Sleepovers are always fun, but kids ages 5 to 12 and their parents will get a special thrill spending the night at the South Carolina State Museum at its 'Spooky Sleepover' Friday, Oct. 23 to Saturday morning, Oct. 24.

Beginning with the 6:30 check-in, family fun thrills will begin as campers enjoy snacks. At 7 p.m., the museum will show the fun film 'Night at the Museum II: Battle of the Smithsonian,' starring Ben Stiller. Next up is a special treat being presented for the first time: campers will go on a 'mystery' scavenger hunt, in which a new artifact has been stolen and must be recovered.

'The hunt will cover three of the museum's floors and will be conducted by flashlight to add to the fun,' said Volunteer Manager Jennifer Lee. 'At some of the stops, characters from our exhibits will 'come alive' to help hunters with the clues to their searches.'

Exhibit characters, or 'residents,' will include a paleontologist, an astronomer, a paleo Indian, a Revolutionary War soldier and more, said Lee.

Prizes will be awarded to all those solving the mystery.

'Not only that,' said Lee, 'but we'll also have a special appearance by the museum's resident ghost, Bubba.'

As an added option, 'Boo Bags' packed with ghoulish delights will be available for purchase.

Cost of the evening, which includes snacks both Friday night and Saturday morning, is $25 per child, $20 per adult. Cost for State Museum members is $20 per child, $15 per adult.

Families may register through Oct. 19 by calling (803) 898-4999 or e-mailing campin@scmuseum.org. More information can be found on the museum's Web site, www.southcarolinastatemuseum.org.