There’s nothing better than going to a sleepover when you’re a kid. To roll up a sleeping bag, pack for an overnight stay and hike it up to a friend’s house for a night of movies, gossip and prank phone calls is the ultimate night for any child. But such nocturnal adventures are about to experience a transformation. Enter: your very own night at the museum. What’s cooler than an after-hours outing to one of NYC’s hot spots for education and culture? And it’s not just museums; plenty of zoos and family centers offer pajama parties. So pack up your sleeping bags–don’t forget your toothbrush!–and get ready for a slumber party that will have you up all night.
American Museum of Natural History
Spend a night at the museum, literally. The American Museum of Natural History is the setting for the “Night At The Museum” movie! As the museum closes it doors and the sun goes down, children (ages 6-13) and parents head out exploring with a flashlight in hand. Venture into the Hall of North American Mammals where a herd of wild buffalo awaits. Then go back in time in the Age of Dinosaurs, home to a 65-million-year-old T. Rex, as featured in the movie. Before you settle in for the night, enjoy an awe-inspiring screening of Flying Monsters. The next AMNH sleepovers are scheduled for Tuesday, August 11 (members only) and Saturday, September 29. $129 per person. Call 212-769-5200 for more information.
The Intrepid
Commence Operation Slumber. An overnight tour at The Intrepid Museum will take families (ideal for children ages 8-12) to the Hangar Deck, the Flight Deck (flashlight only) and a scavenger hunt for treasure. Cap off the night with a family-friendly movie, gather and listen to some tales of the Intrepid, or hop aboard their 4-D motion ride, XD Theater. The next operation slumbers are scheduled for Saturday, August 4 and Saturday, October 6. Cost is $120 per person. Call 646-381-5010 to reserve your space.
NY Hall of Science
The phrase “science adventure” might not grab the ear of every little one, but imagine jumping and climbing and hunting for clues, all in the name of science. Camping out at the NY Hall of Science includes a scavenger hunt, 3-D pajama party, and an exploration of over 450 hands-on science exhibits. To book your sleepover, call 718-699-0005 ext.361. $69 per person.
Project Playdate
Project Playdate is not your average babysitting service. Your youngster (2-6 years old) will enjoy a night of pizza, dancing, and sing-a-long sessions from 6:30-9:30pm. When the kids are under the safe supervision of CPR-trained babysitters, it’s easier for the parents to really relax. Plus, they’ll feel great knowing that their money is going to a good cause: proceeds go to Powerhouse NYC, a housing facility for homeless mothers and children. The pajama parties have been taking place in Kidville’s Union Square and Park Slope locations and at Playgarden in Tribeca. Starting in September, Kidville on the Upper West Side will also host Project Playdate on the fourth Friday of every month. $45 per child (plus $25 for each additional sibling), sign up here.
NY Kids Club
A disco dance party to kick off the weekend? Sounds ridiculously cool, and it happens every other Friday at NY Kids Club. An after-hours experience of the club is held from 6 to 8pm for children ages 2-1/2 to 8. All are invited to storytime, cooking class, relays, and of course gym exploration. All pajama parties end with a disco dance party and dinner is provided. Choose your nearest NY Kids Club and sign up for a pajama party.
Queens Zoo
Curious to know what happens overnight at the zoo? Do our furry friends take a note from the Doolittle movies and start discussing their day? Perhaps not, but an overnight adventure is possible at the Queens Zoo. From dusk till dawn, the zoo grounds become a camping site complete with tours under the stars. Adventurers will stop at the zoo’s kitchen to concoct some yummy treats for the zoo’s pumas and bears. Then it’s off for a night of animal-themed activities and special meet and greets. The next overnight adventure is scheduled for Saturday, September 15. Call 718-271-7361 for more information. $100 per person.
Richmond Town
With a theme of “Mystery, Murder, and Mischief,” the historic Richmond Town offers a sleepover like none other. Polly Bodine was tried for murder in 1834, but was she guilty? Participants gather around in the very same courtroom to listen to a dramatic retelling of her tale. Each will then play judge and render their own verdict. The night boasts candle-making (to illuminate the haunted path, of course), a scavenger hunt, and loads of munching on popcorn and pancakes, Indian Flappers to be exact, for breakfast. As a special token of the spooky night spent together, little ones (who survive!) are initiated into the “Society of the Secret Treasure” and sworn in as “Keepers of Treasure.” You won’t regret making the ride up to Staten Island! Sleepovers are recommended for ages 9-12. Call 718-351-1611 (ext. 281) for more information. $45 per person.
Ripley’s! Believe It Or Not
On select nights, the thrills and chills at Ripley’s keep going after-hours. Start off this extreme sleepover with dinner. As the daytime crowds start to fade, a new world opens up to inquisitive explorers. Up next, the lights are dimmed and participants are led on a flashlight lit scavenger hunt. Little ones will hunt for fossils, mummies, alligators, and everything in between (plus living artifacts!). Next, youngsters try their luck at setting a record in the new Ripley’s laser race. Finish up the night with a family-friendly movie. The next extreme sleepovers are scheduled for Saturday, October 27 and Saturday, December 8 (this one is Superhero themed). Cost is $115 per person. Call 212-398-3133 for more information.
BONUS TIP: During Friday and Saturday nights in the summer, the Parks Department hosts free family camping! Urban Park Rangers lead the evening with a cookout, stargazing and night hikes. Enter in the lottery for a chance to camp out under the NYC stars. Visit nycgovparks.org for more information.
