This Awesome, Family-Friendly Activity Is Back At The Museum Of Natural History In NYC

The American Museum of Natural History (ANHM) stands as a cornerstone of scientific discovery in New York City, drawing visitors each year to its massive collections that span the wonders of Earth, space, and life itself. Founded in 1869, this iconic institution has long served as a hub for education and inspiration, offering interactive exhibits that ignite curiosity in people of all ages. Its halls house everything from ancient fossils to cosmic displays, securing it as a top spot for families eager to unite learning and adventure, similar to this summer camp experience for kids. 

After a five-year pause prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, the museum is reviving its cherished "A Night at the Museum: The Overnight Experience," with the last event having taken place in February 2020. This program rides on the back of the whimsical 2006 film "Night at the Museum," starring Ben Stiller, where exhibits seemingly spring to life after hours.

Originally introduced in 2006, shortly after the movie's release, the sleepovers quickly became a staple for young explorers and their guardians. The event has built a loyal following by allowing participants to roam dimly lit exhibitions with flashlights, fostering a true sense of exploration and awe. 

What makes this event so special is its blend of excitement and education, where attendees engage in flashlight explorations, hands-on experiments, scavenger hunts, and group challenges among dinosaur skeletons and oceanic dioramas. Museum President Sean M. Decatur highlighted the program's revival telling CBS News, "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."

The event is Ideal for little ones yearning to explore STEM-oriented fun during school breaks, with fresh elements like the Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation. Entry begins at 5PM, and the itinerary is self-guided wandering for the first and second floors, which showcase the dioramas of African mammals like lions, elephants, zebras, and marine ecosystems that lie underneath the iconic 94-foot long Blue Whale model.

The third and fourth floors are guided tours only, and can be reserved upon arrival. These floors exhibit the T. Rex fossil, a massive Moai statue from Easter Island, and primate halls with capuchin monkeys. The Gilder Center houses the group activities like karaoke and scavenger hunts, or bedtime stories.

The program kicks off on October 24, 2025, and continues with dates once a month from October until June 2026, offering regular opportunities throughout the school year. It's designed for children aged 6-12 accompanied by caregivers, requiring one adult aged 21 or older for every five kids 8 to 12, or one caregiver per child under the age of 8, while those younger than 6 are not eligible. Adults not accompanying children within that age range are not permitted to join, ensuring a focus on youthful exploration and safety, since there have been pretty extreme consequences for letting a child roam free and unattended. 

Booking begins with an ANHM member presale in September 30, 2025 at 10:30AM, followed by general sales on October 7, with tickets priced at $225 per person and available through amnh.org/sleepovers. Upon purchase, participants receive a Pre-Visit Kit in their confirmation that must be filled out two weeks in advance of attendance. The event is wheelchair accessible, and each guest receives a complimentary ticket voucher for a daytime museum visit valid for 60 days.

Sleeping spots are pre-assigned on cots within the exhibit halls, up close and personal to wondrous displays. Attendees should pack a sleeping bag, pillow, warm sleepwear, toothbrush, paste, and a flashlight, and consider some of the best rideable suitcases for kids for added enjoyment! Leave the inflatable mattresses at home alongside any outside food and drink. A small bedtime snack will be provided alongside a light breakfast, that's if you can eat as the T. Rex stares you down!