Museums offer sleepovers for families and Scouts
There's nothing like sleeping at someone else's place, especially when it is filled with warplanes, old bones, boat parts or fearsome fish. OK, we're talking about sleepovers at various museums across Long Island, so don't fear.
SLEEP UNDER THE PLANES
Cradle of Aviation: 1 Davis Ave., Garden City, 516-572-4066 (reservations), cradleofaviation.org
For ages: 5 and older
Hours: 7 p.m. Friday to 8 a.m. Saturday all year long
What you should bring: Comfortable clothing; toiletries; sleeping bag
Cost: $35 a person includes bedtime snack and light breakfast, but no film; $40-$45 a person includes either a classic or a Hollywood IMAX film.
At least 50 people must be signed up for a sleepover. You'll get a guided tour of the museum, take part in crafts, have a scavenger hunt and maybe even see an IMAX film. Bring comfortable clothing, toiletries and a sleeing bag.
SCOUT CAMP SLEEPOVER
Science Museum of Long Island, 1526 N. Plandome Rd., Manhasset, 516-627-9400, smli.org
For ages: Scouts in grades 1-6
Hours: 5:30 p.m. Friday to 9 a.m. Saturday
Cost: $375 for 15 Scouts, $25 each additional Scout up to 25, adults free
Scouts can either camp inside or bring tents and brave the outdoors at the 40-acre preserve with its beach, forests and pond. Bring dinner, breakfast and snacks, plus sleeping bags and games.
THE INSTITUTE OF WEIRD AND WACKY SCIENCE
Long Island Children's Museum, 11 Davis Ave., Garden City, 516-224-5800 (general info), 516-224-5840 (direct), licm.org
For ages: 6 to 12 for family overnight; grades 1-5 for Scout campers
Hours: 6:30 p.m. Jan. 23 to 8:45 a.m. Jan. 24 for family night; varies for Scouts
Cost: $45 a person for family overnight; $42 per Scout or adult; both include bedtime snack and breakfast the next morning, a souvenir and activities
Experiments will include gravity, optical illusions and even a chance to play doctor to a sick monster. Bring a sleeping bag, comfortable clothing, blankets, toiletries and a change of clothes.
"SLEEP WITH THE FISHES"
Atlantis Marine World, 431 E. Main St., Riverhead, 631-208-9200, ext. 246, atlantismarineworld.com
For ages: All ages, including adults, age-specific activities available
Hours: 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. the next day; there's also a Valentine's Day-themed sleepover (guess which animal secretly admires another) from 6 p.m. Feb. 12 to 7a.m. Feb. 13.
Cost: $60 a person, free 2 and younger; call for group sleepover
Giveaways, meals, private fish-feeding, a craft to take home, educational programs, unlimited rides on a virtual simulator (a submarine voyage under the ocean and through a ship wreck), live animal interaction and a movie. Bring a sleeping bag, air mattress, bedding and a pillow, plus comfy clothes. Also bring a flashlight, toiletries and a change of clothing for the morning.
WHALE OF A SLEEPOVER TALE
Cold Spring Harbor Whaling Museum, 301 Main St., 631-367-3418, ext. 17, cshwhalingmuseum.org
For ages: 6 and older
Hours: 6:30 p.m. to 7 a.m. the next day; no sleepovers Friday
Cost: $35 per Scout (15-Scout minimum); includes pizza dinner and breakfast
This Scouts-only sleepover includes activities, arts and crafts, water experiments and live animal demos. Bring a sleeping bag, pillow, toiletries and pajamas.
A NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM
American Museum of Natural History, Manhattan, 212-769-5200, amnh.org
For ages: 7 to 13
Hours: 5:45 p.m. Friday to 9 a.m. Saturday, or 5:45 p.m. Saturday to 9 a.m. Sunday
Cost: $129 per person, $99 for Scouts or chaperones
Bed down under the big blue whale, tour fossil hall and see live animal demonstrations. Includes IMAX movie.
