Natural History Museum invites families to sleepover

How would you like to spend a night at the museum? The Natural History Museum of Utah, that is. After all, who doesn't want to sleep next to dinosaur bones?

It's an indoor camping trip for kids ages 5-13 and their parents, who can spend Friday night through Saturday morning exploring the museum, checking out the galleries and interactive exhibits.

"What really sparked us to offer family sleepovers was the idea of providing opportunities for families to make memories together," said Lisa Thompson, public programs manager. "This is something you're going to talk about for years to come — the time you were able to sleep over at the museum."

The event, which begins Friday, Nov. 9 at 6:30 p.m. and continues through Saturday, Nov. 10 at 8:30 a.m., will include a number of hands-on science activities, such as making paper airplanes to sail off the balcony; learning how paleontologists work; getting up-close and personal with live insects; and getting a look at real dinosaur claws and making origami claws of your own.

"We know that kids are more engaged with science — more excited about science — when their parents are there supporting them," Thompson said. "So we really designed this as an opportunity for families to be learning together. Our hope is that this will foster kids' natural curiosity about science."

Spaces are still available for Friday's event. You can register at nhmu.utah.edu.

Scott D. Pierce —

Sleeping with dinosaur bones

When • Friday, Nov. 9, 6:30 p.m., to Saturday, Nov. 10, 8:30 a.m.

Where • Natural History Museum of Utah, 301 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City

Age • Children ages 5-13; each group of four children must be accompanied by at least one adult.

Cost • $50 per person; register at nhmu.utah.edu.

Upcoming • Additional family nights are scheduled for Jan. 25 and March 8; registration is open now.