You Can Spend the Night With Dinosaurs at Chicago's Field Museum This Friday
CHICAGO— What if your next family sleepover happened inside a museum, surrounded by dinosaur fossils instead of bedroom walls?
Chicago's Field Museum is hosting Dozin' with the Dinos on Friday, November 6, 2026, giving families the chance to explore the museum after hours, participate in science activities and spend the night inside its exhibition halls.
The overnight experience runs from 6 p.m. Friday through 9 a.m. Saturday, with standard admission starting at $95 for nonmembers.
Designed for children ages 6 to 12 and their accompanying adults, the event offers a different way to experience one of Chicago's most recognizable Museum Campus attractions.
What Happens During Dozin' with the Dinos?
Once the museum closes to regular visitors, families get to experience its exhibits in a completely different setting.
The evening includes interactive science activities, games, challenges and opportunities to learn about natural history with museum educators and scientists.
Participants can explore topics such as:
Fossil discoveries: Learn how fossils form and what paleontologists can uncover from ancient remains.
Wildlife mysteries: Investigate animal tracks and examine clues from the natural world.
Hands-on science: Participate in activities such as owl pellet investigations.
After-dark exploration: Use flashlights to discover museum galleries after the lights go down.
The November 6 sleepover also includes admission to the Pokémon Fossil Museum, with timed entry assigned to registered participants before the event.
After the activities, families settle into designated sleeping areas inside the museum.
Depending on the ticket package, guests may sleep in the main exhibition areas or closer to the museum's dinosaur displays.
It's an opportunity to experience the Field Museum beyond a traditional daytime visit.
How Much Are Tickets, and Are They Still Available?
The Field Museum offers several admission packages for Dozin' with the Dinos.
| Ticket Package | Member | Nonmember |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $90 | $95 |
| Premium | $110 | $120 |
| Tour | $135 | $150 |
| Ultimate SUE Sleepover | $180 | $200 |
Prices are per person.
All packages include an overnight sleeping space, an evening snack, continental breakfast, access to select ticketed exhibits, and general museum admission the following day.
Higher-tier packages offer additional experiences, including sleeping areas near dinosaur displays and, for certain packages, behind-the-scenes activities.
Registration update: As of November 4, the museum's November 6 event page lists Premium, Tour and Ultimate SUE packages as sold out. Standard ticket booking links remain available, but remaining inventory has not been independently confirmed.
Families should check the Field Museum's official event page before making plans.
Tickets are required in advance, and sales are final.
What Families Should Know Before Going
Here are the essential details for Friday's event.
Event: Dozin' with the Dinos
Date: Friday, November 6 to Saturday, November 7, 2026
Time: 6 p.m. Friday to 9 a.m. Saturday
Location: Field Museum, 1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60605
Age Requirement: Children ages 6–12 accompanied by adults
Admission: Standard tickets start at $90 for members and $95 for nonmembers.
Registration: Official Field Museum tickets and details
Children younger than six cannot attend, and adults cannot participate without a child ages 6–12 in their party.
Because this is an actual overnight experience, families should review the museum's preparation instructions and bring appropriate sleeping supplies and personal essentials.
The museum provides an evening snack and continental breakfast, but families should plan for any additional meals they may need.
For transportation, the Field Museum is accessible through the CTA Roosevelt station and Route 146 bus, with nearby Metra Electric service at Museum Campus/11th Street.
Visitors driving should review the museum's parking instructions carefully, since regular Museum Campus parking facilities have restrictions on overnight parking.
Why Museum Campus Is One of Chicago's Best Family Destinations
Dozin' with the Dinos offers more than a memorable night at the museum. It also highlights one of the biggest lifestyle advantages of living near Chicago's South Loop.
The Field Museum sits within Museum Campus, a lakefront destination that includes several of the city's best-known cultural attractions.
Nearby destinations include:
Shedd Aquarium: Marine exhibits, animal experiences and educational programs.
Adler Planetarium: Astronomy exhibits, sky shows and views of Chicago's skyline.
Soldier Field: Major sporting events, concerts and entertainment.
Grant Park: Public green space, walking paths and connections toward Downtown Chicago.
Lakefront Trail: A popular route for walking, running and cycling along Lake Michigan.
For South Loop residents, these destinations can be part of everyday life rather than attractions reserved for occasional visits.
The neighborhood also offers condominium buildings, townhomes, restaurants, parks and convenient access to Downtown employment centers.
For families relocating to Chicago, proximity to museums, recreational spaces and public transportation can be important when comparing neighborhoods.
Events like Dozin' with the Dinos are a reminder that living near Museum Campus can mean having some of Chicago's most recognizable cultural experiences close to home.
Explore South Loop Living Beyond Museum Campus
From family outings at the Field Museum to lakefront walks and neighborhood parks, South Loop offers a combination of urban living and access to Chicago's cultural attractions.
For buyers and relocation clients, choosing the right home also means evaluating nearby amenities, transportation, housing costs and building features.
The Cory Tanzer Group at Option Premier helps buyers, sellers and renters explore properties throughout the South Loop and surrounding Downtown neighborhoods.
Considering a move to South Loop or Museum Campus? Connect with our team to compare available homes, understand the local housing market and find a property that fits your lifestyle.
Stay Connected
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