Overnight Adventures at Museums, Zoos, & More
By DullesMoms, Mar 2018
Looking for some local overnight adventures for the family or a group outing? There are many local places that offer night-time adventures after-hours! Whether your kids are animal lovers, natural-investigators, or history buffs, there is a sleepover with their name on it!
VIRGINIA
National Air & Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center • Chantilly, VA
The sky is no longer the limit at a Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center sleepover! Overnight guests will be given a mission to explore the world of flight, from its pioneering days, through the era of commercial aviation to the excitement of today’s space program. Be on the lookout for aliens too! Learn more here.
Weems-Botts Museum • Dumfries, VA
For the brave, the wary, and the most adventurous ghost-hunters, the Weems-Botts Museum is the place to visit in October! This legendary museum opens its doors for visitors to enter and spend the night. The evening kicks off with a Haunted Heights Ghost Walk and then continues inside “Dumfries’ Most Haunted House!” Will you last the entire night? Learn more here.
WASHINGTON, DC
National Museum of American History
Your child is invited to become a detective for a night! While collecting clues at this sleepover, they’ll enjoy crafts, games, and experiments. They’re sure to get a good night’s sleep after solving exciting mysteries. Crack the code and learn more here.
International Spy Museum
Enjoy some ‘spy time’ with your little one. Participants not only have access to the museum during non-operating business hours, but also get to interrogate a real spy, play games, and hide beneath their disguises! The fun doesn’t end in the morning, as guests get to bring home mystery goody bags. Learn more about Operation Secret Slumber here.
National Zoo
Families are invited to enjoy Snore & Roar, a once-in-a-lifetime adventure at the National Zoo. This enchanted evening will start off with a tour, games, and fun activities. End the night pitching your tent amongst the wildest of the wild while the sounds of the animals lull you and your little ones to sleep. Learn more and join your furry friends here.
National Museum of Natural History
Imagine sleeping amongst over 124 million objects! Get your pajamas and sleeping bag and enjoy exploring the National Museum of Natural History after-hours! You’ll get crafty, experience a 3D IMAX movie, and have the chance to enjoy some of the museum’s best displays. Make history by clicking here.
National Archives Museum
Spend the night next to some of the most famous documents in the US, including the official Declaration of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights! From chats with famous pioneers to movies in the theater, it will be a night of excitement! Book your visit here.
MARYLAND
Historic Ships in Baltimore Overnight Adventures • Baltimore, MD
Gather your crew and climb aboard one of Baltimore’s historic ships for a unique and memorable experience! For children and adults, the Historic Ships in Baltimore’s Overnight Adventures program offers an exceptional opportunity to learn about life aboard one of their treasured vessels. Spend the night on a Navy warship, World War II-era Navy Submarine, or a Coast Guard cutter while taking part in an extremely hands-on and valuable adventure!
Sleepover at the National Aquarium (Dolphin/Shark) • Baltimore, MD
Spend the night with the friendly dolphins or the not-so-friendly sharks! After a fun family dinner, you will see quadruple at the 4-D immersion movie, followed by time at the interactive Dolphin or Shark Discovery Lab, depending which sleepover you sign-up for! If you dare, you can walk the catwalk where sharks will be swimming just inches under your feet. Fish around for more information here.
Port Discovery Children’s Museum Overnight Adventures • Baltimore, MD
From the sciences to the arts, there is something for every child to enjoy at this overnight visit! Kids can explore a mystery house, climb a 3-story treehouse, and explore all that the wonderful indoors of Port Discovery has to offer! Build a fun group adventure here.
Maryland Science Center Camp-In • Baltimore, MD
With fun workshops, interactive exhibits, and even an IMAX movie, the adventure will be non-stop. The Maryland Science Center camp-in runs Friday and Saturday nights from January through May. More information is right at your fingertips here.
Disclaimer: Events and opportunities on this site are curated from public sources and subject to changes/cancelations that might not be reflected in DullesMoms.com’s content.
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