6 Places to Spend a Night at the Museum

Ever since Ben Stiller discovered what happens to exhibits after the sun goes down in the blockbuster movie “Night at the Museum,” sleepover experiences have taken off at attractions across the country. These overnight adventures invite big kids, ‘tweens and sometimes young teens (and a parent) for an overnight stay that delivers fewer crowds and the chance to explore with some exclusive, VIP activities thrown in.

As you might expect, overnight events at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City and the National Museum of Natural History in D.C.–the backdrops for “Night at the Museum” and its sequel—are hot tickets that can sell out months in advance. Programs at other museums can often have shorter waiting lists.

What can you expect? In general, museum overnights are aimed at the 6-to-12 crowd, but be sure to check the age range at each institution. Count on paying between $100 and $140 per person and bringing a sleeping bag, flashlight, and sense of adventure.

Still game? Here are six more can’t-miss museum sleepovers around the country.

Field Museum of Natural History: Chicago, IL

The wildly popular Dozin’ with the Dinos overnight program is always a sellout as parents and children ages 6-12 bring their sleeping bags to explore one of the most beloved attractions in Chi-Town. The evening is filled with self-guided tours and workshop activities, leading up to bedtime stories in the shadow of Sue, the Field’s famous T-Rex.

National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum: Cooperstown, NY

Little sluggers can spend an evening with legends of baseball as part of Extra Innings Overnights. This sleepover lets kids ages 7-12 explore the museum’s collection of baseball artifacts after hours and enjoy special interactive activities, like re-creating radio broadcasts of famous homerun calls. Kids can also take in a private multimedia screening of The Baseball Experience for a look into the history of baseball.

International Spy Museum: Washington, DC