International Museum Day takes place annually on 18 May and is run by the International Council of Museums. Since 1977, it has brought together museums in more than 150 countries, all celebrating the important role they play in learning, culture, and community.

Each year focuses on a different theme, with museums hosting everything from special exhibitions and talks to hands-on activities and family events.

To celebrate International Museum Day this May, we’re looking at museums that offer unforgettable sleepover experiences for children and adults. These overnight adventures engage younger visitors by turning a museum into an immersive and memorable visit, and in many cases, adults can join in the fun too.

Looking for something a little different to enjoy with your children or grandchildren? Read on to explore six museums that host these unique overnight adventures.

1. Natural History Museum, London

Located in South Kensington, London, the Natural History Museum is perhaps the most iconic in the UK, especially for children captivated by dinosaur skeletons and fossils.

The museum houses around 70 to 80 million specimens, covering everything from dinosaurs to plants and minerals.

The Natural History Museum’s overnight “Dino Snores for Kids” adventure is a must for any dino-loving child. This experience is designed for ages 7–11, with prices starting from £87 and sessions available once a month.

They’ll have the chance to explore the museum by torchlight, participate in an interactive activity with two Victorian palaeontologists, and experience an educational science show presented by a museum scientist.

If you like the sound of this and want to get in on the fun, there’s also a “Dino Snores for Grown Ups” sleepover for ages 18+. Prices start from £235, with sessions running once a month.

2. Science Museum, London

Founded in 1857, the Science Museum in London is one of the oldest science museums in the world. Its collections include everything from early medical tools to space exploration artefacts and pioneering computing technology.

It is particularly popular with families thanks to its interactive galleries and exhibits, as well as its in demand “Astronights” sleepovers.

Children can explore the museum after dark and fall asleep surrounded by its incredible wonders. Enjoy space-inspired workshops, shows, and activities, then wake up to a delicious breakfast the next morning.

“Astronights” sleepovers are for children aged 7–11 and their parents / guardians. The sleepovers run once a month and are priced from £85.

3. National Museum of Scotland

Young explorers can take in colourful sensory spaces, explore the Adventure Planet, and enjoy interactive games and dressing-up fun at the National Museum of Scotland.

Meanwhile, the museum also offers sessions to cater to a range of needs, including Relaxed Mornings, with sounds switched off to offer a quieter, calmer visit. Sensory Sundays are designed for children with additional support needs and disabilities, during which children and their families can explore the collections, get creative, and meet with other families.

The museum occasionally runs special sleepover events, where families can camp out in the Grand Gallery. These usually feature special activities, workshops, and after-hours tours of the museum. The events are typically scheduled to celebrate a particular occasion or theme, such as the museum’s 150th anniversary.

Check out the museum’s event page to find about upcoming sleepovers.

4. The Tank Museum, Dorset

Do you have a child or grandchild who is fascinated by tanks and military history? The Tank Museum has an event you will not want to miss.

Located in Dorset, The Tank Museum tells the story of tanks from their first use in World War I to the present day. The museum holds a world-class collection of over 300 armoured vehicles, many of them fully operational.

“A Night at The Tank Museum” takes place on 10 – 11 October 2026 and costs £155 per person. The experience includes a guided nighttime trenches tour, a WWII-themed dinner and breakfast, a wartime film screening, a midnight snack care package, and a range of action-packed activities.

5. Colchester Castle, Colchester

Not many people can say they’ve slept in the largest surviving Norman keep in Europe, but now you have the chance to make that claim.

Colchester Castle was built between 1069 and 1076 on the orders of William the Conqueror and is constructed on the foundations of the Roman Temple of Claudius.

“Knightzzz At The Museum” invites you to set up camp for a fun-filled adventure. Meet historical characters, enjoy a guided tour of the castle, take part in hands-on activities, and round off the evening with hot chocolate before a light breakfast in the morning.

Taking place on 29 May, the event is priced from £40 and is suitable for ages 5 and above.

6. National Museum Cardiff

Step into the past on a torch-lit tour and discover Wales as it was 200 million years ago, when dinosaurs roamed the land.

The National Museum in Cardiff is one of the main museums in Wales, and its exhibits include dinosaurs, woolly mammoths, and the evolution of Wales over 4.6 billion years.

If your child or grandchild adores dinosaurs, they’re sure to be captivated by this overnight experience. You can both enjoy a prehistoric-themed sleepover with a torch-lit dinosaur tour, live show, creative workshops, film screening, and the chance to sleep under the museum’s iconic dome or in its galleries, plus breakfast and a relaxing family yoga session to start the day.

There aren’t any dates scheduled right now, but it’s worth keeping an eye on the National Museum Cardiff’s website for announcements about the next sleepover experience.

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Please note

This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at individuals only.

All information is correct at the time of writing and is subject to change in the future.