And we can with the Science Museum's Astronights sleepovers, designed for kids aged 7-11 - and their parents.
From 6:45pm on Friday (or Saturday) evening, kids get to explore the museum galleries after hours: expect workshops, science shows, activities and an IMAX 3D film, plus breakfast the next morning, courtesy of the museum. You have until 10am to leave the museum the next day, which gives budding scientists plenty of opportunity to check out everything they wanted to but couldn't because the museum was heaving with other kids.
For 2020, we expect the sleepovers to be medicine-themed: after all, the Science Museum has just unveiled its new Medicine: The Wellcome Galleries, which includes over 3,000 objects like the world’s first MRI scanner, Fleming’s penicillin mould, a professional pianist’s prosthetic arm, robotic surgery equipment and artworks from the likes of Marc Quinn and Eleanor Crook.
In the past, activities have ranged from museum object bingo and origami shape design, to kids conducting their own experiments and learning about the elements in the Periodic Table, to a show that teaches kids the science behind what's hot and what's cold. The cost is £60 a person and you need to bring your own dinner and sleeping bag.
That - and your child's boundless curiosity, please.
Looking for other family events at the Science Museum suitable for younger kids?
Check out these free events from January - June 2020.
Treat Your Teddy
6 and under
Calling all Doc McStuffins fans! In this fun activity, kids get to have a go at being a teddy bear doctor.
Curious Cures
6 +
A chance for visitors to discover the curious and creepy cures used to keep us healthy in days gone by in this interactive science show. Think Horrible Histories, the live version.
Heartbeat Heroes
6+
A family-friendly workshop that educates visitors all about the workings of the heart. Kids can also craft their own stethoscopes and test them out.
| What | Astronights, Science Museum |
| Where | Science Museum, Exhibition Road, London, SW7 2DD | MAP |
| Nearest tube | South Kensington (underground) |
| When |
18 Jan 20 – 19 Jan 20, 6:45 PM – 10:00 AM 08 Feb 20 – 09 Feb 20, 6:45 PM – 10:00 AM 07 Mar 20 – 08 Mar 20, 6:45 PM – 10:00 AM 17 Apr 20 – 18 Apr 20, 6:45 PM – 10:00 AM 02 May 20 – 03 May 20, 6:45 PM – 10:00 AM 05 Jun 20 – 06 Jun 20, 6:45 PM – 10:00 AM |
| Price | £60 |
| Website | Click here to book |
