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An Unforgettable Experience

Grab family members, friends, scouts, neighbors … whoever you’d like to join you for an activity-packed overnight adventure! Camp-Ins offer the chance to spend the night at the Science Museum. Campers get the whole building to themselves for special activities, exhibition access, films in The Dome and more.

For decades, the Science Museum has offered a variety of Camps-Ins. By providing hands-on access to STEM discovery, they offer a unique opportunity that's engaging, fun and truly memorable.

  • Public Camp-Ins are open to families and small groups. These events invite guests who have no connection to each other to attend an event together. The Science Museum offers 2–4 public Camp-Ins each year on preselected dates.
  • Private Camp-Ins are open to a single, large group, such as a Girl/Boy Scout troop, church youth group or community youth program. These events are scheduled based on the group's date preference (if available). No other guests are in the Science Museum at the time of the Camp-In.
  • Public Camp-Outs offer the same engaging experience as a public Camp-In, except guests sleep outside behind the building on the Science Museum's campus. Camp-Outs are typically offered once a year.

For specific details, keep scrolling. We've got the answers to all your overnight camp questions below!

Options Available

  • Public Camp-In/Camp-Out

    What's Included

    • Access to exhibitions, makerspace and labs
    • Live science demos, interactive activities and/or presentations by science experts
    • Giant screen film or astronomy show in The Dome
    • Evening snack
    • Continental breakfast

    Pricing

    • $55/guest for members
    • $65/guest for non-members

    Please note: some Camp-Ins have a special registration price when a sponsor has helped supplement a portion of the admission. Please check the specific event details for the camp you are interested in attending.

    Camp-In/Camp-Out Details

    • Activities take place from 6 p.m.–9 a.m.
    • Campers of all ages are welcome. All campers should be comfortable spending the night at the Science Museum. Please note: Age ranges may vary for certain sponsored events. Please check the specific event details for the camp you are interested in attending.
    • All campers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a chaperone.
    • There are no minimum or maximum group sizes. We require one chaperone for every four campers. Both campers and chaperones should register and spend the night.
    • Pre-registration is required. No tickets will be sold at the event.
    • Public Camp-Ins/Out usually have 120–150 spots available.
  • Private Camp-In

    What's Included

    • Access to exhibitions, makerspace and labs
    • Live science demos, interactive activities and/or presentations by science experts
    • Giant screen film or astronomy show in The Dome
    • Evening snack
    • Continental breakfast
    • Opportunities for additional customized programming, e.g. scout badge requirements (may incur additional cost)

    Pricing

    • $65/guest

    Camp-In Details

    • Camp-Ins take place from 6 p.m.–9 a.m.
    • Camp-In content is geared toward campers ages 7–12. Campers must be at least 5 years old to attend. All campers should be comfortable spending the night at the Science Museum.
    • All campers under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a chaperone.
    • We require one chaperone for every four campers. Both campers and chaperones should spend the night.
    • All reservations must be managed by the group leader.
    • Private Camp-Ins must have a minimum of 50 participants.
  • Upcoming Opportunities

    Mark your calendars for our upcoming Camp-In and Camp-Out dates!

    • Families in Medicine October 10–11: A heart health-themed Camp-In sponsored by Haleon. $15 flat fee for all.
    • Girls in Science November 15–16: A plant-themed Camp-In for middle school girls (11–14 years old) sponsored by DuPont. $15 flat fee for all.
    • Curiosity Camp-In March 7–8: An activity-packed overnight adventure. Perfect for campers of all ages that are comfortable spending the night at the museum. $55 members/$65 non-members.
    • Curiosity Camp-Out May 16–17: An activity packed overnight adventure outside behind the Science Museum. $55 members/$65 non-members.

    Stay in the know! Sign up for our newsletter to secure your spot when registration opens.

Five children standing in front of a wall with tools hanging on it, smiling excitedly.

What is Everyone Saying?

We had a lovely experience that filled our curiosity. Everything is clean and well organized, not too crowded, with lots of information for all ages and all fields. I recommend it for all ages, and definitely allocate a full day if you want to cover everything. They have free parking, restrooms and cafe.

Neno N., Google
Sept. 2, 2024

This is by far the best science center I have ever been to. The kids had so much fun playing around and learning. We traveled two hours to get here and it was well worth the trip.

Aubrey E., Google

The Science Museum is amazing.

Mark W., Google
Sept. 4, 2024

Great place to spend a morning with family. Fun and interactive exhibits.

Beth L., Google
Sept. 3, 2024