Dino Snores for Kids

Image of wo children surrounded by purple dinosaur illustration and 'Dino Snores for Kids' wording in coral

Fun for the whole family

This unique sleepover gives kids aged 7 to 11 the chance to explore the Museum after dark while taking part in fun and educational activities.

Adult: £80, Child: £80, Member: £72
Includes breakfast

Find out about our VIP experience below

Have you ever wanted to have a sleepover with a giraffe? Or spend the night camped beneath a blue whale?

Join us for a night of exploration and adventure among the Museum's most incredible creatures. This will be a sleepover you'll never forget.

After setting up camp in one of our amazing galleries you'll be treated to an evening of awesome activities with plenty to learn and discover along the way.

You'll have the chance to:

  • explore the Museum by torchlight
  • get creative with a dinosaur t-shirt workshop
  • dig deeper with an educational science show presented by a Museum scientist

At midnight, it's time to settle down to sleep. In the morning, breakfast is served bright and early and you'll discover incredible facts about the natural world in a trail around our iconic galleries before the Museum opens to the public at 10.00.

Event dates

Saturday 19 October                  18.30-10.00 (VIP tickets sold out)

Friday 15 November                   18.30-10.00 (VIP tickets sold out)

Saturday 21 December               18.30-10.00 (VIP tickets sold out)

  • VIP (Very Important Palaeontologists)

    Get the VIP treatment at Dino Snores for Kids with our new Camp Stegosaurus experience.

    Along with the Dino Snores for Kids evening activities, VIP tickets include:

    • a camp bed in a special camping area around Sophie the Stegosaurus
    • a free gift on arrival (one per child in the group)
    • a pre-packed snack lunch box for the evening snack break
    • a cooked breakfast
    • an animal handling show in the morning

    Please bring your own sleeping bag and pillow.

    Ticket prices

    Adult: £130
    Child: £130
    Member: £117

    Schedule for the event

    You will be taking part in the evening activities with other guests not booked onto VIP. You will be sleeping in a separate area of the Museum and will have your own exclusive morning activity.

    Evening

    18.45 Doors open / set up camp
    19.35 Welcome briefing
    19.50 Activity
    20.35 Snack break
    21.20 Activity
    22.10 Activity
    22.50 Get ready for bed
    23:10 Bedtime story in Hintze Hall
    23:30 Lights out

    Morning

    07.00 Wake-up and pack-up
    07.15 Breakfast
    08.00 Animal Handling show (you will also have the opportunity to do the morning rise and find trail with the other guests once the show finishes.)
    09:15 Gather in Hintze Hall
    09.30 Event ends, Cloakroom opens. Collect your bags and belongings.
    10:00 The Museum opens to the public. You are welcome to stay in the Museum as long as you wish.

    Please note that this schedule is subject to change.

  • Group bookings

    If you wish to make a group booking for a school or scout groups, please download and send a group bookings Order Form to dino-snores@nhm.ac.uk.

    A member of the team will confirm your reservation and issue an invoice for payment. We do not offer a separate price for group bookings. Prices are as standard for the event.

    Please note that we cannot reserve tickets until the Dino Snores team have received the completed form and reservations are subject to availability at the time the form is received. These events sell out very quickly so we recommend returning the form as soon as possible. Please also read our group booking terms and conditions.

    All group bookings must adhere to our adult:child ratios. Adults within the group are responsible for the supervision of the children at all times and must be aged 18+. All children must be aged 7-11 as per our age restrictions for the event.

    If you have completed and sent your order form to the Dino Snores team then please see our risk assessment information to help you write your risk assessment for your visit.

  • Important information

    This event is for children aged seven to 11.

    Bookings are required. No refunds will be given.

    The event will begin at 18.45 and we cannot allow entry after 20.00.

    There are no events planned for November 2023.

    Please read the Dino Snores for Kids FAQ before booking to ensure you get the most out of the event.

    The consumption of alcohol is strictly forbidden at Dino Snores for Kids. We reserve the right to search your bags and test your liquids and confiscate any alcohol. In extreme circumstances, anyone behaving inappropriately, for alcohol-related reasons or otherwise, may be ejected from the event at the discretion of the Event Manager and security team.

    In some activities, the activity leader may request volunteers. We cannot guarantee that everyone who volunteers will be selected.

    Guests will be divided into teams for the activities. Sleeping areas are different for each team and we cannot guarantee where you will be sleeping in advance.

    You may change your booking to an alternative Dino Snores for Kids date as long as you inform us at least 30 days before the date of your original booking. Alternative dates are subject to availability and must take place within one year of your original booking. A £10 administration will be charged for each changed ticket.

    All groups, including school and youth groups, must pay by card or invoice in advance of the event. We are unable to reserve tickets until full payment has been received.

    Please note that we cannot guarantee that you will be able to regain entry if you choose to leave the premises on the night of the event. 

    Carer tickets are available on request, subject to availability. If your child has any access needs or a disability that requires additional support, please do email dino-snores@nhm.ac.uk to discuss.

    The Museum reserves the right to make any necessary changes to the event as required, such as adjusting the locations, timing or content of the activities. This is to ensure that we deliver a safe and excellent experience for all guests at all times.

    The Natural History Museum does not recommend parking on Princes Gardens or Prince Consort Road due to recent criminal activity. All parking is at the vehicle-owners own risk.

    Ticket prices are subject to change.

    Contact us

    For large groups and special assistance please phone +44 (0)20 7942 5725.

    Got a question? Call us on +44 (0)20 7942 5000, Monday to Friday, 9.00 - 17.00 or email us at any time.

Priority booking for members opens at 12 on Monday 14 October

Tickets will go on general sale at 12 on Monday 20 October

Discount member tickets

Members can purchase discount tickets for this event. Please bring your membership card with you to the event. Not a member?

