Sydney Ramsden

Most kids know spiders as the creepy-crawly creatures that show up on their walls or countertops, causing great alarm. But thanks to the American Museum of Natural History's new museum exhibit, "Spiders Alive!," even the most squirmish tots can face their fears and get to know one of the most essential and abundant predators on earth. Curated by AMNH's resident spider expert and real-life Spider-Man Norman Platnick, Ph.D., "Spiders Alive!" lets kids and parents come face-to-face with more than 20 species of real, live spiders, exploring their anatomy, behavior and importance to the world's ecosystems, as well as the conservation methods used by researchers to protect them. Here are five cool things to do at the new museum exhibit that would make even Peter Parker jealous.Explore biodiversityAmong its many missions, "Spiders Alive!" aims to teach children not to fear spiders by showing them just how crucial these creatures are to insect populations around the globe. If spiders didn't feed on insects like wasps, for example, the insect population would be out of control. Check out the tarantula wall when you walk in and look for the ivory ornamental tarantula, the metallica tarantula and the Indian ornamental tarantula. Kids will love comparing and contrasting the three species, looking for similarities and differences between them. Then roam the exhibit to track down other imposing spiders, including the black widow, alongside vials of real black-widow antivenom, and the golia