Kids think sleepovers are all that, and there are some pretty creative places around the region where they can tuck in for the night. You’ll note that these places require adult chaperones, and if you think you’ll get much quality shut-eye, dream on.
Battleship Cove
This maritime museum in Fall River, home to the world’s largest collection of World War II naval vessels, has hosted Nautical Nights for kids since 1972 and is hosting upcoming family nautical nights on April 22 and May 28. Campers can “explore every nook, cranny and exhibit” of the entire Battleship Cove fleet; sleep in authentic bunks just like the sailors did; take tours of the fleet; talk to veterans, including a WWII vet; and eat dinner and breakfast in the Officer’s Wardroom. An adult/child ratio of one-to-five is required. The cost is $60 per night, Monday through Friday, and $65 per night Saturday and Sunday. Reservations are required. Call 508-678-1100 ext. 102. www.battleshipcove.org
New England Base Camp
Tucked in the Blue Hills Reservation in Milton, this outdoor adventure camp is a year-round facility where you can spend a night or two. The site is owned by the Boy Scouts Spirit of Adventure Council and is available for overnights on weekends and school holidays and vacations.
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There are several sleeping options: in a heated cabin, in a tent, or in an Adirondack (a three-sided shelter for up to eight people) with a fire pit and picnic table nearby. You can cook your own meals or take advantage of the full food service. And you can also swim in the indoor Olympic-size swimming pool here. www.campsayre.org
Franklin Park Zoo
Calling all night owls. The Franklin Park Zoo in Boston’s historic Franklin Park hosts Snorin’ Roarin’ overnights, “private sleepovers that can be scheduled with the education department,” according to a zoo spokesperson. Behind-the-scenes tours, games, storytelling, animal encounters, and zookeeper presentations are all included.
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The private sleepovers are available year-round on Friday or Saturday nights, from 7 p.m. to 9a.m. the following day; weekday overnights can also be arranged. What’s included: a light evening snack, continental breakfast, and campers receive free admission to the zoo (for the day of the overnight or the following day). Children must be 6 years or older and a required adult/child ratio of one-to-four is required. Cost: $45 per person for members, $55 per person for non-members. A minimum number of participants is 10 people and the minimum cost is $700. To book, call 617-989-3742; a six-to-eight-week notice is required. Note: In addition to private overnights, sleepovers are also scheduled throughout the year for member-only nights. www.zoonewengland.org
Plimoth Plantation
Make a pilgrimage to Plimoth Plantation in Plymouth and spend the night in a rustic, outdoor re-created Pilgrim home (houses up to 10 people). “In April, it still may be a little chilly overnight, so plan for some extra layers and sleeping bags,” says a plantation spokesperson.
Kids can dress up in costumes, make a hearth-cooked meal and play colonial games. Living History educators are on hand to assist. The cost: $1,200 for the overnight package for up to 10 people. To book, call 508-746-1622. www.plimoth.org
Maritime Aquarium
Tuck in at this aquarium in Norwalk, Conn., during a Family Sleepover on April 29. The BYOSB (bring your own sleeping bag) overnighter starts at 6 p.m. with dinner (chicken tenders, fries, penne pasta) followed by a behind-the-scenes tour and an IMAX film, crafts, and snacks. Lights out at 10 p.m. Campers sleep in sleeping bags throughout the Aquarium galleries. Don’t worry: Air mattresses are allowed for adults. The next morning, breakfast is served at 8 a.m., followed by a seal show, then departure at 9 a.m. Tickets are $75 adults and $55 children. Kids must be 5 or older, and accompanied by a parent or caregiver over 18 years old. Advance registration is required. Call 203-852-0700, ext. 2206 or visit www.maritimeaquarium.org.
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Stuffed Animal Staycation
Sometimes a teddy bear just needs a break. Thankfully, many libraries in the area host sleepovers for stuffed animals throughout the year. The way it works: Kids drop off their second favorite stuffed friend at the library, kiss them goodbye, and tell them they’ll pick them up in the morning. During their library stay, the stuffed animals listen to stories, eat cookies, play games, and then tuck in for the night.
The Brooks Free Library on Cape Cod in Harwich is hosting a drop-in slumber party for stuffies on April 15. Kids can drop off their stuffed animal anytime between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and return the next morning at 11:30 a.m. to view a slideshow about the fun the stuffed animals had the night before. www.brooksfreelibrary.org
No registration is required, nor do you need to have a library card. For more information call 508-430-7562, ext 2.
Laurie Wilson can be reached at laurieheather@yahoo.com.