This year solar eclipse on April 8 was an extra special phenomenon, in part because it included New York City area, but mostly because I was able to experience it with my teen son at the American Museum of Natural History.

Note: While I paid for tickets into AMNH for this event, I sometimes work with the museum to highlight special programs. However any personal views expressed are always 100% my own.

The AMNH hosted a Solar Eclipse Day, which included getting a pair eclipse glasses, along with family-friendly educational activities.

While we missed the activities, we did get our eclipse glasses and joined other families on the Arthur Ross Terrace.


Being on Arthur Ross Terrace gave us a clear amazing view as we watched the moon eclipse the sun. Even at 90 percent coverage, it was truly one of those rare life experiences.

Made more rare when I heard my teen said this was "cool" and later that he enjoyed sharing that moment with me. A truly phenomenal day.

Hopefully my son can see the next total solar eclipse in 2044, when he's 35 y/o with his teen child!

While Solar Eclipse Day is over, the still has lots of Spring and Summer events families can enjoy, including upcoming EarthFest Celebration.

EarthFest Celebration

To commemorate Earth Month, the American Museum of Natural History's "EarthFest Celebration" will happen on Saturday, April 27 with a full day of family-friendly activities and performances celebrating our planet.

Free with Museum admission, EarthFest will include hands-on science and art activities, engagements with Museum scientists, and a “bioblitz,” where participants will join scientists in Central Park to discover the amazing variety of local insects.

EarthFest Schedule and Activities

Milstein Family Hall of Ocean Life

10 am–4 pm

In Search of Earth’s Secrets

The International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) is an international marine research collaboration that explores Earth's history and dynamics. Learn about the real science that happens on the IODP ship through the pop-up science experiment “In Search of Earth’s Secrets.”

Our Earth’s Ecosystems

The Museum’s Science Visualization Group in collaboration with teams from Columbia University’s LEAP and Brown Institute have produced a smartphone-based augmented reality experience that will enable visitors in the Hall of Ocean Life to learn about the vital role that ocean ecosystems play in Earth’s climate system.

In addition to bringing some of the hall’s most beloved dioramas to life, the experience will demonstrate how animals help plants grow faster, slow the release of greenhouse gases, and store carbon in their bodies.

Microscopic Marvels: Exploring NYC's Urban Ecosystem (noon–3 pm)

Meet our tiny neighbors! Use a variety of microscopes to get a sparkling introduction to plankton swimming in NYC’s ponds and winged critters that glide on the breezes of our urban habitats.

Become Part of Nature with InHerBeauty (10 am–3 pm)

At this marine-themed station, attendees can immerse themselves in hair, makeup, and nail art, drawing inspiration from the vibrant hues and intricate patterns found in oceanic species.

EarthFest Myth-Busting Workshops From Climate Exchange and the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science

Engage with dynamic activities focused on climate science communication and improvisational theater. Using techniques from improv, role-playing, and other theater games, participate in hands-on exercises designed to foster understanding and action on climate issues.

Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation

10 am–4 pm

Performance: Bees by Polyglot Theatre
10:30 am, noon, 2:15 pm, and 3:30 pm

Life-sized bees take over the Museum’s galleries, inviting children to explore their dynamic world through movement, sound, and play. This performance creates community through exploration and encourages young audiences to discover the fascinating life of these tiny insects.

Build Your Own Solar Car with Solar One

Curious about how solar power works? Join environmental STEM educator Solar One for a workshop to build your own solar car. Become a solar technician and install solar panels on your vehicle, which will move at different speeds depending on how the panel is positioned on the car.

City Nature Challenge: InsectBlitz

The City Nature Challenge invites participants to document urban biodiversity through citizen science, fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world thriving amidst bustling cityscapes. This year, EarthFest is joining Team NYC to showcase the richness of our local insect species, celebrating the biodiversity thriving just outside the Museum.

Visit the Solomon Family Insectarium to explore local biodiversity, learn how to use iNaturalist, and practice taking photos of live insects in tanks. Then sign up for a 4 pm InsectBlitz excursion into Central Park and compete with other cities for the most observations!

Ask An Expert

Visit “Ask an Expert” stations, where you can engage with knowledgeable scientists and educators to satisfy your curiosity about the wonders of the Earth. Whether you have burning questions about mammalogy, biology, or geology, our experts are here to provide insightful answers.

BEEcome Part of the Hive

Join the hive by crafting your own antenna, wings, or bee stripes in this hands-on art-making activity! Find this station under the Gilder Center staircase, near the Museum shop.

Screening for Solar Rays

In this activity, learn about the importance of sunscreen through interactive experiments, like using UV rays and special camera lenses to reveal the invisible protection it provides while you’re having fun in the Sun.

Learn more, visit - www.amnh.org/calendar/earthfest