American Museum of Natural History

What child isn’t fascinated by dinosaurs? This is the perfect place to see them—but they’re only part of the collection here, which holds 36 million pieces. Founded in 1869 this is the world’s greatest natural science museum, and its wide-ranging offerings feature everything from microscopic organisms to the world’s largest cut gem, the Brazilian Princess Topaz (21,005 carats). Central Park West (between 77th and 81 sts.). The museum is also home the Rose Center for Earth and Space, a planetarium that features several family-appropriate shows.

Details: 212-769-5100. http://www.amnh.org/. Admission $12 adults, $9 seniors and students, $7 children 2-12. Daily 10am-5:45pm (Rose Center open Fri to 8:45pm).

Bronx Zoo Wildlife Conservation Park

Simply known as the Bronx Zoo, this is the largest urban animal park in the country, with more than 4,000 animals living on 265 acres. If you’re here between May and October and have young children in tow, head straight to the Children’s Zoo. This interactive area is filled with young animals, and it lets kids appreciate them up close via a petting zoo and by re-creating nests and webs that humans can crawl into. Year-round, the zoo’s highlights include Tiger Mountain (three acres where Siberian tigers roam), the Himalayan Highlands (watch snow leopards at play), and the Monkey House.

Details: Fordham Rd. and Bronx River Pkwy. 718-652-8400. http://www.bronxzoo.com/. Admission $8 adults, $6 seniors, $6 children 2-12. Daily 10am-4:30pm (extended hours for holidays and in summer).

Brooklyn Museum of Art

One of the best museums in the city is located in the borough of Brooklyn. It’s world-famous for its Ancient Egyptian collection , but the galleries also have a notable Asian art collection, and the new Luce Center for American Art is housed on its upper floors. There is plenty of special programming and events for kids. And when you step outside, you’re on the grounds of Prospect Park, which has its own petting zoo.

Details: 200 Eastern Pkwy. 718-638-5000. http://www.brooklynmuseum.org/. Admission $8 adults, $4 seniors and students, free for children under 12. Wed-Fri 10am-5pm, Sat-Sun 11am-5:45pm.

Donnell Library Center

Imagine meeting the real Winnie-the-Pooh. That’s what kids can do at this special branch of New York’s public library. A. A. Milne’s son, Christopher Robin, had an impressive menagerie of animal friends, and this well-loved bunch—including Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, Eeyore, and Kanga—inspired the renowned books (they emigrated from England in 1947 and their permanent home is now the Donnell Center). The library’s collection also displays bunny figurines (a gift from Beatrix Potter) and other memorabilia from classic children’s literature.

Details: 20 West 53rd St. 212-621-0636. Free admission. Mon, Wed, Fri noon-6pm, Tues 10-6pm, Thurs noon-8pm, Sat noon-5pm, Sun 1-5pm. http://www.nypl.org/.

F.A.O. Schwarz

The legendary toy store is back after being closed for almost a year. It’s a New York institution, and—more importantly—a mix of Neverland and Narnia for children. It’s not uncommon to see parents camped out during the holiday season to get the latest toy wonder here. After all, the massive collection includes action heroes, dolls, magic kits, science sets, arts and crafts, trains, building models, and even kid-sized cars and other vehicles. The only downside is that you may have to fend off pleas to cart it all home.

Details: 767 Fifth Ave. 212-644-9400. http://www.fao.com/.