By Gus Saltonstall
Once again, you’ll be able to spend a night at the museum.
On Friday, the American Museum of Natural History announced that it is bringing back its popular family sleepover experience this fall, after a more than five-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We are excited to reintroduce this celebrated program that provides a rare opportunity for guests to experience the wonders of the Museum long after visitors have gone home,” said AMNH President Sean Decatur, in a news release. “Whether it’s the thrill of encountering Tyrannosaurus rex by flashlight or the awe of sleeping beneath the massive Blue Whale, the experience is sure to create memories that families will treasure forever.”
Activities during the sleepover will include flashlight tours, live presentations, scavenger hunts, group games, solo exploration, karaoke, bedtime stories, and more.
Now, in terms of the tickets and who is eligible for the experience.
The sleepover program is available exclusively to children ages six to 12 and their caregivers. One adult over the age of 21 is required per five kids ages eight to 12, and one adult is required for each child under the age of eight.
Adults over the age of 21 are not permitted to take part in the program unless attending as a chaperone, and neither are children under the age of six.
Tickets for the first three sleepovers, which will be offered on a monthly basis, will go on sale HERE, starting September 30 for AMNH members, and on October 7 for the general public.
The sleepover dates as of now, are as follow:
- October 24, 2025
- November 22, 2025
- December 5, 2025
- January 10, 2026
- February 7, 2026
- March 6, 2026
- April 10, 2026
- May 22, 2026
- June 5, 2026
Tickets are $225 per person.
You can find out more about the American Museum of Natural History sleepover experience — HERE.
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A little pricey, wouldn’t you say?
Given what they’re offering for activities during the night it’s more than just “being in the museum during overnight hours.” So pricier but probably still a very unique good event!
Not for what you get!!!
The kids would never forget the experience.
Believe me, it’s worth it.
I would imagine the attendance would be down because the movie is so old (2006) and had its run. I don’t know the newer generation of kids of that age would understand it.
What do you feel it should cost?
It actually sounds cheap:
The following costs add up and I am sure I missed some.
1. Extra Staff/Security ( more expensive at night )
2. Insurance costs.
3. Utilities being run at night.
4. Materials
Lawsuit waiting to happen.
Exactly!
…. and they do have the food staff open all night. 🍕🥤🍦
$500 to bring your kid to the museum that’s typically free? What sounds cheap about that?
Nothing is free.
It is always paid by someone.
The free option is still available to you. I’m sure you can comprehend why there is a cost associated with running a kids program after hours. If you don’t like it, go during the day.
Yeah, while I agree it’s unfortunately expensive – it’s simply a reality of costs. There’s going to be lots of hours poured in by many staff who are never even present just to make something like this work, let alone direct costs. So while we probably can’t go, I’m glad they’re offering it. Hopefully they’re willing to give some family tickets for school auctions – those would be coveted items and also make the cost a little more palatable knowing it’s benefiting our schools
True about the price needing to take high cost factors into account. I used to work for a charity that provided education, arts & sports programs to under-served children and families. AMNH provided us with very discounted tix for the sleepovers. Our children left the next morning with joy and smiles on their faces. I hope the museum will continue to provide this once in a lifetime opportunity to children of limited means.
I know it’s for kids.
But you think they would have it for seniors?
We did the sleepover about 6 years ago with a group of kids. Couldn’t sleep because there were a few adults who snored loudly. To make matters worse, many in our group of kids came home with head lice. Fortunately, we were spared. Never again.
A night at the museum without Teddy Roosevelt just isn’t the same.
BUMMER!!!!!! I’m a long way away from 12. Would Love to spend the night there!