Sleeping in the presence of dinos isn’t something one normally does on a Friday night. This past weekend we packed an overnighter, grabbed a sleeping bag and headed to the ROM for its inaugural Adult Sleepover. Dubbed Dinos in the Dark, the program came about because grown-ups, witnessing the popular kid sleepovers from afar (or in the presence of their own young’uns), noted politely that an adult version was long overdue.
Arriving at 9 p.m. sharp, overnight guests signed in and checked out the eve’s itinerary before heading towards the sleeping zone. Located in the Currelly Gallery — aka the central gathering spot on the main floor — we sussed out the perfect sleeping space: beneath an ancient Hadrosaur. Others squirreled away in nooks and crannies while some keeners set up camp right beneath the roaring fire displayed on a screen positioned overhead. For those more interested in glamping over the real thing, this is just the ticket. After mattresses were blown up and sleeping bags arranged, the exploration parties headed out on digs.
Upstairs, the Dinos and Mammals galleries hosted much of the action; a DJ played crowd-pleasers from Whitney to, of course, all the Bowie. Dino hunters tucked into grilled cheese sandwiches and hot dogs dolled up with shredded Cheddar and smoked tomato ketchup. Some rather addictive kettle chips and white Cheddar popcorn were also on offer. Patrons mowed down and sipped on boozy tipples all the while peering into the glass cases housing 112 million year old fossils plants and the like. Casual.
Folks chatted with author and National Geographic contributor Brian Switek, who was also signing copies of his My Beloved Brontosaurus book. Meanwhile, fossil hunter Wendy Sloboda stood next to a full skeleton reconstruction of her recent discovery: the Wendiceratops pinhornensis. Yes, Wendy had a dino named after her. She discovered it in southern Alberta back in 2010; the Wendiceratops lived 79 million years ago and is a horned dino in the same family group as the famed triceratops. Elsewhere, dino crafts were carefully created and video games — inspired by various ROM collections — were played.
Come midnight, many had tucked themselves into their sleeping bags to take in a screening of — what else? — Night at the Museum. Those still with energy in their bones ran around silent corners of the museum in their PJs feeling as though they’d stepped through a portal back into childhood. After the very last Peroni, glass of Pelee Island Winery vino and the surprisingly popular G&T had been swilled, the late night snacks bar provided hot chocolate and rather decadent s’mores brownies. Oh, and more popcorn, this time laced with caramel.
At 1:30 a.m., those still awake were serenaded by the ROM’s Dr. David Evans, who shared the tale of how he discovered a dinosaur eggs and babies nesting site. Also, less comforting was the news that the museum is haunted by one Mr. Currelly, its original director whose name decorated the very sleeping quarters we were in. Also haunting the space: a poltergeist.
Morning was somewhat cruel. Guests were roused bright and early, with everyone sleepily snaking into the restrooms to change out of their dino onesies (yes, some were spotted). Folks got their coffee fix at the cafeteria downstairs, mowing down on a hearty breakfast of eggs ’n’ bacon, breakfast burritos and waffles with proper whipped cream while sharing tales of the eve before. After eating, those who weren’t too full partook in yoga before heading home or giving the exhibits a final whirl as the daytime visitors arrived.
Those keen on having a grown-up sleepover should set a reminder for September when the second, slightly larger, sleepover will occur (we had around 70). And if you can’t wait until September, get your sundown dino fix at Friday Night Live.