Ever dreamed of spending the night at the Museum? It’s BACK. Explore the American Museum of Natural History after dark and drift to sleep under the iconic Blue Whale at A Night at the Museum: The Overnight Experience, back again after a five-year hiatus. This special experience allows you to fall asleep in the darkened halls of one of the world’s most beloved museums. Here’s a look at what you can expect.
Night at the Museum Activities
As the doors close and the lights dim, the adventure begins. From flashlight tours through the Museum’s iconic halls to hands-on activities, scavenger hunts, and group games, this one-of-a-kind overnight adventure is designed to ignite curiosity and wonder.
Highlights of the sleepover experience include:
- Guided flashlight tours of the Museum’s third and fourth floor exhibition halls, including the legendary fossil halls
- Self-guided explorations of the first and second floor galleries of the Museum
- Trivia games, scavenger hunts, and group games in the Gilder Center
- Complimentary bedtime snacks and a light breakfast
- Karaoke, live presentations, a bedtime story, and more!
Upcoming Dates for A Night at the Museum
With the popularity of the experience – tickets sell out quickly. Tickets for the below dates go on sale October 7th at 10:30am. on the American Museum of Natural History Website HERE. The sleepover dates are:
- Friday, October 24
- Saturday, November 22
- Friday, December 5
2026 Dates for A Night at the Museum
- Saturday, January 10
- Saturday, February 7
- Friday, March 6
- Friday, April 10
- Friday, May 22
- Friday, June 5
- *Sale dates for 2026 sleepovers will be announced soon. Presale for Members will be followed by general sale date.
Age Requirement
This program is designed for children from 6–12 years old and their caregivers. One adult (21+) is required per five children ages 8–12, and one adult per child is required for children under age 8. Children under 6 cannot participate in this program. Adults (21+) are not permitted unless attending as a chaperone for children ages 6–12.
Exploring the Museum
What’s open to sleepover guests? Guests are welcome to explore Floors 1 and 2 at their own pace, while guided flashlight tours of Floors 3 and 4 are available and can be reserved upon arrival. Self-guided explorations of the first and second floor galleries of the Museum, including the stunningly lifelike dioramas of the Akeley Hall of African Mammals and live insect displays in the Susan and Peter J. Solomon Family Insectarium. Guided flashlight tours of the Museum’s third and fourth floor exhibition halls, including the legendary fossil halls where towering dinosaurs like T. rex are on-view.
Each participant will also receive a complimentary Museum admission voucher, valid for up to 60 days. Vouchers must be redeemed in person and cannot be combined with other offers.
Dining at the Museum
All ticket packages include the Nightfall Trail Snack (light evening snack, served 9:30 pm–11 pm) as well as the First Light Fuel (continental breakfast). The Food Court will be open from 6–8 pm for purchases, where you can pick up a Field Fuel Box (sandwich or salad + chips + fruit + cookie) for the event. Additionally, there will be a select number of hot items for purchase.
A Night at the Museum – The Details
Ready for a night of adventure? Here’s a few things to know about the experience:
- This program is designed for children from 6–12 years old and their caregivers.
- One adult supervisor is required for each 5 child participants. All chaperones must be 21 years old.
- Children under 6 cannot participate in this program.
- Sleeping spaces are pre-assigned within Museum halls and are furnished with cots. Locations cannot be changed upon arrival.
- All ticket packages include the Nightfall Trail Snack (light evening snack, served 9:30 pm–11 pm) as well as the First Light Fuel (continental breakfast).
- Cost: $225 per person.
- Read more about the experience HERE
