Inspired by the Night at the Museum films, some of the UKs most iconic museums are offering a unique opportunity to experience the museum after dark with unique museum sleepovers.
These magical family sleepovers combine the perfect mix of education, entertainment and mystery, providing a truly unforgettable overnight adventure for both kids and parents alike.
Spend the night surrounded by history, science and culture. Explore hands-on experiences, after hours activities, torch lit tours, interactive storytelling, creative workshops and more. Then turn in for the night and sleeping among the exhibits.
Are you ready to experience a night at the museum where history really does come to life after dark? Below are some of the UKs top museum sleepovers where you can sleep amongst dinosaurs, ancient mummies or breath-taking spacecrafts.
Dino Snores at the Natural History Museum London
A unique family adventure, suitable for kids aged 7 to 11 years old. Explore the museum by torchlight, enjoy an educational science show, take part in an activity with Victorian palaeontologists and sleep amongst the museum’s incredible creatures. Find out more.
Young Friends Sleepovers at the British Museum, London
This magical historical sleepover enables you to learn more about museum exhibits. Take part in craft workshops and enjoy a range of activities and games. And when it’s time for bed you will camp down in the Egyptian, Assyrian or Greek galleries. Suitable for children aged 8 to 15 years old. Find out more.
Astronights at the Science Museum, London
A space themed sleepover, suitable for children aged 7 to 11 years. Enjoy space themes workshops, shows and fun science activities. You will also get access to the museum’s IMAX and wonderlab the next morning before opening to the public. Find out more.
Sleepovers at National Space Centre, Leicester
Explore the National Space Centre’s galleries. Enjoy the astronaut planetarium show and live experiment shows and take part in space themed activities, before heading off to sleep amongst the fascinating space craft. Suitable for children aged 6 to 16 years. Find out more.
Knightzzz at the Museum, Colchester Castle
This is an annual event, suitable for children aged 5 and over. Taking place in October 2025, you can join the castle team for a fun overnight adventure where you can meet historical characters, take part in fun activities and a tour of the castle and enjoy late night hot chocolate. Find out more.
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In addition to iconic museums, many popular UK family attractions are also hosting unforgettable sleepover experiences. These magical events include guided tours, interactive workshops and exclusive access after-hours, providing a night full of adventure and wonder.
London Zoo Lodges
Available on select nights throughout the year, this is an unforgettable experience for animal lovers, suitable for children aged 5 to 13 years. Including after-hours and behind the scenes tours, 2 full days access to the zoo and a meet and greet with a zoo keeper. You will stay a purpose built private lodge, where you can fall asleep to the sounds of lions roaring. Find out more.
Sleeping with Sharks at The Aquarium, Plymouth
This Sleeping with Sharks event is suitable for children aged 5 to 12 years. It provides a unique opportunity to learn about ocean conservation and how to preserve the marine environment. The sleepover includes educational insights, an exploration of the aquarium and the chance to see amazing creature up close before falling asleep in front of the Eddystone Reef Tank, that contain sharks, crabs, lobsters and eels. Find out more.
The Deep Aquarium, Hull
Discover The Deep after Dark with sleepover events for groups, schools and exclusive families. Enjoy guided tours, craft activities and a pizza supper before falling asleep next to sharks, rays and turtles. Find out more.
Please note that information in this article was correct at the time of writing and dates, prices and availability can change.