Exciting Overnight Museums in New England

The Night at the Museum trilogy starring Ben Stiller has ignited a passion among children for visiting museums, including the idea of staying overnight. Starting in 2007, New York City’s American Museum of Natural History introduced a highly sought-after sleepover program, with dates often selling out quickly. Consequently, parents, teachers, scout leaders, and educational trip organizers can seek many other wonderful overnight museum experiences throughout New England.

Battleship Cove

Did you know that Battleship Cove, located in Massachusetts and housing the largest collection of naval ships worldwide, has been offering overnight experiences since 1972? These Nautical Nights are particularly popular among scout troops, allowing children to explore the impressive battleship Massachusetts, enjoy meals in the Officers’ Wardroom, and sleep in sailor bunks. Additionally, participants receive free access to the entire museum complex.

Museum of Science

At the Museum of Science in Boston, overnight programs captivate young minds through interactive science. Participants engage in hands-on experiments, enjoy demonstrations, watch an Omni film, and explore various exhibits, all while participating in a memorable Theater of Electricity show. The program is tailored for organized groups of 10 or more students in grades 1 through 7, with select nights dedicated specifically for scout groups.

Sleepover at the Children’s Museum

Every Friday and Saturday evening, the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire in Dover opens its doors for overnight camping visits. This engaging program, designed for groups of at least 50, includes hands-on activities, evening snacks, and breakfast. Children can explore interactive exhibits, such as an augmented reality dinosaur dig and an aircraft construction station, ensuring an exciting and educational experience.

Design the Overnight of Your Dreams

At the Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine in Portland, scout troops and other groups have the unique opportunity to camp anywhere among three floors of exhibits. Popular areas include Discovery Woods and the space shuttle exhibit. Educators lead engaging activities, and a light breakfast is served in the morning.

Sleep Aboard a Historic Vessel

Experience an unforgettable overnight aboard the 1882 square-rigged ship Joseph Conrad through the Anchor Watch Overnight Youth Group Program at Connecticut’s Mystic Seaport. The adventure begins with an evening stroll through the museum’s 19th-century village, followed by various evening activities like a planetarium show and crafting sailors’ items. After breakfast at the Galley Restaurant, explorers can climb the ship’s rigging or discover the many historical exhibits.

Embark on a Night Journey

At the Ecotarium in Worcester, Massachusetts, school, scout, and youth groups can enjoy exclusive access to this indoor-outdoor museum for a night of exploration. Themed nights, known as “Night Journeys,” include animal observations, engaging activities, and a digital planetarium show, allowing groups to “camp” amongst museum exhibits. With five different themes ranging from Stars & Space to Ocean Life, there’s something for everyone.

Spark Curiosity on a Starry Night

West Hartford, Connecticut’s The Children’s Museum accommodates groups of up to 100 for its Overnight Experience programs. Designed for children in grades 1 through 6, primarily scout groups, overnight stays take place on select nights. Participants can look forward to science activities, exploration of the museum and its wildlife sanctuary, an evening snack, and a Science Dome planetarium show before bedtime, along with breakfast the next morning.

Learn and Explore at a Vermont Camp-In

When the Montshire Museum of Science in Norwich, Vermont, closes for the night, exciting adventures await scout, school, and youth groups. Tailored for students in first grade through middle school, Camp-Ins are offered on select dates between October and May, featuring both indoor and outdoor activities. After a night of exploration, campers can spend the following day discovering more of the museum’s fascinating exhibits.