In our April issue, we told you all about A Night at the Museum, an amazing program at the American Museum of Natural History (AMNH) where kids, and their caregivers, can stay over and experience the museum after-hours. The overnight program is $129 per person, ages 6 to 13, and runs from 6:00pm to 9:00am. Upcoming dates are April 12, May 17, June 22 and June 28. To learn more and register, call 212-769-5200.
The Intrepid hosts "Operation Slumber"
But the AMNH isn't the only place that hosts overnights for kids, here are four more places for a memorable sleepover in New York City:
- The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine (1047 Amsterdam Avenue) offers Nightwatch, a program with a medieval theme. These overnights are a journey back in time within the world's largest Gothic cathedral. Dancing, singing, a scavenger hunt and a festive meal are all included in the evening. Cost is $135 per person, and reservations are required. Ages 6-12, adult caregiver required. Runs from 6:30pm to 8:00am, with spring sleepover dates on May 3, May 24 and June 14. For more information call (212) 316-5819 or email nightwatch@stjohndivine.org.
- The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum hosts Operation Slumber on select spring dates, many of which are already sold-out, with the only remaining dates with availability being May 10 and August 3. Overnights are a great chance for young people to experience life aboard the ship, and the overnight includes meals, scavenger hunts, a ride on the XD Theater Cosmic Coaster, and a complimentary voucher for a return visit to the museum, good for sixty days. Cost is $122 per person, and reservations are required. Ideal for ages 8-12, but open to all ages 6 to 17. Adult chaperones required. Program runs from 6:00pm to 8:00am. To learn more call (646) 381-5010 or email groupsales@intrepidmuseum.org.
- Ripley's Believe It or Not (Times Square) provides a chance to experience an Extreme Sleepover, with dates on June 14, June 22, July 20, August 23, September 23, October 26, November 16 and December 7. The overnight experience includes dinner, a flashlight scavenger hunt, the chance to set a speed record in Ripley's Laser Race, and a movie. For ages 6 to 18; for more information and to reserve, call 212-398-3133.
- The Bronx Zoo has a Family Overnight Safari, which includes Late Night at the Bronx Zoo, in which participants meet a variety of amazing animal guests, and are treated to a few surprises, too. Visitors must bring their own tent and gear, including dinner. Drinks, dessert, a late-night snack and breakfast are provided by the zoo, as is their own special live sea lion alarm clock. Ages 5 and up; $175 per person. Evening begins at 4:30pm and ends at 10:00am. Upcoming dates are: May 11, June 8, September 7, and September 21, reservations required and can be made online.
Have you taken your kids on a unique overnight trip? Please share your experience in the comments below!