Aquarium Sleepover

During a sleepover at the National Aquarium, guests explore the Aquarium after dark with tours of special behind-the-scenes spaces, a show in our 4D Immersion Theater, and more!

  • Duration

    Overnight

  • Occurs

    Fridays & Saturdays

  • Price

    $125 Per Person

  • Ages

    8 and Up

  • Start Location

    Staff Entrance

Overview

Discover the Aquarium after dark in an unforgettable overnight adventure! With access to behind-the-scenes areas and an expert guide to show you the way, guests will explore the hidden treasures of the National Aquarium, from our hands-on Living Seashore exhibit to the shark catwalk, where our largest sharks swim below. Bring your sleeping bags and your sense of adventure! An evening snack will be provided, as well as a continental breakfast the next morning.

Availability

Sleepover tours occur weekly and take place from 6:30 pm on Fridays to 9 am on Saturdays.

To book your tour, please call Central Reservations at 410-659-4269 (available from 9 am to 4:30 pm, seven days a week).

Members

Member Price: $95 per person

To book your tour, please call Central Reservations at 410-659-4269 (available from 9 am to 4:30 pm, seven days a week).

Important

  • Sleepover tours are subject to minimum participation requirements. If a tour does not meet minimum participation requirements, the tour will be canceled and guests will be refunded.
  • Prior to your tour, please review the National Aquarium's most up-to-date health and safety information.

Before You Go

Everything you need to know before your Aquarium Sleepover!

Before your tour, please review the following important information:

  • Wear closed-toe, non-slip shoes.
  • Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of your tour. Check in at our Staff Entrance, just around the corner from the Aquarium's Main Entrance and across from the USS Torsk submarine.
  • You'll be asked to sign a waiver when you get here—save time by bringing a signed copy for each member of your group.
  • Learn more about discounted parking at our partner garages. Bring your parking ticket to the Aquarium to have it validated before leaving.
  • When booking your tour, please notify Central Reservations of any guests with special needs.
  • Your sleepover program ends at 9 am, but your ticket is good for a full day of exploration! With a hand stamp, you can leave to stow your gear in your car and return to the Aquarium the same day.
  • You'll be camping on the floor, so bring a sleeping bag! Sleeping pads and pillows are optional; air mattresses smaller than twin-size are allowed, but due to limited space, we encourage guests not to bring them. Air mattresses larger than twin size and cots of any size are prohibited.
  • Comfortable clothes and non-slip, closed-toed shoes
  • Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, medications, etc.)
  • Sleepovers are coed; please be sure to bring appropriate sleepwear
  • Emergency contact information
  • Reusable water bottle

All participants must be at least 8 years of age to participate in this program. All guests under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a paying adult. Participants under the age of 18 must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian in order to attend. Refunds will not be given for participants who do not meet the age requirements.

Tickets are non-transferable and non-refundable, including if you miss your tour due to late arrival. If the Aquarium cancels your program, you'll have the option to reschedule or receive a full refund.

To ensure that your tour hasn't been canceled due to unforeseen circumstances such as animal health or inclement weather, please call 410-576-8822 the day of your program for cancellation information.

All aspects of this tour are subject to availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question about your Aquarium Sleepover? We've probably answered it here!

Yes! You'll visit behind-the-scenes areas during your tour.

A paid parent or guardian must accompany all participants under the age of 16. Minors 16 years of age or older may participate with a signed waiver, from a parent or guardian. Parents or guardians accompanying children must be at least 18 years old. For example, a 17-year-old may attend a tour with a signed waiver, but their 10-year-old sibling may not accompany them without an adult.

Yes! Your sleepover tour will include a visit to Living Seashore, our interactive touchpool exhibit, where you'll be able to touch skates, jellies, horseshoe crabs and more. Please be advised that our exhibits are periodically closed for maintenance and unforeseen circumstances; if Living Seashore is scheduled to be closed during your tour, your tour guide will notify you beforehand.

You'll be traveling behind the scenes, so closed-toe, non-slip shoes are required. That means no Crocs, sandals, flip-flops or high heels. We recommend wearing comfortable clothing, as you'll be traveling around the Aquarium. Sleepovers are coed; be sure to bring appropriate and comfortable sleep attire.

Yes. You're free to explore the Aquarium during our regular hours before or after your sleepover.

  • You'll be camping on the floor, so bring a sleeping bag! Sleeping pads, pillows and foam or air mattresses are optional, but due to limited space, we encourage guests not to bring air mattresses. Air mattresses larger than twin size and cots of any size are prohibited.
  • You'll be spending the night, so bring toiletries and personal articles, such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, washcloth, facial soaps, medications and sleepwear suitable for a coed group.
  • Remember that closed-toe, non-slip shoes are required. That means no Crocs, sandals, flip-flops or high heels.
  • You may also want to bring money if you plan to visit the Aquarium's gift shop. Please note that shopping time is not included in the schedule. We recommend arriving early, or planning to re-enter the Aquarium after your sleepover is over, if your group would like to visit the gift shop.

When you arrive for your sleepover, please plan to park at the Parkway Lockwood Place Garage (124 Market Place Baltimore, MD 21202) located directly across the street from the National Aquarium. Remember to bring your parking ticket to check-in. Your sleepover guide will provide you with a chaser ticket to use upon exiting the garage with a flat rate of $8. To receive this discount, you must exit the garage prior to 12 pm following your sleepover.

No. We will not be able to store your gear prior to your scheduled check-in time or following your sleepover, so be sure to store your gear in the car if you plan to explore the Aquarium!

Yes. Our sleepovers are best described as indoor camping experiences and are open to any and all groups, so they may be coed. If your group wishes to have a private sleeping area, please let your sleepover guide know during check-in. We will do our best to accommodate the needs of each group, but we cannot guarantee that a private sleeping area will always be available.

Yes! An evening snack will be provided, as well as a continental breakfast in the morning. If a member of your group has special dietary needs, please contact us at 410-576-8822 and someone will be in contact regarding options for you or your group.

All visiting scout groups receive a National Aquarium patch; however, this patch is not an official scout badge.

Yes! We require at least one adult (18 years or older) for every seven children under the age 16.

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