I consider myself to be very fortunate. I’ve had the opportunity to experience a lot of cool and interesting activities, often on behalf of Lady And The Blog. Although, it’s not too often that I stumble upon something that is not only a “once in a lifetime” experience for the kids, but for me as well.
I recently took my stepdaughter and her friend to the American Museum of Natural History for one of the best-kept secrets in New York City for families: A Night At The Museum Sleepover. It was honestly one of the most incredible and memorable events of my life.
The entire evening, my stepdaughter Maddy kept turning to her friend Marianne and said “Can you believe it? We are SLEEPING OVER at the Museum of Natural History?!” as though she could barely believe it herself. This is the same kid that I have jaded with celebrity encounters (Ariana Grande, Jennette McCurdy), Fashion Week, jet-skiing for Father’s Day, and even taking her to sketch and design a custom gown for herself.
Just when I thought I was all out of “coolest day ever” ideas that even Maddy, a gracious and kind-hearted young person, was beginning to take for granted, this sleepover swooped in and reinstated the appreciation and “wow” factor I’d thought we lost.
With four floors of the museum to discover, we were not at a loss with what to do. Above everything else, our favorite activity was the fossil hunt by flashlight. The three of us walked amidst the dinosaurs in the dark, discovering them and our inner paleontologists by flashlight.
Other fun activities included an IMAX movie showing, live animal exhibition, sing-a-longs, bedtime stories, and various crafts including origami and 3D printing. We were set up to sleep on cots at the Millstein Hall of Ocean Life (the room with the giant whale hanging from the ceiling), which was just thrilling to no end.
The organization of this sleepover was so seamless and expertly staffed, I still can’t get over that I didn’t learn of this sooner.
(Photo Above © AMNH/D)
A Night At The Museum Sleepover is held a couple of times per month (you can check the schedule here), and is open to 6-13-year-olds, who must be accompanied by one chaperone of at least 21 years old per every 3 children.
The price tag on this one can feel steep at $145 ($135 for members), but the experience feels priceless by the end. This is just one of those things where I feel like I’ll be 80 years old and recalling stories of the night I slept at the American Museum of Natural History.
The sleepover is held on scheduled dates from 6pm to 9am and includes a light snack in the evening (even coffee for us grown-ups, thankfully), as well a continental breakfast in the morning. Upon arrival, the kids are supplied with their very own sleepover knapsack filled with goodies to embark upon this adventure.
Participants also have the opportunity to purchase an official Night At The Museum Sleepover tee-shirt for $15, which is sold exclusively to sleepover attendees and is not available anywhere else, at any other time.
The Halloween-themed sleepover is also just right around the corner, held on October 25th, and I can only imagine the highlights the museum has in store for that one!
(Photo Above © AMNH/D)
Check out the American Museum of Natural History’s website to get a comprehensive packing list, sample schedule, and FAQs about this extraordinary event. You will not regret it!