Kids Invited to Spend a Night at the Museum

TAMPA, FL — Tampa Bay area parents looking for an alternative to door-to-door trick-or-treating for their kids might want to spend A Night at the Museum. The Tampa Bay History Center is pulling out all the stops for this year’s event, which takes place Sunday, Oct. 16.

During the special Halloween-themed event, kids and their parents will gain access to the 801 Old Water St. history center. “Families are invited to haunt the history center while they trick or treat their way through our hands-on exhibits and snag candy from historical figures come to life,” the center explained in a media release.

In addition to historical figures “come to life,” the center plans to have the “Real Tampa Bay Ghostbusters” on hand. Members from the 501st Legion also plan to take part with Stormtroopers and other Star Wars characters lined up for the fun.

Hoping to make the educational fun even more so, the museum says a roving magician, crafts and games and a costume contest complete with prizes are also planned.

“Night at the Museum is a great way for families to have a safe, fun and unique trick-or-treat experience while also learning a little about the history of Tampa Bay,” Manny Leto, the center’s director of marketing, told Patch.

A Night at the Museum is open to kids of all ages and their parents or adult companions. Tickets are $10 per child and $12 for adult. A limited number of tickets will be available at the door for the Oct. 16 event, but they'll cost a little more. This year, the center is running two sessions. The first takes place from 3 to 4:30 p.m., the second from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

To purchase advanced tickets, visit the history center online.

Photos courtesy of the Tampa Bay History Center