Exciting Museum Sleepovers for Kids

Within the walls of a museum, children can explore our planet’s rich history, dive deep into the ocean, and discover distant galaxies. These wondrous institutions often provide incredible opportunities for youngsters to experience unique sleepover adventures. Imagine the thrill of a museum slumber party!

Many have fantasized about the experience of staying overnight at a museum, inspired by tales such as The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler and movies like Night At The Museum. While a sleepover at your local museum might not involve an epic mystery or an ancient curse, it promises to be one of the most memorable evenings of your life. Continue reading to explore some of the best museum sleepover options across the country.

Dinosaurs, Mummies, and Neanderthals – Oh My!

The Penn Museum

During the Penn Museum’s overnight experience, “40 Winks with the Sphinx,” children ages six to 12 (along with their guardians) can explore the museum’s exhibits using flashlights and participate in a scavenger hunt that spans from Ancient Egypt to the land of Maya. After a night of adventure, guests can rest beside the world’s third-largest Sphinx, while breakfast awaits them in the morning, followed by further exploration of the museum.

Field Museum

Who wouldn’t want to sleep among dinosaurs? By attending “Dozin’ with the Dinos” at Chicago’s Field Museum, children aged six to 12 can do just that. Participants should bring a sleeping bag, flashlight, and a spirit of adventure. They will watch the thrilling 3D movie “Walking the T-Rex” and explore the museum’s extensive exhibitions. Premium packages include a behind-the-scenes tour.

American Museum of Natural History

One of the most popular museum sleepover experiences is at the American Museum of Natural History. “A Night At The Museum” invites attendees ages six to 16 to enjoy unique after-hours access to exhibits filled with dinosaurs and underwater creatures. The night features a showing of the 3D film “Earthflight” before guests wind down for the night. There is even a separate sleepover experience for adults.

Furry, Finned, and Feathered Friends

Monterey Bay Aquarium

This aquarium in Monterey, which inspired the beloved Finding Dory film, offers year-round sleepover experiences for dedicated fans. During “Sleepovers at the Aquarium,” guests can enjoy light snacks, breakfast, and access to the aquarium, along with special activities and guided wildlife watching in the morning, which may even include sightings of wild dolphins.

California Academy of Sciences

The California Academy in San Francisco offers “Penguins and Pajamas,” an exciting event where children ages five to 17 (with accompanying adults) can access museum exhibits during the evening. The sleepover features live animal demonstrations, an interactive rainforest, a planetarium show, and the chance for next-day admission to the museum.

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

Located in Colorado Springs, this premier zoo allows visitors to experience a sleepover adventure called “WildNights,” which includes a moonlit tour and exotic animal encounters, such as feeding giraffes. The night concludes with a pizza dinner, s’mores roasting, and complimentary zoo entry the following day. Kids aged five and older are welcome.

Gadgets, Gizmos, and Things That Go

Museum of Flight

Aviation enthusiasts will be ecstatic about spending an evening at Seattle’s Museum of Flight. The sleepover program is designed for kids aged five and older and includes guided tours and rocket-building activities. Each overnight event offers customization options, with choices for planetarium shows and interactive programs on flight or space.

International Spy Museum

The International Spy Museum in Washington, DC, offers a thrilling mission-based sleepover for children ages nine through 13 called “Operation Secret Sleepover.” Young guests participate in special spy training to learn about adopting new identities and creating secret codes. Adult participants also have their own secret missions, making it an unforgettable experience for families.

Oregon Museum of Science and Industry

At the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland, children in grades 3 to 12 can embark on a unique adventure by sleeping in a retired Navy submarine, the USS Blueback. They will have the opportunity to explore the submarine, enjoy dinner, and participate in various activities at the museum, including a planetarium show the next day.