Have any moms done the overnight in the museum with their Daisy or other troop? Just wanting to get some advice on what to bring with. Seems like the museum in Chicago is strict about what we can bring.....just looking for a punchlist I can send to other moms on what to bring or prepare...
No, Darnit! No experience, but I want to go to a "Dozin with Dinos"!!!
Wouldn't it be fun to do an adult version? Wine, good food, a showing of Jurassic Park! Inflatable mattresses..
Hmmmm.. may need to contact a local Museum for an event..
Dozin with the Dinos was one of my daughter's all-time favorite things!
You should bring air mattresses. Those floors there are hard, even if they are carpeted. Also, sleeping bags, pillows and slippers. If you have to get up in the middle of the night to walk to the bathroom, you don't want to walk there in bare feet. If you all just wear comfy clothes you can sleep in them, get up in the morning and just leave. The less changing the better because there really is nowhere to change.
The museum really doesn't want you to bring snacks, because people are messy and they have a bug problem there. So if there are crumbs everywhere, it will attract bugs. We did see people with snacks though. Nobody ever follows the rules. Sigh.
We had water bottles with us, even though I think we weren't supposed to bring those! There are snacks and drinks for purchase from the vending machines so bring singles or fives. You do get a snack at night and breakfast in the morning.
We put all of our stuff in a rolling suitcase, because it is a LONG walk from the parking lot to the museum. Much easier to do that than lug armloads of stuff.
Oh, and bring your flashlights! There is a nighttime tour of the museum and most of the lights are off. Have fun! Wish I were going again!
I have not done it in Chicago, but I did a sleepover with my daughter's Brownie troop at the Science Center in Pittsburgh. I tried to wear something comfortable to sleep in (yoga pants and top). We needed sleeping bags (maybe a pillow), toothbrush, toothpaste, and any medications.
I had trouble falling asleep so I was glad that I had a little flashlight and book for myself.
Otherwise I think this is a case when less is more.
We've done these at the zoo and aquarium, so fun!!!
For sure the girls and moms should bring very little, sleeping bag/pillow, PJs, toothbrush and toothpaste. No extra clothes, slippers, robes, toys, etc. (the girls should only bring what they can easily manage themselves.) I assume the place is providing snacks & breakfast, right?
The youngest we did this was second grade and the girls did great. Any younger than that and you may have some tears, drama and homesickness.
HAVE FUN!!!
Even if they have little cots for you, bring a sleeping bag - it will provide more comfort!
We did this with Cub Scouts. One thing I noticed is that it's not necessary to bring pyjamas if you wear comfortable clothes and get dressed right before you leave home. You have to carry sleeping bags and everything else from the parking garage into the museum to your assigned area, so pack lightly! If you have a lightweight air mattress or sleeping mat, that helps too. No food in the sleeping areas, and they give you a plentiful snack downstairs before bed. A small flashlight for each person is good. Layer on a light fleece jacket or sweatshirt. We were warm enough all evening, but just in case. Have a great time!
