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American Museum of Natural History, New York

This natural-science museum, the world’s largest in both size and scope, bursts at the seams with massive dinosaur skeletons, cool rocks (including a 34-ton meteorite), life-size dioramas, and even a gigantic 94-foot model of a blue whale, all bound to leave your little one feeling positively wee in comparison. Family-friendly special exhibitions, hands-on stations in the Discovery Room, and superb cosmos-centric shows in the Hayden Planetarium are just some of the additional offerings guaranteed to fascinate young and old alike. www.amnh.org

The Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago

Rarely does a serious art establishment “get” kids to the extent the Art Institute of Chicago does. Its impressive “adult” collection of masters like Monet, O’Keeffe, and Warhol aside, the organization also caters to children’s artistic tendencies through its Kraft Education Center. This dedicated gallery-cum-workshop space holds art classes; a “Touch Gallery” that teaches form, scale, and texture (by letting kids feel sculptures with their hands); and organizes special interactive treasure hunts that make museum-going fun. Tip: The center’s Family Room makes a good rest stop for frazzled parents, too. www.artic.edu