What to Know Before You Go
Before you book a museum, don't be shy about asking exactly what you get for your money—and request the details in writing. Basic party packages usually include admission, an activity, and the use of a private room for 10 to 12 children, and some venues will provide food and goodie bags for an extra fee. Ask if accompanying parents' admission is covered in the cost; if not, it's worth shelling out for, since you'll need a few adults to help wrangle the kids in the galleries. And remember, if you're already a member of the museum, chances are you're entitled to discounts or special privileges.
Atlanta
Fernbank Museum of Natural History
Featuring two of the world's largest dinosaur skeletons (a 47-foot-long gigantosaurus and a 123-foot-long argentinosaurus), the Giants of the Mesozoic exhibit will be all the entertainment kids need.
Party package: View an IMAX screening. A T-shirt and a goodie bag for the birthday child are also included. For ages 4 to 12. $442, for members only (Individual membership $50 a year); covers 10 children and four adults; (404) 929-6390.
Boston
New England Aquarium
Filled with seawater from Boston Harbor, the aquarium's 225,000-gallon tank re-creates the lush underwater world. In the "tide pool," kids can touch sea stars and view lobsters.
Party package: Children paint T-shirts with one of 15 sea-creature stamps, followed by an educational activity of choice. Cake, ice cream, and drinks are included. For ages 3 and up. $360, for members only (Family membership $90 a year); covers 10 children and 10 adults; (617) 973-5206.
Chicago
Field Museum
Upon arrival at this sprawling natural-history museum, kids will make a beeline to Sue; at 42 feet long, she's the world's largest T. rex fossil.
Party package: Pick one of 14 activities, from storytelling to an African-instrument-making session. For ages 4 to 13. $450 for members, $500 for nonmembers; covers 15 children and three adults; (312) 665-7300.
Dallas
Museum of Nature and Science
Highlights include the Physics Gallery, with more than 50 hands-on exhibits, and the Little Urban Farm, where kids can mind mini-crops.
Party package: Activities vary, depending on which of eight themes you choose. In the ImagiNature party, for instance, guests observe bugs in their habitats. For ages 3 to 12. $170 for members, $249 for nonmembers; covers 20 children and four adults; (214) 428-5555.
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Museum of Discovery & Science
Kids learn by doing at 200 interactive exhibits, where they can take a simulated mission to Mars, "fly" in a wind tunnel, or pet a live alligator.
Party package: Choose from six themes; the Animal Mania one lets kids meet live reptiles. Invitations, food, drinks, and a T-shirt for the birthday child are included. For ages 3 to 12. $304 for members, $400 for nonmembers; covers 16 children and eight adults; (954) 713-0930.
New York City
American Museum of Natural History
It's home to a spectacular collection of dinosaur fossils, as well as a live reptile show, Lizards & Snakes: Alive! (through January 2007).
Party package: A tour, plus activities such as a treasure hunt through the Hall of African Mammals. Invitations and tableware are included. For ages 4 to 10. $760, for Contributor-level members only (Contributor membership $195 a year); covers 10 children and unlimited adults; book through (212) 288-7112.
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