Did you know the US National Archives hosts sleepovers for children 8 to 12 years old inside the awe-inspiring rotunda where the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution, and the Bill of Rights are displayed?

The sleepovers, scheduled twice each year, allow 100 children to bring one parent and enjoy planned activities, like writing with a quill pen, before rolling out their sleeping bags to spend the night in the historic National Archives Rotunda.

"Our first-ever sleepover in January 2014 was incredibly popular, drawing families from around the country – many of whom had never visited the National Archives before," said Archivist of the United States David S. Ferriero.

"The demand for tickets was so high and the response so positive that we decided to invite more families during summer vacation and again in the fall. This is a great way to create a meaningful experience for families, to improve civics education, and to inform the public about the role the Archives plays in preserving government records and making them accessible to the people."

The sleepovers include numerous hands-on activities, including exploring exhibitions of the National Archives Museum. Guests also will be treated to movies in the Archives' William G. McGowan Theater before turning in for the night, and will enjoy a breakfast of pancakes and more activities the next morning.

"We're sleeping with the Declaration, the Bill of Rights and the Constitution," said History Channel host Brad Meltzer. "Top that, Smithsonian."

Registration for both of the ticketed sleepovers will begin later this spring. For more information, visit archivesfoundation.org/sleepover.

Watch the VERY cool video from the first sleepover…

SHARE with young Families!