3 Local Attractions Offer Summer Sleepovers for Families
Did you know you could camp out at Magic Springs? What about a sleepover in a submarine? Or a slumber party with some furry friends at the Little Rock Zoo?
That's right! Three local attractions offer sleepover events, giving families a new, nocturnal way to experience some of their favorite places in central Arkansas.
1. Magic Springs Water and Theme Park: Hosted by Girl Scouts - Diamonds of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas, the Magic Springs Camp Out event sounds like a BLAST! Girl Scout troops meet up on Friday, June 19, for a behind-the-scenes tour of the theme park and a ride on the Arkansas Twister. (Or, girls can choose to enjoy a movie and popcorn.) Then, they roll out their sleeping bags and camp out inside Magic Springs! The next day includes all of the rollercoasters and water slides the kiddos can handle. Then, in the evening, girls will rock out to the Joan Jett concert in the Timberwood Amphitheater.
This year's Girl Scouts Magic Springs Camp Out will be held June 19-20. The cost is $30 per scout, and families can join the fun on Saturday for the same low price. The deadline to sign up is Friday, June 12. For more details and to sign up, click here.
2. Little Rock Zoo: During warmer weather, the zoo hosts monthly Zoo Snooze events for families with children ages 6-12. The sleepover begins at 6 p.m. on Friday nights, when families have a chance to visit with a few critters who love nighttime. Then, outdoor enthusiasts can set up tents and sleeping bags for an evening under the stars. Optional sleeping quarters are available inside, as well.
Upcoming Zoo Snooze nights will be held June 12, July 24, Aug. 14 & Sept. 11. The cost is $35 per person, members $30 per person. Reservations are required; call (501) 661-7229, or visit LittleRockZoo.com.
3. Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum: Located on the North Little Rock-side of the Arkansas River, this floating museum's main attraction is the historic submarine USS Razorback. In the overnight program, kiddos can sleep in the submarine's refurbished bunks in the tight crew’s quarters. They'll experience the close quarters, sights, sounds and smells (and lack of privacy) endured by the sailors who once lived on board. Evening activities can include educational programs or watching a movie aboard the submarine, just like the crew did.
Submarine sleepovers are open to Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, church groups or other similar organizations. They can also be booked in conjunction with AIMM's birthday parties for children ages 5 and up. Reservations can be made for Friday or Saturday nights, and must be made at least two weeks in advance. The cost is $35 per person and minimum group size is 10 people. For info: 371-8320, or click here.