Philly Museums Offering Sleepover Nights in 2016 — For Kids and Adults

A trio of chances to spend the night in a local museum — including one with mimosas!

Sleeping bags in Dino Hall | Photo courtesy of Academy of Natural Sciences

Sleeping bags in Dino Hall | Photo courtesy of Academy of Natural Sciences

When’s the last time you had a sleepover with friends? How about in a museum underneath a formidable dino or Egyptian sphinx? That’s the kind of idea that the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University’s museums have in mind. Starting in January, the Penn Museum‘s kid-friendly sleepover series returns through the summer, as well as a few dates for a youth-oriented scavenger hunt and sleepover event at Drexel’s Academy of Natural Sciences. But don’t worry, adults: there’s also an opportunity for a no-kids allowed, grown-up-style sleepover for you to enjoy solo at the Academy. More details below so you can get a head’s up on your 2016 planning.

Penn Museum

40 Winks With the Sphinx

At the Penn Museum of Archeology and Anthropology, 40 Winks With the Sphinx lets kids aged six to 12, and their parents or chaperones, enjoy a nighttime expedition of the Museum. Explore the galleries with games, crafts, and a scavenger hunt by flashlight. After everyone’s tired out, visitors can curl up next to the large granite sphinx for a snooze. The next morning, there will be a light breakfast and a chance to roam the exhibits once again. Kids will also get a souvenir patch that lets them visit the Museum anytime for the rest of the school year. Payments should be made four weeks before the sleepover night, so plan accordingly. (Psst: would be great for a birthday party.) Through June 3rd, $45-$55, Penn Museum of Archeology and Anthropology. 

Academy of Natural Sciences

Safari Overnights

Kids can feel like real scientists in this hands-on sleepover as they dig for dinosaur bones, check out animal dioramas, and flying butterflies. After a scavenger hunt and exploring the museum, the fun continues with snacks and a live animal show. Pick your favorite animal to sleep next to — lions, tigers or dinosaurs — to get some shut-eye for breakfast and more exploring in the morning. And yes, there are VIP (Very Important Paleontologist) tickets, as well. Through April 16th, 6:30 pm, $50-$80, Academy of Natural Sciences. 

Photo courtesy of Academy of Natural Sciences

Photo courtesy of Academy of Natural Sciences

Overnight for Adults

Leave the sweeties at home and let your inner child take part in this adults-only overnighter. See real skeletons, live animals and solve mysteries Scooby-Doo-style. And don’t worry about bringing leftovers: You’ll get a warm dinner and breakfast, as well as mimosas and two free drinks. Explore the myths of mermaids and monsters like Cyclops, and catch a sci-fi flick at midnight. And of course, after you catch your Z’s in Dinosaur Hall, museum admission is free for the next day. Saturday, April 9th, 6:30 pm, $165-$190, Academy of Natural Sciences.

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