If you’re tired of the same old birthday party, check out Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum. This North Little Rock attraction provides one-of-a-kind birthday experiences that are fun and educational for all. Case in point: Where else can you have a sleepover on a submarine?

Bass boats aren’t the only vessels with an impact on Arkansas; AIMM gives visitors a look at life on an actual U.S. Navy submarine, the USS Razorback, and through other exhibits, illustrates how Arkansas has been well-represented throughout our nation’s naval history.

“This is one of the most complete submarines on display anywhere in the entire United States,” says museum spokesman Neal Grumbine. “It’s a great place to learn history and gain an appreciation for what our military has done for us.”

Here are five things to know before you book your next birthday party:

1. Your party will be fun and educational.

The museum building features exhibits about the USS Razorback, which saw action in World War II and the Cold and Vietnam Wars, as well as two other ships bearing the name USS Arkansas; one a guided missile cruiser, the other a battleship. “Neither of those are actually on display,” Grumbine says. “In fact, they’re not on display anywhere unless you have scuba gear—the battleship is at the bottom of Bikini Atoll.”

The tugboat Hoga at the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum.

The museum also features exhibits on the USS Hoga, a naval tugboat that saw action during the attack on Pearl Harbor. Acquired in 2015, the Hoga is currently under renovation and is expected to be ready for tours around the first of 2017. Memorials to the USS Snook, USS Scorpion and the Beacon of Peace and Hope round out the attractions.

2. Your birthday boy or girl will be the Captain.

Outside, the museum hosts birthday parties on the sub Friday and Saturday evenings by advance reservation. The guest of honor is “Captain for a Day” for parties up to 30 people and the minimum age is five. All birthday packages include a gift for the honoree, soft drinks and paper goods.

3.Your party is customizable (Dog tags for the guests? Yes, please!).

Birthday Package I ($75) and Package II ($125) buy two hours and include a guided tour of the USS Razorback for 10 or 20 people, respectively. Package III ($200) buys 2.5 hours and includes a guided tour for 30 people.

Popular add-ons include birthday cake and guest goody bags. Also, don’t forget to order customized dog tags as a memento.

4. You can host an epic Submarine Sleepover.

For the ultimate experience, reserve a Submarine Sleepover, open to scouting or church groups, families and other parties. Held Friday and Saturday overnight, sleepovers include a personalized guided tour of the sub, including areas normally closed to the public, plus other activities. Group members sleep in the refurbished bunks in the crew’s quarters.

“The sleepovers are really popular, we’re booking four to six weeks in advance” Grumbine says. “The experience of being able to sleep on a submarine where the sailors did is a really cool environment. Plus, the sub is air-conditioned or heated for the appropriate season; that’s always a major concern especially in the summer.”

5. You'll want to pack light.

Crew’s quarters are tight! Be sure to keep personal items to the recommended sleeping bag or blanket, personal hygiene items, medications, one change of clothes and a flashlight. A pillow is provided on each bunk but those with sensitivities might want to bring their own. Closed-toe shoes are strongly recommended and one adult chaperone is required for every five minors. “It’s pretty snug inside but it’s not as small as people think,” Grumbine says. “It’s about the size of an RV or a commuter plane.”

The Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum opened May 15, 2005 at 120 Riverfront Park Drive in North Little Rock. The attraction is open year around, but operates shorter winter hours from Labor Day to Memorial Day. Admission is $7.50 for adults and $5 for children under 12, seniors and military; $2 admission to the museum only (no submarine tour).

For more information or to schedule a birthday party or sleepover, call (501) 371-8320 or visit AIMMuseum.org/Birthday-Parties.