Hello everyone. Our last day in New York we thought we'd visit AMNH since we are staying on the UWS.and are curious to check out the new titanosaur. However we always enjoy science and history more when we have some additional info or explanations, so we are considering a tour. I believe the museum itself offers a highlights tour for the public. We have also looked at Museum Hack because it sounds like they might make it more fun for my teenagers. Anyone have any experience with either of these or other suggestions? It is such a huge complex that I'm not sure we'd get as much doing it ourselves. Thank you in advance for any input you might have.

Well you have to give up the idea of seeing the whole museum - it would take days. I would have a look at the departments to see which you are most interested in. Also note that there is a new exhibit on feathered dinos into birds.

Thanks NYTraveler. Ever taken the museum's highlights tour ? Obviously we'll only see a small portion of it. I just wonder if it's beneficial to take a tour rather than wander around lost half the time. Maybe it 's a great place to get lost for a couple of hours?

You don't need to wander around lost. Download a map or pick one up when you get there. Then you can pick the exhibits that interest you. Also, there are security guards everywhere who can direct you if lost.

Well it's hard for me to have your perspective since I have been coming here frequently since I was 5 years old - more than 50 years ago. In NYC it's the standard 2nd grade class trip.

Agree to check the web site to determine which departments you really want to see - I would pick no more than 4 or 5 or you will be exhausted. And don;t forget the exhibits/activities at the Planetarium if any of you are interested in space.

Thank you. I take it none of you believe the tour with Museum Hack would be worth it. I appreciate the advice and will definitely have a master plan before going.
Nytraveler- You seem to be experienced enough to be a guide yourself. Any interest in taking on an unruly family of 4? I'd never put such a likable helpful person through that.

Sorry - have just retired and am in the midst ot planing a trip to London and Paris with daughters.

I wouldn't cross off any tours - just go to the web site first to pick out what you want to see - so you make sure the tour cover those areas.

At this point although we only live about 5 minutes away we go mostly either when there is a new or seasonal exhibit or when they have speakers in the evening - many of those programs are fascinating.

What did you think of the new titanosaur exhibit? That is very high on our list of priorities.

I hope you have a wonderful trip with your daughters. We are looking forward to a Europe trip next year. Can't decide between Spain, London/ Paris or a return to Italy. I hope you write a trip report about your family's adventures. Perhaps that will nudge me in the right direction.

The planetarium is great to visit when your feet give out.