museum of Natural History is a must visit when in New York City. 

Nine Tips for Visiting the AMNH:

1. Reserve tickets ahead of time: We found using CityPASS to be the easiest way to reserve tickets ahead of time, for a specific date and time. The New York City CityPASS includes several popular attractions, including the American Museum of Natural History, and allows guests a nine day window to visit all attractions.  All visitors to the museum must have a reservation ahead of time here. New York state residents also have the privilege of “pay what you wish” for admissions. Bonus: Guests may leave and return the same day, but must use the 81st Street or Central Park West entrances (and must go through another security check). More information on pricing and hours here. Note that some exhibitions require additional tickets- see that list here. 

2. Know which entrance is most convenient for you and plan for lines at the security check in and admissions. Visitors can enter the museum via three entrances: Central Park West and 79th Street (the main entrance that is most popular), 81st Street/Rose Center for Earth and Space, or Columbus Avenue at 79th Street/Gilder Center.  When we visited on a summer weekend in 2024, the lines for check in at Central Park West had started around 9:20am (for a 10am opening) and were several hundred people long by 10am. Columbus Avenue is a quieter line with far less people. Lines do move fairly quickly, but if you have limited time, plan accordingly. Lines tend to die out by lunchtime, and are much shorter on weekday afternoons.

3. Consider street parking versus garage parking if you’re driving to the museum. We got into the city early (before 8am) on a Saturday and there was plenty of free street parking around the museum- we parked directly in front of the Columbus Avenue entrance. A parking garage located at 56 West 81st Street is open from 6am on weekdays (8am on weekends) until 11pm- information on rates here and information on public transportation here. 

4. Plan which exhibits to explore ahead of time. The museum is home to five floors and over 40 permanent exhibits and several rotating exhibits- no visitor will be able to see it all in one day (or even a couple of days!) Download the museum’s Explorer app, which allows visitors to see interactive maps; turn by turn directions for exhibits, dining, and restrooms; info on show times; and additional information for each exhibit. 

5. Check the calendar for special shows and programs. Some programs, like the Big Bang Theater, are included in general admission, but some shows, like the Hayden Planetarium and Giant-Screen Theater, require additional ticket fees.

6. Take a free museum tour, led by docents. Tours, which usually last about 70-80 minutes, are typically offered each day and are limited to a set number of guests. Tour registration and gatherings are in the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial Hall on the 1st floor.    

7. Bring the stroller. The museum covers over two million square feet and little feet (ALL sized feet!) will surely get tired. Use the 81st Street/Rose Center entrance for the most accessibility with strollers. The museum is handicap accessible via elevators and strollers are allowed in most exhibits.  There are designated stroller “parking” areas in exhibits where strollers are not permitted. The museum’s Explorer app also has “stroller routes”. If children do want to run around and burn some energy, some exhibits with lots of open space include the Hall of Ocean Life and the Hall of Biodiversity.

8. Shop! The museum has shops through the exhibits, plus an online shop that encompasses all gifts and collections. Gift shops and kiosks include:
   1. The Museum Shop (1st and 2nd floor): The main shop with the widest variety of gifts, housewares, apparels, toys, and keepsakes.
   2. Gilder Gift Shop (1st floor): Gifts that honor the insectarium and vivarium.
   3. Invisible World Shop (3rd floor): Clothing, puzzles, and gifts related that celebrate conservation themes. 
   4. Dino Store (4th floor): Dinosaur themed gifts, apparel, and toys.
   5. Cosmic Shop (2nd floor): Lots of space related products, toys, games, and decor.
9. Other amenities include restrooms on every floor (almost all of them are handicap accessible) and lactation stations and nursing rooms on levels one and three, and the lower level. 

9. Eat inside the museum, which offers four dining options:
   1. Cafe on 4 (4th floor): Open for lunch and afternoon snacks, offering sandwiches, soups, salads, desserts, and beverages. 
   2. Restaurant at Gilder (2nd floor): Full service restaurant with views of the Griffin Exploration Atrium open for lunch. Reservations accepted. 
   3. Cafe on One (1st floor): Quick service with limited seating, offering “gourmet fare” like paninis, cheese plates, desserts, and beverages. 
   4. Food Court (Lower Level): Cafeteria style with plenty of options, including gluten free and allergy friendly options and plenty of open seating. Open from 10:30am-4:30pm. 

Note that visitors are not allowed to bring food or drink into the galleries. Keep snacks and drinks for children tucked underneath the stroller or in a bag. 

Bonus: Explore some of the other family friendly attractions on the Upper West Side. If you purchase a CityPASS for your visit to the AMNH, the ticket includes admission to other popular attractions including the Empire State Building, Top of the Rock Observation Deck, Intrepid Museum, the 9/11 Memorial and Museum, and the Guggenheim Museum. The New York Historical Society is across the street from the museum and has several kid friendly exhibits (and a whole floor dedicated to children). Check out our index of Manhattan posts here.

Disclosure: Our family was gifted a CityPASS to explore the museum. All opinions expressed are my own.