Family Sleepovers at Chicago Museums and Zoos

Chrissy OGorman said:  On select Fridays throughout the year, enjoy a rare opportunity to visit the Museum after dark. Participate in special activities, see a movie in the Giant Dome Theater, make your own science toys, and complete a scavenger hunt. When it's all done, sleep nose-to-nose with a 727, next to a giant heart or steps away from a toy-making factory. It's all part of the Snoozeum!

Chrissy OGorman said:  Available for families and groups with children, The Field Museum offers many nights to come out and explore! Learn about the collections from Field Museum scientists, explore amazing animals, see our Inside Ancient Egypt exhibition by flashlight, draw live subjects like researchers do, and wrap the night up by sharing stories.

Chrissy OGorman said:  Families can spend the night exploring the aquarium to learn about animals through a scavenger hunt, an aquatic presentation and our Amphibians special exhibit. Stay the night to sleep next to the fishes, or head home after the evening's activities.

Chrissy OGorman said:  Families and groups with children can enjoy an indoor overnight adventure during this unique, after-hours zoo program. The excitement features dinner, evening tours of indoor and outdoor animal exhibits and educational, zoo-themed games. Most guests opt to spend the night, unrolling their sleeping bags inside an animal house next to exhibits, while others opt for evening-only activities. Bring your own tent or rent of theirs ($15).

Shila said:  Intended for private groups, bunking with the Butterflies is a custom slumber party experience at the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum! Spend a fun-filled night participating in nature-inspired games, crafts, exploring the museum, getting up close with live animals, and being surrounded by the wonder of the Judy Istock Butterfly Haven. A snack will be provided at night & a continental breakfast will be served the next morning.

Custom overnights are available for families and groups of 40 or more people with a ratio of one adult to five children.

Private overnights only

Kelly R. said:  Find out what happens at Brookfield Zoo after the visitors have gone home for the night. There are a variety of activities and learning opportunities, including a night hike through the zoo. Guest enjoy an ice cream social before settling in for the night. The next morning, wake up to a hot breakfast buffet, a morning hike, and a visit to a zoo exhibit before the zoo opens.

Molly Weber said:  Bring your own tent and gather your family for a camp out at the Morton Arboretum. There will be snacks, activities, night hikes, and story time! In the morning you will be provided a light breakfast and the opportunity to explore the Children's Garden before it opens to the public. Feel free to pack your own snacks to bring along as well.

Kristy Pepping said:  Cosley Zoo offers overnight excursions for families. This great opportunity to spend more time with the animals also includes activities, evening snack and breakfast in the morning! Call to confirm open dates and to reserve. Note, there needs to be one adult per 10 kids.

6:30 pm - 8 am; Fridays or Saturdays

Shila said:  Choose a night and custom create a sleepover with a group. During a STEM Sleepover your group will have the entire museum to themselves! Scouts and their families can imagine, explore and discover over 200 interactive exhibits. Your STEM Sleepover includes a pizza dinner, one hour of hands-on STEM programming of your choice, late night snack, breakfast, museum exploration time & more! You'll need at least 25 kids and 25 adults to book the sleepover.

Private overnights only