Museum of Science Overnight

Last Saturday, my family slept at the Museum of Science with my son's Scout pack. This was not my first museum overnight. During my 10 years as a grade 4 teacher, I organized 10 overnight trips for our fourth grade students (The last few years we brought 170 people). To say I loved those trips would be an understatement. When other adults were worrying about the late night, sharing public bathrooms, and sleeping among a bunch of strangers, I was anticipating the fun and learning to come. I'm like a kid on these trips. Besides, who wouldn't like the opportunity to sleep with a T-Rex, or near a wave tank, or in an indoor playground?

This most recent trip did not disappoint. Our overnight schedule included an evening program, a design/ engineering workshop, a lightening show, a late night snack, an Omni show about dolphins and a live animal show (scorpions, hedgehogs and boa constrictors, anyone?) We also got to experience the exhibits when the museum was closed.

I know this isn't exactly a "get out in nature" kind of experience like I normally encourage. During a long, cold, New England winter, however, it's a nice change of pace. There are also several exhibits that specifically relate to natural topics and there's a live animal exhibit.

If you live in New England, I encourage you to organize an overnight for your class, home-schooled students, or scouts. Sure, you'll wake up exhausted, but you'll also have a unique, fun learning experience with your kids!

Have you ever experienced an overnight like this?