A night of adventure awaits you as you enter the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, just as the doors are closing, the lights dim, and the crowds shuffle out...
...the wonders of the museum’s halls are yours to explore.
Go on an interactive exploration of the museum and participate in hands-on crafts projects and games.
Then roll out your sleeping bag and dream away in the darkened halls of one of the world’s most famous museums!
- Friday, Nov. 2
*This sleepover includes the same activities, but patrons can wear a Halloween costume. Please note that Smithsonian security has the following guidelines for costumes: no wearing masks or other items which obscure the face; no sharp or pointed objects, materials that may accidentally strike guests or exhibits; and no elements that resemble or could easily be mistaken for any actual weapon. For the safety and enjoyment of all guests, costumes should be child-friendly and may not be obstructive, offensive, or violent in nature. To alleviate confusion during crisis situations, we ask that adults not come in first-responder costumes.
8 to 12 years old. There must be at least one adult for every three children in any group that registers. No siblings younger than 8. No adults without children.
- 7 to 7:30 p.m. Check-in
- 7:30 to 8 p.m. Orientation and snack time
- 8 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Interactive exploration of the museum, hands-on activities, Smithsonian Sleepover T-shirt sales
- 11:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Get ready to sleep under Phoenix the whale in the Ocean Hall
- 11:30 p.m. Bedtime
- 7:30 a.m. Breakfast
- 8:00 a.m. Family store opens
- 8:45 a.m. Time to say farewell...
- * Program Subject to Change.
