Mom and Dad's big romantic night out

It could be the cheapest baby-sitting around at $10 a child for an evening of crafts, cookie-decorating and pizza. But just like those long-stemmed roses hawked on street corners once a year, it's only available on Valentine's Day.

The Children's Museum of Northern Nevada is offering its first-ever evening of baby-sitting so couples have a chance for together-time on the most love-hyped holiday of the year.

"Mom and Dad can drop the kids off at the museum at 5:30 p.m. and have a fun Valentine's evening," said Erin Lehman, executive director of the Children's Museum. "The kids love coming to the museum because it's such a great place and a safe haven."

If the Valentine's Day Kids Camp is successful, similar evenings may be available over the summer.

The museum will also be open 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. during the day. For the cost of regular admission, kids can join activities, including crafts, like Valentine's Day card-making.

There is space for 100 children to attend the evening camp, and 10 spots have been reserved. Children must be potty-trained to attend. There is no maximum age. Children must be picked up by 9:30 p.m.

"I had one parent call with his credit card (the other day) because he wanted to pay early," Lehman said.

She will set up a sign-in and sign-out booth at the museum. Nearly 20 staff, about half of them adults, are helping with the camp.

"We're thinking of doing rotation stations and putting the kids in groups and having them eat pizza, do arts and crafts, and go upstairs to play," Lehman said.

To register, call the museum at 884-2226 or stop by to sign up. Advance registration is recommended, although space could be available for drop-ins Tuesday night, but it's not guaranteed.

"The parents need to have a pager or a cell phone," Lehman said. "Just if anything does happen, we need some form of communication to get a hold of them."

Wine glasses, which feature the museum's jester logo, will be for sale at $6.They will also be for sale in the future.

"We thought if (parents) wanted to pick up a wine glass and take it with them, they could do that, and they'll have a commemorative glass," she said.

-- Contact reporter Maggie O'Neill at moneill@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1219.

If you go

WHAT: Drop your child off at Valentine's Day Kids Camp

WHEN: 5:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesday - Valentine's Day

WHERE: Children's Museum of Northern Nevada, 813 N. Carson St.

COST: $10

TO REGISTER: 884-2226