Each year, more than 40 million people visit New York City, according to NYC & Company. During January, the average temperature in the city is only around 26 degrees Fahrenheit, and in July, the city receives an average of 3.7 inches of rain. Since cold or rainy weather is possible during any New York City vacation, families visiting the area benefit from incorporating a few indoor activities for kids on their list of things to see or do.
The American Museum of Natural History is located on Central Park West at 79th Street in New York City. The attraction opened in 1869. As of November 2010, the museum held "Zagat" ratings of "extraordinary to perfection" for its appeal and "very good to excellent" for its facilities and service.
The museum has 45 exhibition halls and serves as home to nearly 32 million artifacts. Kids can enjoy the exhibits on prehistoric dinosaurs and other creatures. The museum also features exhibits on the history of the New York State environment and biomes of the world like the oceans and North American forests. Children cans also learn about the life of President Theodore Roosevelt, who was a New York native, in a hall dedicated to him.
The American Museum of Natural History is open daily with the exception of Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. The suggested general admission donation cost was $16 as of November 2010. The museum has its own pay parking garage, the entrance of which is at 81st Street. A subway stop is just outside of the building.
The Brooklyn's Children's Museum is on Brooklyn Avenue near St. Marks Avenue in the Crown Heights section of New York City's borough of Brooklyn. Established in 1899, the museum was the first museum ever created in the United States especially for children.
The museum has more than 30,000 objects in its collections and offers hands-on interactive displays. In the Neighborhood of Nature area, kids can engage in water play to learn about the kinds of animals that live in river and streams. The Totally Tots area is specifically for children under 18 months of age and features age-appropriate and safe toys for climbing and exploring.
The Brooklyn's Children's Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday. General admission was $7.50 as of November 2010. The nearest parking is along the street. Spaces are typically available during museum hours. The nearest subway stops to the museum are the Kingston and Nostrand Avenue stations.
The Art Farm in the City is on East 91st Avenue between First and York Avenues in the Upper East Side of Manhattan. With its collection of animals like rabbits and chinchillas, the facility is the only indoor petting zoo in New York City.
The Art Farm in the City has free play times available each week. Children can interact with the animals, play in the indoor playground area and participate in activities like arts and crafts. The facility also offers playgroups for toddlers and music, art and cooking classes for children up to 12 years of age. During the summer, the center also hosts a summer camp.
The schedule of activities at The Art Farm in the City can vary throughout the year. The cost to participate differs from activity to activity. Pay parking lots are within walking distance of the center. The nearest subway stations are at Fourth, Fifth, Sixth at 86th Streets.
