Washington - After the daytime visitors have left, many museums reopen their doors for the second shift of explorers: adventurous souls willing to spend the night among such unusual bedfellows as mummies, a giant squid (battling a sperm whale, no less) and snoring strangers.
Some programmes are family only; others reserve dates for adults. All include special activities, a snack or meal, and often free next-day admission. Guests will probably have to supply their own bedding, but no need to pack bug spray: Those creepy-crawlers are part of the attraction.
Here is a sampling of sleepovers at natural history and science museums. (Note: Zoos, aquariums and other types of institutions, such as the Battleship New Jersey and the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, also offer overnights.)
- The American Museum of Natural History in New York brings “A Night at the Museum” to life, with animal encounters (bats, wolves, birds of prey), a 3D film of the oceanic world, a fossil hunt and more. Best sleeping spot: under the 94-foot-long blue whale. Cost: $145 (about R1 700) per person. Info: 212-769-5250, amnh.org/plan-your-visit/amnh-sleepovers.
- The Carnegie Science Centre in Pittsburgh science-geeks out with its theme nights, such as Engineer the Future, Robotics and Sci-Fi. Cost: $39. Info: 412-237-1637, carnegiesciencecenter.org/programs/science-sleepovers.
- The Franklin Museum in Philadelphia keeps the Sandman at bay with its Camp-In science camp. Activities include a flight simulator, a humpback whale movie, stargazing on the roof and the new SportsZone exhibit. Cost: $48.50 on Friday nights, $54.50 on Saturdays. Info: 215-448-1200, fi.edu/camp-in.
- The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County throws specialty sleepovers such as Camp Dinosaur, Camp Mummies and Camp Butterfly. For a sticky slumber, try Camp Goo, held at La Brea Tar Pits. Cost: $75. Info: 213-763-3499. nhm.org/site/activities-programs/overnight-adventures.
- Chicago's Field Museum, home of Sue, the world's largest T. rex, offers Dozin' With the Dinos. The event includes a movie about the T. rexette, a flashlight tour of ancient Egypt and a meet-and-greet with backyard bugs. Cost: $65. Info: 312-665-7525, fieldmuseum.org/at-the-field/programs/dozin-dinos.
- At the Cincinnati Museum Centre, choose your fancy for the evening: superheros, Legos, dinos, wildlife and, for super-sleeper-achievers, STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). Cost: $30, or $45 for Lego night. Info: 513-287-7001, cincymuseum.org/programs/overnights.
Andrea Sachs, The Washington Post