Overnight Adventures Await Children at Two Smithsonian Museums
Smithsonian Associates will present Smithsonian Sleepovers in summer 2026, offering overnight experiences for children ages 8 to 14 and their adult chaperones at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History and National Museum of American History.
After the crowds have gone and the doors are closed, families are invited to explore two of the world’s most visited museums through guided activities, games and hands-on learning. Sleepovers begin at 7 p.m. and end at 9 a.m. the following morning.
National Museum of Natural History Sleepovers
Kids and their adult chaperones will join fellow adventurers to discover and immerse themselves in the wonders of the natural world. As they wander through the museum’s galleries, brushed by giant shadows cast by dinosaurs, they will explore the Earth’s past, discover the ocean’s aquatic wonders, blast off to the moon, visit pollinators and walk softly past mysterious animals. Participants move along guided by the fun and challenging “Game of Survival” filled with activities to complete, from making an underwater fossil to building a dinosaur—and even learning how to eat like one. Sleepovers at the National Museum of Natural History will be held Saturday, July 18; Friday, July 31; and Friday, Aug. 14.
National Museum of American History Sleepovers
Sleepover guests can salute America’s 250th birthday by taking an all-American road trip through the museum’s galleries. Along the way, they can immerse themselves in the new exhibition, “In Pursuit of Life, Liberty & Happiness,” play I-Spy and the license plate game, make a pit stop, test their knowledge—even become a presidential candidate—in a memorable overnight adventure. A sleepover at the National Museum of American History will be held Friday, July 10, and a late-night adventure ending at 11 p.m. will be held Wednesday, Aug. 5. Girl Scout troops are invited to register for exclusive Girl Scout-only sleepovers Friday, May 15; Saturday, June 6; and Friday, July 24.
Registration and Ticket Information
Smithsonian Sleepovers are designed for children ages 8 to 14. Each group most include one adult chaperone ages 21 or older for every five children. Adults may not participate without children. For Girl Scouts Nights, the recommended ratio of one adult per 10 children is permitted. All participants must pre-register.
Tickets are $150 per person and include exclusive museum access, guided activities, an evening snack and a light breakfast. Reduced rates are available for Smithsonian Associates’ members, active-duty U.S. military personnel and their families, and groups of 10 people or more.
For 60 years, Smithsonian Associates, the largest museum-based education program in the world, has produced vibrant educational and cultural programming that brings the Smithsonian to life. Inspired by the Smithsonian’s research, collections and exhibitions, nearly 1,000 public programs spark creativity and excite learning in people of all ages each year.