The movie Night at the Museum and its sequel made it cool for kids to want to go to the museum. It inspired many children to learn about history, and museums across the country are capitalizing off of this. In Chicago, the Field Museum of Natural History has a sleepover program for families called Dozin’ with the Dinos. The program allows kids to explore the museum just like in the movies, and allows them to decide for themselves if the exhibits really do come alive at night.
The program is open to children between the ages of 6-12. The night starts at 5:45 with check-in, and orientation immediately following. At 8:00, the doors close and the fun begins. There are storytellers, followed by a snack. At 10:30 the lights go out in the museum, and everyone is set free in the museum for a flashlight-led tour of the museum. After the tour is over, there are bedtime stories, and then it is bed time. In the morning, a continental breakfast is served. Once the museum is open for general visitors, sleepover participants are welcomed to stay and enjoy the rest of the museum during daylight.
Of course, this is just the basic package. For an additional fee, families can sleep in the hall of dinosaurs. In addition, a behind-the-scenes tour with a scientist on the museum’s staff can be purchased. This year the Field has added a 3-D movie experience as part of the celebration, which will show a movie about dinosaurs.
There are rules in order to make sure that everyone enjoys their overnight experience. The museum requires at least one adult for every three children attending the event. All children are required to have an adult with them at all times. No outside food or drink is allowed into the museum. An evening snack and breakfast are provided, and there is access to the museum’s vending machines. Families are allowed to bring sleeping bags, cots, or air mattresses. However, tents are not allowed on the museum campus. Doors close at 8:00 pm, and no one is allowed in or out until 8:00 am the next morning.
The Field Museum has always been known for its outstanding exhibits, from their extensive displays of ancient Egypt and Native Americans to their exciting dinosaur exhibits. Dozin’ with the Dinos gives kids a unique opportunity to enjoy all of these subjects in a new way. Admission to the event starts at $51 dollars per person for groups of 15 or more and museum members, and $61 for smaller groups and non-members. Registering in advance is recommended as the program regularly sells out. More information including a downloadable packet with permission slips, parking passes and rules can be found at fieldmuseum.org.
