American Museum of Natural History

The American Museum of Natural History is an incredible museum. Just for the dinosaurs alone, you must come to this museum! Don't miss the iconic Theodore Roosevelt Rotunda room, several storeys high with fancy historical detail- this one has the most incredible Barosaurus replica (cast from real bones) reaching up so high you can't believe it! The dinosaurs are much larger than you ever imagined! The Hall of Ornithischian Dinosaurs has mounts of Tyrannosaurus Rex and Apatosaurus bones, with plaques showing how many of the bones were actually found in the earth (most of them) and how many were created to fill in the figure. 

The Hall of Gems is a joy, with the Star of India (a large whitish-blue sapphire), as well as necklaces and a tiara with gorgeous gemstones in them, and large rocks- smooth and beautiful. The Hall of Minerals has wonderful cross-sections of rocks and boulders showing the beautiful colors and designs found inside what look like very plain rocks! There is a slab of jade from Poland, a giant topaz crystal, and a huge rock of azurite-malachite ore.
There are meteorites in the Hall of the Universe and Hall of Meteorites, which features the Cape York Meteorite.Impressive is the Northwest Coast Indians Hall with the most incredible masks and costumes. The Hall of Human Origins is a fascinating place, showing how large are the brains of various animals, and with models, explaining human evolution. Don't miss the Hall of Ocean Life, decorated beautifully, where you will be filled with wonder at ocean life- this hall is huge and awe-inspiring.
Usually I don't like stuffed animals but the dioramas showing various settings in the forest and plains, and explaining ecosystems all around America are lovely. You even get ideas on places you'd like to visit from seeing these true-to-life exhibits!
Bring a snack and go out the side door by the Grand Gallery (Great Canoe) on the first floor and you will be in the most lovely area with flowers and views above you of the castle-like exterior of the museum. This feels like you're in Europe!
You could easily spend hours and hours in this museum. There are many shops and cafes inside the museum, as well as a planetarium, special exhibits, and an IMAX Theater!

Directions

American Museum of Natural History is located across the street from Central Park at 79th Street and Central Park West, call (212) 769-5100.
Open daily 10-5:45, except Thanksgiving (fourth Thurs in Nov) and Dec 25. 
Donation is $23 for adults, $18 for seniors and students, and $13 for children aged 2-12. You can pay less if you wish, at the counter only. Cost is about $5 extra for one and $10 extra for all, for the IMAX show, planetarium, or special exhibitions.

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