Has your kid ever wondered what really happens at a museum after-hours? Take them to find out! Many of New York’s museums offer sleepover programs for kids, allowing them to explore collections into the night through fun activities like special tours, flashlight scavenger hunts, and pajama parties. Pack a sleeping bag, and settle in for an educational night of fun and learning.
American Museum of Natural History
$145 per person, Member special: $105 per person
6 pm-9am
Ages 6-13
This sleepover at the American Museum of Natural History is a must. As the night comes closer and the Museum doors close, the kids and their friends will head out with flashlights in search of exciting adventures. They can meet the friendly T.rex at the Age of Dinosaurs, and will also encounter live animals (bats, wolves, birds of prey) and learn about their habitats. When the adventure comes to an end, they’ll settle down beneath the iconic, 94 foot-long blue whale, or at the base of a volcanic formation.
Extreme Sleepovers at Ripley’s Believe It or Not!
2014 dates:
October 31st (Halloween theme)
December 6 (Holiday theme)
Ages 6-18
This extreme sleepover is one of its kind. Children will go on an adventure with Robert Ripley, one of the world’s most famous explorer, writer, radio and television personalities. The sleepover will start off with a flashlight scavenger hunt for fossils, mummies, alligators, meteorites, and even rare living artifacts. There will also be a laser race available, where kids will get to compete with other young explorers. The slumber party will end with a family friendly film at the Babe Ruth Theater along with tasty snacks. Call 212-398-3133 for more info, and to reserve your spot.
$69 per person
6:30pm – 9am
You don’t have to be a scientist to enjoy a sleepover at this museum. The New York Hall of Science sleepover includes plenty of fun-filled activities, such as the science scavenger hunt, 3D pajama party and NYSCI Behind the Scenes. In the science scavenger hunt, kids will journey through the museum to discover the secrets of science from learning about how ants communicate to the magic of optical illusions. At the 3D pajama party, the kids will become astronauts and explore the universe during a 3D movie, while enjoying milk and cookies. The activities aren’t restricted to the night–in the morning explore exhibits, as you’ll have the whole museum to yourself. (Open to community groups, scout councils, and service units–not available for individuals.)
Overnights at the Intrepid Sea, Air, & Space Museum
$120 per person
Ages 6-17 (but ideal for 8-12)
6pm-8am
If your child is excited by engineering and technology, this sleepover is for them. They’ll have a chance to see the world’s largest jets and guided missile submarines, as well as groundbreaking aircraft and vessels to explore. Kids will get a personal tour, and get up close and in-depth with Enterprise, the first space shuttle and one of only four in existence. Apart from this exciting tour, the best part of the sleepover is the scavenger hunt and its 4D motion ride in the XD Theater.
A Night of Mystery, Murder and Mischief at Historic Richmond Town
$45 per child
Grades 3-6
7pm-11:30am
Come out to Historic Richmond Town for a night of intrigue and excitement. Guests will experience the murder trial of the “Witch of Staten Island” during the 19th century. The sleepover will start off with trekking to the Guyon Lake Tysen House by candlelight. Once at the house, the kids will gather around the fire to create your own popcorn. After exploring the house, you and your other brave hearted friends will go to the Courthouse and learn about the most sensational murder trials in American history. After a night of rest, the kids will make their own cornmeal pancakes, and enjoy a scavenger hunt and other activities.
Knightwatch Medieval At St. John the Divine
$135.00 per person
Ages 6-12
6:30pm-12pm
Upcoming 2014-2015 dates:
May 29, June 5
Spend the night in the world’s largest Gothic cathedral! Sleepover guests will return to Medieval times as they learn period dances, participate in an interactive play and scavenger hunt, and make clay gargoyles. The young knights and princesses will even learn how to sword fight (with foam swords, of course!) and fall asleep to a story under the Nave.
