Night Journeys August 18, 2010

Families visiting 'Night Journeys' enter a whimsical bedroom setting where they are introduced to sleeping places from many parts of the world. Children can lie down on an ancient Egyptian bed or try out a headrest from Japan or Somalia. They can carry dolls in a Mexican rebozo or a Native American cradleboard. Information written for parents about sleep includes tips for talking to children about sleep-related problems. A fantastic giant bed serves as the centerpiece in this area, offering kids the opportunity to examine protective sleep charms used around the world and take on one of the most common bedtime fears. As they shine a giant flashlight under the bed, they will turn a "frightening monster" into an ordinary pile of socks and toys. Families explore the "active" state of sleep in an animated video that shows eye movement, body movement and brain activity during sleep. Text in English and Spanish is written in a conversational style to spark interaction between children and adults.