Looking Back at My Childhood in New York: How the American Museum of Natural History Became an Unforgettable Experience

Growing up in New Jersey meant New York City was right across the river, and it was a regular stop during my childhood and teen years. I went to college in the Empire State's biggest city, which allowed me to explore the city's extensive food, entertainment, and cultural scene. As a kid, I wasn't always into the latter—it was easy for me to get bored in many of the museums in the city—but there was one big exception: the American Museum of Natural History. Dedicated to the history of humanity, the animals we share the world with, and the animals that preceded us, it felt like a surprise awaited around every corner of this massive, storied building. I've never stopped loving this museum, and a recent return visit convinced me that it wasn't just rose-colored childhood glasses; this really is the best museum in New York.

The magic begins as soon as you enter the museum through the main entrance and witness the massive dinosaurs in the main atrium. You'll see a barosaurus and an allosaurus in pitched battle, and it's one of the museum's most impressive displays. It's also where you'll buy your tickets, and the seasonal butterfly garden experience is to the right of the entrance.

Naturally, most people make a beeline for the fourth floor's stunning fossil hall, and the dinosaurs live up to the hype. It's the world's largest collection of dinosaur fossils, but don't miss out on the other fossil halls, which feature a vast selection of prehistoric mammals and primordial sea creatures. I always make a point to get a picture of the megalodon jaws!

But there is so much more to the American Museum of Natural History, and it often gets overshadowed by the fossils. Growing up, I always loved to explore the dioramas detailing ecosystems from North America, Africa, Asia, and more. These displays of taxidermied animals are often incredibly detailed. Look around the diorama, and you might see some small surprise guests around the corners.

Another unique spot is the Hall of Gems and Minerals, which contains thousands of samples of rare substances found within the earth. There's a simulated cave environment, a collection of glow-in-the-dark minerals, and one of the largest meteorites on display. I was also blown away by the artifacts within the Hall of Asian Peoples, which features a recreation of Hammurabi's Code, one of the oldest written codes of law in history.

However, if there's one area of the museum that always captures my imagination, it has to be the Milstein Family Hall of Ocean Life. This two-story hall, dedicated to dioramas of the ocean—including an impressive display of a giant squid in battle with a sperm whale—has what must be the most iconic sight in the museum: a life-sized model of a blue whale, the largest living being in the history of the planet. This sight was almost overwhelming for me as a kid, and it still is.

And that's honestly just scratching the surface. Between the planetarium, the interactive activities about the ecosystem, the IMAX movie theater, the sprawling museum shop, and the on-site restaurants, this is easily a full-day museum.

Have you explored the American Museum of Natural History? Do you think it's the best museum in New York? If you want to see for yourself, tell a friend about this article and plan your visit on the American Museum of Natural History website—that's where you'll see all the information about tickets and the current special exhibits. While you're in the area, Bloomingdale Playground is a great accessible playground perfect for kids who need to blow off some steam. And if you're looking for an affordable hotel in the vicinity of the museum, Arthouse Hotel New York City gets high marks for its unique design and on-site dining.