From experiencing the thrill of sleeping beside a dinosaur skeleton in London to joining lively street dancers in Valletta, the Maltese capital, families have numerous opportunities to extend their cultural adventures well beyond traditional daytime hours and into the enchanting night.
Natural History Museum, London
Ideal for: Animal enthusiasts
Just a stone’s throw from the Science Museum, the Natural History Museum offers the popular Dino Snores sleepovers designed for children aged seven to 11, which often sell out quickly. Families embark on after-hours explorations of the galleries by torchlight, engaging in hands-on activities like creating dinosaur-themed T-shirts. The highlight is a child-friendly show hosted by a resident scientist. For VIP (Very Important Palaeontologists) ticket-holders, perks include sleeping near Sophie the Stegosaurus, exclusive access to an animal-handling presentation, and a snack box for late-night munchies. This experience promises unforgettable memories for budding young scientists and dinosaur enthusiasts alike.
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex, Florida
Ideal for: Space enthusiasts
Nestled within NASA’s iconic Cape Canaveral, the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex offers captivating sleepovers in two distinct and awe-inspiring locations: aboard the retired Space Shuttle Atlantis or at the Apollo/Saturn V Center, home to the mighty Saturn V moon rocket. Geared towards small groups of 10- to 14-year-olds accompanied by chaperones, this experience combines adventure with education. Participants engage in STEM-based challenges, embark on thrilling scavenger hunts, and gain firsthand insights into space exploration history. Whether sleeping beneath a space shuttle or beside a colossal moon rocket, this overnight adventure promises an unforgettable journey into the cosmos for young space enthusiasts and their families.
Science Museum, London
Best for: Aspiring Astronauts
The Science Museum in London offers an exhilarating overnight experience tailored for seven- to 11-year-olds called Astronights. This vast museum celebrating human ingenuity hosts workshops, captivating science shows, and immersive sessions in both the museum’s IMAX cinema and Wonderlab, featuring seven zones dedicated to scientific phenomena. Upgrading to a VIP ticket offers added comfort with an airbed instead of a camping mat, along with extra treats at breakfast. It’s an ideal adventure for young space enthusiasts eager to explore the wonders of the universe.
British Museum, London
Best for: History-Lovers
The British Museum provides unforgettable nocturnal adventures for eight- to 15-year-olds amidst its extensive collection of artifacts from around the world. Each sleepover features a themed historical focus, offering workshops, engaging activities, and captivating storytelling that vividly brings the past to life. Families then bed down in the Egyptian and Assyrian galleries, surrounded by ancient kings and gods. The following morning, guests enjoy an exclusive gallery trail before the museum opens to the public, creating an immersive and educational experience for young history enthusiasts.
National Museum Cardiff
Best for: Budding Palaeontologists
In Wales, the National Museum Cardiff offers an exciting alternative to London’s Natural History Museum with sleepovers designed for kids aged six to 12. Centered around geology and natural history exhibits, the experience includes a thrilling torchlit tour, fossil-inspired craft workshops, and a pre-bedtime movie. VIP ticket-holders enjoy special visits from ‘Ranger Chris’ with one of his reptiles, time with a palaeontologist, and an exclusive peek into the museum’s dinosaur bone collection. It’s a perfect opportunity for young explorers fascinated by prehistoric life.
Grand Théâtre, Geneva
Best for: Drama Students
The historic Grand Théâtre in Geneva, dating back to 1879 with its stunning beaux-arts facade, offers sleepovers open to all ages. Participants embark on a captivating tour of the opera house and its maze-like backstage areas, accompanied by a soundtrack of classical music. After the tour, guests settle down with their sleeping gear in the grand foyer adorned with chandeliers, gilded surfaces, frescoes, wood panelling, and lavish paintings—an unforgettable experience for aspiring performers and art enthusiasts.
Intrepid Museum, New York City
Best for: Top Gun Fans
For those visiting New York City, the Intrepid Museum offers a thrilling overnight stay aboard a Second World War aircraft carrier docked on the Hudson River. Focused on American military and maritime history, Operation Slumber allows families with kids aged six to 17 to experience life aboard an aircraft carrier firsthand. The adventure includes a torchlit guided tour of the flight deck, unlimited simulator rides, and a pop-up planetarium experience—an exciting opportunity for aviation and history enthusiasts alike to delve into the world of naval aviation.