My ten-year-old son, Ben, and I found ourselves navigating the underpass towards the Science Museum in west London. It was a Friday evening at 6:45pm, and we were on our way to one of the museum’s space-themed Astronight sleepovers. The atmosphere was electric, reminiscent of a lunar landing rather than the usual city stroll.

Ben clearly felt this was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, walking with a confidence that suggested he had just been selected for a NASA astronaut training program. Meanwhile, I was equally excited, albeit weighed down by our extensive gear: sleeping bags, pajamas, toiletries, snacks, and a change of clothes—enough to sprout many bags. This overnight adventure promised to be both fun and engaging, set against the backdrop of one of the world’s leading museums.

Upon arriving at street level, we were met with a scene that felt like a meteor shower—500 other participants were also here for the sleepover. Most attendees were between the ages of 7 and 11, many coming in enthusiastic school groups. Teachers orchestrated the flow of excited children, while parents scoured the crowd for their relatives. I managed to offer Ben a reassuring smile amidst my internal chaos, questioning our decision to undertake such an adventure.

Our worries were quickly eased by Scott McKenzie-Cook, the museum’s special events manager with 20 years of experience behind the Astronight events. When I asked him how he manages such a large crowd, he explained that it takes a dedicated team of about fifty staff and volunteers, all organized into manageable groups of around sixty participants, each identifiable by a colored badge.

We were assigned to the Purple Engineers group and soon met Vayda, our guide for the night. We were fortunate enough to be part of the VIP program, which gave us access to airbeds instead of standard camping mats—definitely worth the extra cost. After unrolling our sleeping bags, we explored a fascinating display of stones, sparking curiosity in Ben. When he inquired if they were from outer space, I explained they originated from human bodies, which prompted an amusing reaction.

At 7:50pm, Vayda gathered us to kick off our Astronight adventure.

Our journey was thoughtfully structured to avoid overwhelming interactions with other groups. Through a series of workshops, engaging “Explainers” guided us through exciting space-related activities. Instead of traditional lessons on rockets and planets, we ventured into a capsule endoscopy video to learn how astronauts eat. We even participated in a game of Big Bang Bingo and assembled a simple UV torch after a snack break.

The topics chosen enticed participation, and it was delightful to see Ben eagerly answering questions correctly. His enthusiasm took me aback—how did he know about the esophagus at just ten years old?

As the event neared bedtime at 11:40pm, it was only the parents who appeared a bit weary.

After a refreshing six hours of sleep, I awoke surrounded by inspiring scientific exhibits, feeling rejuvenated. Ben still slept beside me as I reflected on the unforgettable night.

As we strolled to a quiet breakfast, I encountered another father, Chris Hartwell, who traveled from Lincolnshire for the event. He remarked how unique it was for his son to experience such educational opportunities—something Ben, a Londoner, usually lacks as well. The morning air felt invigorating in the empty corridors of the Science Museum.

The highlight of the morning came as Vayda led us to the iMax theatre for a breathtaking 3D screening of A Beautiful Planet. The film provided a glimpse into life aboard the International Space Station, garnering gasps and excitement from the kids as they donned their 3D glasses.

This immersive experience showcased the museum’s core message: how meticulous research and innovative engineering can redefine human experiences. After witnessing stunning views of Earth from the space station, stepping out of the theater felt transformative—as if the museum itself had taken on a new dimension.

When we finally emerged into the day at 10am, back on what felt like ‘Planet Normal,’ we reveled in the shared adventure. “What an incredible experience,” I thought, already plotting our next visit to this fantastic venue.

Sean and Benedict Newsom were guests at the Science Museum, where future Astronight sleepovers are planned to keep the excitement alive.