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Nadine Silverthorne’s love of journaling began in Grade One with the entry, “I am the greatest dancer!” Two babies (and countless diaper changes) later, she has found her home away from home as editor of SweetMama. Don’t miss her humorous bi-weekly accounts of the joys and pains of working while raising them fabulous.

Awesome Sleepovers for Canadian Kids

silver spoons:museum and zoo sleepovers in canada canada (May.09.11)    



A few weeks ago, we were invited for an Ontario Science Centre Sleepover ($54/pp). Sleepover! First thought? Only the six-year-old. Second thought? Who else to bring.

So my 14-year-old niece joined my son and I for a real life night at the museum. We registered, piled our stuff with our group (Banting, after insulin co-discoverer Frederick Banting.) and then headed off to watch an IMAX movie ( the fabulous Under the Sea 3D narrated by Jim Carrey). We were then treated to a science show, a snack and then given two hours to explore the Science Centre as we pleased.

Throughout the evening, our volunteer guides were around to answer questions and show us the ropes. At about 9:30 pm they showed us our sleeping quarters (we slept right in amongst the Kidspark exhibits!) where we set up our sleeping bags and changed into our pyjamas before heading down to a jammie jam dance party in the Great Hall. Lights out at midnight (good call on leaving the three-year-old at home) and everyone wakes up exhausted but excited at 6:45am for pancakes and sausage before exploring the exhibits some more.

What made it really unique was that these types of programs are often limited to Scout/Cub/Beaver/Sparks troupes or school groups, yet this sleepover was open to the public. The whole thing was so incredible, such a memorable experience that I thought I'd provide some other sleepover opportunities across the country. But first, here are some tips that will make your stay more fun.

* Pick your spot early and try to find private spots behind other exhibits. We were having fun and ended up being the last people in our group to pick a sleeping spot.
* Bring an air mattress and a pillow. I was worried I'd look like a princess, but sleeping on a concrete floor in just a sleeping bag at the age of 36 was not pleasant.
* Avoid sleeping under emergency lights. Even though I was warned, I somehow missed a light and "slept" directly under it (it was too late to move).
* Pack snacks and water to save money. Eat dinner before you go unless otherwise specified.

Alberta
Calgary:
Telus World of Science (call for details)
Calgary Zoo

Drumheller:
Royal Tyrell Museum

Edmonton:
Telus World of Science
Edmonton Valley Zoo (call for details)

British Columbia
Vancouver:
Greater Vancouver Zoo
Vancouver Aquarium

Victoria:
Royal BC Museum

Manitoba
Winnipeg:
Assiniboine Park Zoo

Nova Scotia
Dartmouth:
Cole Harbour Place

Ontario
Hamilton:
Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum

Ottawa:
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Canada Science and Technology Museum
Canadian Aviation and Space Museum
Midway Family Fun Park
The Papanack Zoo (in Wendover)

Toronto:
Campout with the Blue Jays and Parks Canada at the Rogers Centre (May 21st!)
Toronto Zoo Bush Camp
ROM Kids Sleepovers
Ontario Science Centre

Quebec
Montreal:
Ecomuseum Zoo

Saskatchewan
Regina:
Saskatchewan Science Centre
The Manitoba Museum

Saskatoon:
Saskatoon Zoo (this year's camp with sleepover option is sold out, but check back early next year!)

Did I miss any? Leave your public sleepover tip in the comments below.

Have you ever tried a public sleepover program? Would you consider it?


Tags:  nadine silverthorne, activities



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