When the crowds are gone, and the doors have closed — it’s the perfect opportunity for some of the world’s most popular museums to become your child’s nighttime playground!
From presidential dreams to prehistoric scenes, Smithsonian Sleepovers (designed for kids 8-14 and their adult chaperones) transform learning into an all-night adventure. Choose your adventure:
Sleepover at the American History Museum
14th St. & Constitution Ave. NW ∙ Washington, DC
Celebrate the country’s 250th birthday with an all-American road trip at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History! Upcoming dates include:
- May 15, 2026 ∙ Girl Scouts only
- Jun 6, 2026 ∙ Girl Scouts only
- Jul 10, 2026
- Jul 24, 2026 ∙ Girl Scouts only
- Aug 5, 2026 ∙ Late night, no overnight
Families are invited to unfold a map, start the engine, and follow the road through the museum’s galleries. Along the way, step into the exhibit Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness, play I-Spy and the license plate game, make a pit stop, test your knowledge, and even run for president — all part of a memorable overnight adventure! Learn more and register.
Sleepover at the Natural History Museum
10th St. & Constitution Ave. NW ∙ Washington, DC
You’re invited to explore a world of discovery at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, where families can dive into Earth’s wonders and uncover the stories of the natural world! Upcoming dates include:
- Jul 18, 2026
- Jul 31, 2026
- Aug 14, 2026
Wander through Fossil Hall, where towering dinosaurs cast giant shadows, then explore Earth’s past and discover the ocean’s aquatic wonders. Along the way, visit pollinators, walk softly past mysterious mammals, and jump into interactive games and challenges. Kids can get hands-on with creative crafts and even learn how to eat like a T. rex while playing the Game of Survival. Learn more and register.
Disclaimer: Event details are curated from public sources and subject to change. Verify all information via the provided links before attending.
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