The Vanderbilt is a museum dedicated to the education and enjoyment of the residents of Long Island and beyond. Exhibitions and themes studied include Long Island's Gold Coast Era and tribute to William K. Vanderbilt II's desire that his marine, natural history and ethnographic collections promote appreciation and understanding of the diversity of life, other cultures and scientific knowledge.
The Mid-Hudson Children's Museum is a great option for those traveling around Poughkeepsie with young children ages 0-6. The exhibits focus on a variety of themes, including science, nature, literacy, and music. This museum provides children and their families the opportunity to play, learn, and have fun while enjoying the view from the banks of the Hudson River.
Best and Worst Times to Go to the Mid-Hudson Children's Museum
The weekends are the worst time to visit as the museum is very busy. Morning to mid-afternoon is the best time to visit during the week as school is still in session and attendance is lower.
Must See/Do at the Mid-Hudson Children's Museum
The museum is home to a variety of educational and interactive exhibits. A featured exhibit is the Hyde Park Mastodon. It is an accurate replica of the mastodon skeleton that was unearthed several miles away in the town of Hyde Park. Children are able to view the skeleton from all angles and can learn all about these pre-historic creatures.
Admission to the Mid-Hudson Children's Museum
Both children and adult admission tickets are $8.00. Museum members always get in for free. Children under the age of 1 years old also are permitted free admission. The Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Parking and Public Transportation to the Mid-Hudson Children's Museum
Paid admission to the museum grants visitors free parking. The main parking lot is located right next to the museum. Visitors must have their parking ticket validated at the main desk in order to have their parking fee waived. The museum is located within walking distance of the Poughkeepsie Train Station and Metro-North.
Food at the Mid-Hudson Children's Museum
The museum itself does not provide any food to purchase. Visitors are encouraged to bring meals and/or snacks to enjoy out on the picnic tables by the river bank or in the snack room inside. There are also a number of restaurants nearby including the River Station , Amici's, and the Ice House.
Insider Tip for Visitors to the Mid-Hudson Children's Museum
The museum holds Free Family Nights on the third Saturday of every month. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. there is no admission charge and visitors experience the same as they would with a paid admission.
Author's bio: Krista Miller, a 26-year Poughkeepsie area resident, is excited to bring her knowledge of the area to all those interested. She is a board member at a small, local museum and enjoys learning as much as she can about the history of the Hudson Valley.
Visitors with an interest in science and history will find much to learn at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. Exhibits range from fossils found in the ground to the stars and planets up in the sky. Human evolution and culture are also explored in exhibits at the museum.
Best and worst time to go to the American Museum of Natural History
The museum is extremely popular, so you're likely to find a crowd any time you visit. Try to arrive when it opens to beat the crowds.
Must see/do at the American Museum of Natural History
Several rooms filled with dinosaur bones are unmissable, with exhibits explaining the linkage between dinosaurs and birds. The Hall of Human Evolution displays our ancestors, including famous Lucy. Many people don't realize the museum includes a planetarium, and the sky shows there explain the origins of the universe.
Admission to the American Museum of Natural History
The museum's posted admission rates are around $20 for adults, with lower rates for students and seniors. If you buy tickets in advance, you'll pay that rate, but if you pay when you arrive, admission is "pay any amount." There are separate charges for special exhibits and 3-D movies.
Parking and public transportation to the American Museum of Natural History
There's a subway entrance right inside the museum; it's easily reached by bus as well. The museum has a parking garage, but you may be able to find free parking on nearby streets.
Food at the American Museum of Natural History
The museum has a food court and several smaller cafés throughout. You can also step outside the museum to purchase food from the food trucks lining the street outside.
Insider tip for visitors at the American Museum of Natural History
You'll get around the museum much faster taking the stairs rather than waiting for the elevator.
Author's Bio: Elissa Gilbert is a native New Yorker. She blogs about her travels outside of the city at http://elissaexplores.com.