Sleep Under The Giant Blue Whale At The American Museum Of Natural History This Fall

UPPER WEST SIDE, NY — The American Museum of Natural History is bringing back its popular novelty sleepover program, "A Night at the Museum: The Overnight Experience," this fall on Oct. 24.

The program, which first launched in 2006 alongside the film "Night at the Museum," allows children and their grown-ups to explore the museum after hours via flashlight and spend the night among its exhibits.

After a five year hiatus, participants can once again take guided flashlight tours of the museum’s fossil halls, the Margaret Mead Hall of Pacific Peoples, explore dioramas, live insect displays, and even the famous Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton (don't worry, it won't come to life... we think).

During the sleepover, kids will get to take part in scavenger hunts, trivia, karaoke, and bedtime stories beneath the big blue whale, a museum spokesperson said.

"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," Sean Decatur, the president of the museum, said.

"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."

Each guest also receives a commemorative keepsake, a voucher for future admission, and access to a private gift shop experience, museum administrators said.

Following Oct. 24, the dates of the sleepovers are:

• Nov. 22
• Dec. 5
• Jan. 10, 2026
• Feb. 7, 2026
• March 6, 2026
• April 10, 2026
• May 22, 2026
• June 5, 2026

Tickets for the first three monthly sleepovers go on sale Sept. 30 for Museum Members at select levels and Oct. 7 for the general public and start at $225. The program is open to children ages 6-12 and their caregivers.

For questions and tips, email Miranda.Levingston@Patch.com.