200 Central Park W, New York, NY 10024, USA
Phone +1 212-769-5100
There’s Plenty to Do Before Bed
There’s something enchanting about sleeping beneath a 94-foot-long blue whale, igniting dreams both big and small for children and adults alike. An overnight adventure at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, through their after-hours “A Night at the Museum” program, provides an exciting opportunity to expand horizons during the summer and fall months.
The sleepovers cater to kids aged 6 to 13, commencing at 6 p.m. and concluding at 9 a.m. the following day. Before settling down for a night on a cot located beneath the iconic blue whale (in the Milstein Hall of Ocean Life), children will embark on a fossil fact-finding mission using flashlights, enjoy a film or space show at the LeFrak Theater, and witness a live animal presentation or exhibition featuring animals such as bats, wolves, and birds of prey.
Throughout the night, little explorers will encounter their ancestral roots in the Anne and Bernard Spitzer Hall of Human Origins, marvel at ancient dinosaur fossils (including the formidable T. Rex), admire dioramas in the Hall of African Mammals, and reflect on geological wonders in the Hall of Planet Earth.
Guests will have access to the entirety of the museum, covering the first four floors, the lower level, and the Rose Center for Earth and Space; please note that the second and third floors close at 8:45 p.m.
What to Know Before You Go
Included in the admission price are an evening snack consisting of cookies, granola bars, juice, coffee, and tea, along with a light breakfast featuring fruit, muffins, yogurt, coffee, tea, and juice. Additional meals can be purchased at the museum’s food court, which stays open until 7:30 p.m., and vending machines are also available. It’s important to remember that food must be consumed in designated eating areas, and outside food is not allowed within the museum.
With a maximum of 465 participants, it is recommended that attendees bring sleeping bags, pillows, flashlights, and overnight essentials (including a washcloth for a quick refresher). Additionally, having some coins for vending machines and earplugs can make for a more comfortable experience, especially in a room filled with excited children. Moreover, one adult chaperone is required for every one to three children.
Tickets are priced at $150 per participant and must be paid in advance; walk-ins are not permitted. Since spots fill up quickly, it is best to check the museum website for contact details to confirm availability and secure a reservation.
