Ever since the blockbuster reopening of the Academy, you’ve been itching to take the family. But long lines, crowds, and the steep price of admission have kept you away.

Penguins + Pajamas, the California Academy of Sciences’s new sleepover program, is about to change that.

Junior explorers (ages 6 and up) and their parents are invited to take over the place VIP style. On select nights from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m., it’s all yours for the ogling: the subterranean aquarium, spiraling rain forest, ground-breaking living roof, and awe-inspiring planetarium show. Adrenalin flows (way past bedtime, we might add) as they take it all in, pausing for a staff-conducted snake demo and a bedtime story starring the Academy’s own Pierre the penguin.

Best part: Guests bed down in the habitat of their choosing (aquarium, African hall, or lower swamp). Sleeping bags, air mattresses (inflators provided), and animal companions (genus: stuffed) abound.

California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Drive (415-379-8000 or calacademy.org). Tickets for July 16 and August 13 available online; $99 for members; $119 for nonmembers.

SEE
Peter Pan
What: A dazzling take on the never-grow-up classic, with some intense and scary moments best seen only by kiddos over 5.
Why: Catch a performance before the cross-country tour.
When: Thru Aug. 29.
Where: The Threesixty Theatre, Ferry Park, Clay St., at Drumm St. Tickets at 888-772-6849 or online at peterpantheshow.com. Adults and children, $30-$125.

SHOP
Giggle’s Summer Blowout Sale
What: Store-wide markdowns of up to 50 percent on Orbit Baby, Tea, Zutano, and others.
Why: You’ll laugh at your savings all the way home.
When: Thru July 31, while supplies last.
Where: 2110 Chestnut St., b/t Steiner & Pierce Sts. (415-440-9034).

Photo: Courtesy of California Academy of Sciences