Forget your average slumber party—these overnight adventures take things to a whole new level. From snoozing alongside sharks to bunking down on a real battleship, these are the kinds of experiences your kids will talk about for years. We rounded up the most unique spots in New Jersey and New York where families can explore after dark.
Adventure Aquarium
During Shark in the Dark Overnights, you’ll spend the night checking out the amazing sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, and different fish that live in the Ocean Realm. You’ll sleep very close to the aquarium exhibits. Come morning, you’ll see the hippos and climb over the Shark Bridge. Open to kids 6-12.
Adventure Aquarium
1 Riverside Dr., Camden
856-361-1018
Battleship New Jersey
This giant floating museum enlists pint-sized sailors (and their parents) for “active duty” aboard the decommissioned World War II ship. During the Overnight Encampment Program, kids stow their belongings in lockers, eat in the mess hall, take a tour, and then sleep in bunks, just like the real sailors did. When you aren’t snoozing, you can explore the turrets, climb up and down the ship’s original ladders, and have the chance to fire a saluting gun. Open to kids ages 5-18.
Battleship New Jersey
62 Battleship Place, Camden
866-877-6262, ext. 203
New York
American Museum of Natural History
Just like the kids in the movie, your lucky brood can explore NYC’s natural history museum after dark with only a flashlight (and a guide) to find their way during A Night at the Museum: The Overnight Experience. Witness live animal exhibitions and explore the hallowed halls of the museum. End the night sleeping in the Hall of Ocean Life under the largest mammal on earth, a 94-foot-long giant blue whale. Open to kids ages 6-12.
American Museum of Natural History
Central Park West at 79th St., New York, NY
212-769-5200
The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine
Nightwatch takes place inside the world’s largest Gothic cathedral, focusing on enhancing your spiritual connection to God through community building, workshops, interactive activities, candlelight meditation, music, writing, and a labyrinth walk. You’ll catch some Zzzs in the undercroft of the cathedral. Open to teens.
The Cathedral of Saint John the Divine
1047 Amsterdam Ave., New York, NY
212-932-7301
Intrepid Museum
Sleep on cots aboard this retired aircraft carrier in the shadow of the huge space shuttle, on the flight deck or elsewhere on the ship during Overnights at the Intrepid. Spend your evening on a flashlight tour of the deck or take a ride in a flight simulator. You can explore the new game room and VR experience. Or, spend time making slime, playing with robots, or competing in the rain gutter regatta (bring your own boat). Open to kids ages 5-17.
Intrepid Museum
Pier 86, W. 46th St. and 12th Ave., New York, NY
646-381-5010
Jennifer Amato contributed to this story.
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