Night at the Museum :: Sleepover Basics :: Registration & Rules
NC Museum of Natural Sciences
Nature Exploration Center
11 W. Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
Where to Park: Parking is available in several public decks and lots within walking distance of the Museum.
MAP AND DIRECTIONS
- Check-in begins at 5:30pm and closes at 7:30pm. No entry will be permitted after 7:30pm.
- Lights Out is at 11:00pm. Lights On is at 7:00am. Please respect Quiet Time between 11:00pm and 7:00am.
- Quiet Time in the early-to-bed zone will begin at 9:00pm.
- Adults without children may request the kid-free adults zone as their preferred sleeping area.
- All belongings must be cleared from the Museum by 9:00am.
- Guests are encouraged to continue exploring all of the Museum’s wonders when we open to the public at 9:00am.
- Guests who wish to purchase souvenirs may shop in the Museum Stores starting at 9:00am.
What to Bring:
- Sleeping bag, pillow, and sleeping pad
- Air mattresses are permitted; however, access to outlets is regulated by the Museum, and guests are responsible for bringing their own pumps.
- Pajamas and toiletries. (Note: Restrooms are limited. Please expect to share sink space.)
- Water bottle
- Flashlight
- Ear plugs (optional)
Where to Sleep: Guests will sleep either in our Coastal North Carolina Hall on the 1st floor or in our Mountain Cove, Mountains to Sea Overlook, Tropical Connections, “Early-to-bed Zone,” or T. rex “Kid-free Adults Zone” on the 3rd floor. Make sure to indicate your preferred sleeping area when prompted during checkout. Prompt arrival is recommended for guests wishing to secure a specific location within these areas. Learn more about the permanent exhibits and where you’ll be sleeping.
An upgraded sleeping experience in our “Terror of the South” exhibition (nicknamed “The Acro Dome,” pictured above) is also available for a premium fee and can be purchased at the time of booking. Space is very limited, and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Tickets for the Acro Dome include one “Terror of the South” backpack.
Update: The Acro Dome (as of Oct. 10), Mountain Cove (as of Oct. 29), Early-to-bed Zone (as of Nov. 1) and Mountains to Sea (as of Nov. 6) sleep areas are full. Please select from the remaining options:
- Coastal NC
- Tropical Connections/Snakes of NC (limited availability)
- Kid-free Adults Zone (Adults only, 18+ years old)
Where to Eat: Dinner will be provided between 6:30–7:30pm on Friday evening. A continental breakfast will be available between 7:00–8:00am in the Acro Café the next morning. Guests with food allergies or dietary restrictions should contact catherine.perkins@naturalsciences.org before booking with us.