Do you remember as a kid wishing you could live out the stories of some of your favorite movies? I would have given anything to tour Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory, cycle over the moon with ET, or dance the hand jive at the prom with Danny Zuko (remember how cute John Travolta was back in the day?). Even as an adult, I still think it would be pretty awesome to meet some Oompa Loompas or hang with Harry Potter and the crew at Hogwarts.
Certainly, our kids have those same kinds of dreams, and they have a chance to make one come true. Thanks to a wonderful, unique event from the Smithsonian Associates, kids have the chance to spend the night at the museum. Yep, just like Ben Stiller did in the hit movie.
On Friday, July 9, kids ages 8-12 are invited to a night of adventure at the National Museum of Natural History as part of the Smithsonian Sleepovers program. The evening begins with a screening of “Galapagos 3-D” and continues with more fun and exciting activities—a scavenger hunt, art projects inspired by museum highlights, a late night tour of the major exhibits. So maybe the animals won’t come alive like they did in the movie, but how many kids can say they spent the night in the same place as dinosaurs, whales, and a giant squid?
All participants must register and pay for the event in advance. The cost is $115/person for resident members, $125/general admission. The price includes an evening snack, light breakfast, the IMAX screening, a scavenger hunt, arts and crafts activities, a guided tour, and exclusive access and activity in a Special Exhibit. All kids must be accompanied by a chaperon, and adults can chaperon up to three kids.
Register by calling the Smithsonian Associates at 202.633.3030 (M-F, 10am – 4pm). And for complete details, including rules and photos from previous sleepovers, visit the Smithsonian Sleepovers website.
