The American Museum of Natural History in New York City is relaunching its popular Museum Overnight Adventure NYC, giving children aged six to twelve a chance to spend the night inside one of the world’s most famous museums. Paused during the COVID-19 pandemic, the program returns with a mix of learning and entertainment, offering a rare opportunity to explore exhibits after dark with an adult companion.
Families attending the event will join supervised flashlight tours through dinosaur halls, ancient displays, and interactive galleries. Children will enjoy scavenger hunts, games, karaoke, and bedtime storytelling, turning the evening into both an adventure and an educational journey. By combining play with discovery, the event has become one of the museum’s most sought-after programs, often selling out quickly.
Young explorers will also experience quieter galleries once the museum closes to the public, seeing the exhibits in a new light without the daytime crowds. After an evening of interactive fun, participants will enjoy snacks before bedtime and a light breakfast in the morning. Each child will take home a keepsake, ensuring the night becomes a lasting memory. Families often return for repeat visits, as the program offers new excitement every time.
The overnight events begin on October 24, 2025, and will take place once a month through June 5, 2026. Museum members have early access to ticket sales starting September 30 at 10:30 a.m., while the general public can purchase tickets beginning October 7. Since space is limited, early booking is strongly encouraged.
Highlights of the adventure include the chance to view a towering Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton up close, explore the Hall of Biodiversity with touchable specimens and multimedia features, and enjoy hands-on learning activities. Children are also encouraged to explore on their own, following their curiosity at their own pace while discovering new topics in natural history.
The program strengthens New York City’s reputation as a top destination for educational tourism. For local families, it offers a unique after-hours experience, while for visiting tourists it becomes a highlight of their trip. Families often combine the sleepover with visits to Central Park, the Statue of Liberty, Broadway shows, and other landmarks, creating a full and memorable city experience. The event also benefits the city’s economy by drawing families who stay in hotels, dine in local restaurants, and use transportation services.
With its blend of science, history, and fun, the Museum Overnight Adventure NYC provides children with a unique way to learn outside the classroom. It transforms New York into a living educational playground and shows how cultural institutions can create lasting impact for both residents and visitors. For many families, the sleepover quickly becomes the crown jewel of a well-planned trip, offering an evening that is both magical and meaningful.
Those interested in attending are advised to act quickly. Complete details, including ticket prices, availability, and booking instructions, are available on the museum’s official website. The return of the program ensures another season of discovery and excitement, inviting families to make unforgettable memories while sleeping under the stars and dinosaurs in the heart of New York City.
