THE NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM Dinosaurs, dioramas, live animal exhibits (butterflies in the winter!), and a scrumptious and healthy food court make this museum one of the city's best places for kids
Where: Central Park West at 79th Street
When: Daily 10 a.m.–5:45 p.m.
Cost: Suggested donation: Adults $14 Children (2–12) $8 Students/seniors $10.50
Diana Ross Playground, Central Park, enter on NE corner of 81st St.
Shaded, with plenty of climbing equipment, the Diana Ross playground gives kids an opportunity to burn off excess energy before or after visiting the museum.
The Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre, Central Park, enter on NE corner of 81st Street and walk SE to 79th Street
This lovely little theater in Central Park offers puppet shows for younger kids; a nice pre-museum activity on weekends or summer weekdays. Reservations are required; the theatre can accommodate up to 100.
Hours: The box office is open Mon.–Fri. 9:30 a.m.–4 p.m.; show times vary.
Older kids with a penchant for the macabre, or a sincere interest in biology, can enhance their Natural History Museum experience with a visit to this shop, which offers an interesting array of small (and large) animal bones, insects, and more.
