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After careful deliberation, we will be canceling our 2020 Smithsonian Sleepovers held at the Natural History Museum. Ticket holders will be notified about refund options.
Smithsonian Sleepovers are your ticket to very big adventures.
The Nation’s T-rex has returned to the Natural History Museum, and his towering skeleton has been drawing big crowds to the amazing Deep Time exhibition in the brand-new David H. Koch Hall of Fossils.
Pack your sleeping bag and a toothbrush and join a small group of fellow adventurers as one of the world’s most popular museums closes its doors and the crowds leave for the day.
Wander through the Fossil Hall, where dinosaurs cast giant shadows; learn about Earth's past; discover the ocean’s aquatic wonders; and walk softly past mysterious mammals. Swap stories, enjoy hands-on crafts and games, and even learn how to eat like a T-rex.
Then, as the lights dim, roll out your sleeping bag and dream away, knowing that Phoenix the whale is keeping watch throughout your night in the museum.
Kids say the darndest things while spending a night of adventure in one of four Smithsonian museums. Check out our Pinterest board of notable quotes from past Smithsonian Sleeovers as you prepare for your own night of fun and learning.
8 to 14 years old. There must be at least one adult for every four 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.
