This has been my favorite museum since going there...

This has been my favorite museum since going there in 3rd grade, while living in Levittown, NY. It was a field trip, and my first big bus ride! Coming into the main hall was something that got my attention, then, and now - Yes the T-Rex. Even in a bony state it was awesome and a bit scary. My most recent visit was this past summer, and it was changed from my penultimate visit, about 8 years previous. But it was still wonderful. Kids of that age 8-12, seem to be most taken with all of the wonder, variety and uniqueness of the different displays...well, it can be magical when working on those young, impressionable minds. It was probably why I ended up getting a degree in Geology, and specializing in paleontology.

I urge you to make this a visit when you come to the Big Apple to see the sights (sites!), and even if you don't have kids, stand next to some when viewing things, in case you'd feel strange as a lone adult looking at neat things around dozens of younger creatures. It doesn't bother me, just enjoy and socialize with the docents and others who seem amenable to interacting with you.