Museum & Zoo Sleepovers for Chicago Kids

These unique overnights welcome kids to explore Chicago's best museums, zoos and other special spots in a whole new way. Keep them in mind for an epic birthday celebration, scout troop or sports team bonding event, or an amazing experience gift for the family.

If your family has attended a zoo, aquarium or museum sleepover near Chicago, please chime in with your review and let us all know how it was. Sharing your experience will help fellow parents trying to decide which ones are worth it.

Check each event's website link for more details about upcoming dates, costs and logistics.


 

    Museum of Science and Industry - Science Snoozeum

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     (757.0 mi)

    Spend the evening exploring the Museum, take part in a scavenger hunt and other science activities, take a Coal Mine or U-505 tour, catch a big-screen adventure in the Giant Dome Theater, then curl up next to an iconic exhibit. The Museum is yours for the night!

    Dozin' with the Dinos at The Field Museum

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     (760.9 mi)

    Stay up late with scientists as the Field Museum comes to life in games, challenges, and stories throughout the night. Will you dissect owl pellets and identify animal tracks to become the next great wildlife detective? Or, will you embark on a paleontologist’s expedition to uncover and identify fossils? Take on these adventures and more with one of the Field Museum’s dinosaurs as your guide. Then, grab your flashlight and explore the halls as the lights go out. This is a night at the museum you won’t forget!

    Shedd Aquarium - Asleep with the Fishes

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     (761.0 mi)

    All overnights include animal and science activities, an animal spotlight, animal encounters, aquatic crafts, a scavenger hunt, and a Caribbean Reef feeding dive. Guests will also be free to explore any open exhibit spaces throughout the evening.

    Lincoln Park Zoo - Campout at the Zoo

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     (763.1 mi)

    The night begins with pitching tents and prepping your campsite. Then visit some of the zoo animals, explore animal activity stations, and enjoy a campfire and s’mores. Spend time relaxing at your campsite before you—and the rest of the zoo—turn in for the night. Wake up to the calls of gibbons and flamingos and grab some breakfast before taking a leisurely morning hike.

    Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum - Bunking with the Butterflies

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     (763.1 mi)

    Time

    Private overnights only

    Spend an unforgettable night at the Nature Museum! Meet live animals and participate in nature and science-inspired activities during this memorable event. Book a private Bunking with the Butterflies overnight for your scout, school, community organization, or family group!

Primary photo:   Caroline Hernandez on Unsplash

Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.

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