Photo of the Museum of Natural History by J.M. LuijtWith exhibits ranging from prehistoric fossils to futuristic space shows, the American Museum of Natural History in New York is a “must-see” for curious minds and wild imaginations. It is located in the Upper West Side.You can spend hours, even days, inside the museum. And if you’re planning a visit to New York City this winter, two particular exhibits will make your trip especially memorable. Check out the state-of-the-art Polar Rink and mind-bending digitally animated music show, SonicVision.

For the first time in it’s 140-year history, museum-goers can enjoy outdoor skating! The Polar Rink, open through March 1st, is made from a recyclable synthetic surface and features a twinkling 17-foot model polar bear at its center. Glide around the eco-friendly rink and be awed by the amazing views of the Rose Center for Earth and Space. If you’re not much of a skating buff, you can simply watch the action from the museum’s glassed-in North Galleria, where winter treats are available for purchase.

While the main museum may close at 5:45 pm, the skating rink is open until 8:00 on weeknights and 10:00 on weekends. You’ll want to stick around too for the computer-generated musical and visual experience that is SonicVision.

The state-of-the-art show is presented in the Hayden Planetarium Space Theater every Friday and Saturday night at 7:30 and 8:30 pm (through the end of April). Watch as digital imagery morphs in synch with a soundtrack mixed by Moby, including tunes from Radiohead, U2, David Bowie, Coldplay, Queens of the Stone Age, Prodigy, and more. The show can be a little disorienting at first but you’ll quickly get lost in the wild visuals and find yourself staring, mouth agape, at the spectacle.

Studio accommodation in New York's Upper West Side (NY-14320)
Studio accommodation in New York's Upper West Side (NY-14320)
New York Habitat has dozens of great vacation rentals on the Upper West Side near the Museum of Natural History, including:

This cozy alcove studio Vacation Rental on the Upper West Side (NY-14320), located just steps from Central Park.

This charming 1-Bedroom Vacation Rental on the Upper West Side (NY-7917), located on the 3rd floor of a brownstone building walk-up. The apartment features a well-outfitted kitchen, southern exposure and hardwood floors.

This luxe 1 Bedroom Vacation Rental on the Upper West Side (NY-14209) is only a short bit away from Central Park.

Have you ever been to the Museum of Natural History? What’s your favorite exhibit? Please share your experience with us.