Join today from just £62 per year.

If you are looking for a mixed-age sleepover, for children aged 7 to 17, look at our Dino Snores Special!

Our Dino Snores for Kids special is back and this year we’re celebrating birds! Soar through the night with a jam-packed programme all about our feathered friends.

18.30 Saturday 5 October to 10.00 Sunday 6 October

Non-member: Standard £100, VIP £150
Member: Standard £90, VIP £135

  • Standard and VIP frequently asked questions

    What age group is this event appropriate for?

    Dino Snores for Kids is for children aged 7-11. Guests must be aged 7 to 11 on the night of the sleepover.

    Why is there a minimum age?

    This event and its activities are designed for children aged 7-11. We want to ensure that all guests are able to enjoy the event, so it is for everyone's benefit we ask visitors to keep to this age range.

    Please do not purchase tickets for children outside of this age range, as we are unable to allow entry to the event or offer refunds.

    What do I have to bring?

    Everyone must bring a sleeping bag, toothbrush, evening snack and some clothes to sleep in (we recommend arriving in clothes you can sleep in to minimise luggage).

    For VIP tickets, a standard single camp bed is provided for you to sleep on - please get in touch if you require dimensions.

    Overnight clothes must be suitable for standing outside in the unlikely event of an evacuation.

    Shoes must be worn at all times in the Museum for health and safety reasons, apart from when you are sleeping.

    We advise you to bring a bottle of water, a pillow, ear plugs and eye shades for sleeping as some lighting remains on overnight.

    We provide thin foam sleeping mats but you may bring your own if you prefer. For health and safety reasons, we cannot allow any inflatable mats or mattresses over two inches thick. If you need to bring a specific sleeping mat for medical reasons, please let us know upon booking so we can ensure it meets our health and safety requirements.

    We strongly recommend that you do not bring things that are of financial or sentimental value. The Museum takes no responsibility for loss of or damage to any items belonging to visitors.

    You are not allowed to plug any electrical items into the Museum's sockets during the event, so please bring a portable mobile charging bank if needed. Please get in touch if you require access to power or refrigeration for medical reasons.

     Please bear the weather in mind and bring layers according to the season. The temperature can fluctuate in the Museum.

    Equipment is shared between visitors for some activities. There is an additional kit-list available on request for those who would prefer to bring their own equipment with them. Please contact dino-snores@nhm.ac.uk for more information.

    Do we need to bring food?

    We recommend that you eat a meal before arriving and bring a small snack for later in the evening.

    For VIPs an evening snack will be provided as part of the experience. This consists of a ham or cheese sandwich, juice, a piece of fruit and a packet of popcorn. 

    We do not provide cutlery or plates for eating. Please ensure that you do not bring knives that are sharp or lockable, have blades over three inches or multi-tool knives, as these will be confiscated. A butter knife with a blade of 3 inches or less or plastic cutlery is acceptable.

    Please bring your own coffee sachets and tea bags as part of your snack. Hot water will be provided during the evening snack break for you to make your own tea and coffee.

    As a Museum we are working hard to increase our sustainability, therefore please bring your own re-useable cup as we will not be providing cups or mugs.

    Milk and a small selection of milk alternatives will be provided.

    On arrival, your snacks will be taken to the eating areas, so please store all food for your group in one bag, separate from your other belongings. No food is allowed in the galleries.

    In the morning, we provide a hot breakfast of a bacon or a sausage roll plus tea and coffee. Vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options are also available.

    VIPs will receive an additional piece of fruit, juice and tea or coffee. 

    The main café will also open at 8.30am on Sunday morning. We cannot guarantee that our breakfast will be nut, gluten or dairy free.

    If you or your children cannot eat the breakfast provided, please advise when booking and bring your own breakfast with you. Please ensure that these food items won't need overnight refrigeration. We will collect these items along with your other food on arrival and keep them safe until you need them. Please ensure that you collect your breakfast items in the morning before the breakfast break by asking a member of staff.

    We cannot guarantee a nut-free environment. If you or any of the children in your group have any allergies you are concerned about, please confirm this when booking.

    How many adults are required to attend?

    The number of adults required for each group of children are as follows:

    for 1-2 children, 1 adult required

    for 3-4 children, 2 adults required

    for 5-12 children, 3 adults required

    for 13-20 children, 4 adults are required

    for 21-28 children, 5 adults are required

    for 29-36 children, 6 adults are required

    Adults will sleep in the same area as the children in their group. Accompanying adults must be at least 18 years old and show ID upon arrival. One adult in each group will also be asked for their mobile phone number in case we need to contact you during the event.

    Can I add people to my group?

    The VIP experience has a strict capacity and there are a limited number of VIP tickets for each event.

    For standard tickets, you can add children or adults to your booking if tickets are still available, but if the event is sold out this will not be possible. Please book early to avoid disappointment.

    Are any consent forms required for the children?

    All children who are not accompanied by their parent or legal guardian must have written consent in the form of a completed survey. The survey will be emailed to ticket holders prior to the event.

    Children without a parental consent form will not be allowed to attend the event.

    How do we get to the Museum?

    You can find directions on our Getting Here page.

    What time do I need to arrive and which entrance should I use?

    Groups must arrive at the Museum's Queen's Gate entrance by 18.45.

    For VIP tickets you must arrive at the Museum's Exhibition Road entrance by 18.45.

    You will receive further details about the event by email after booking.

    Can parents and guardians wait inside until their child is registered?

    If you are dropping off a child but not staying for the evening, you can come to the Queen's Gate entrance, but you will not be allowed to enter the Museum.

    What if I'm running late?

    If you think that you may not get here on time please email us.

    Please be aware that you may miss some of the activities if you arrive late. We cannot allow entry into the event after 20.00, and no refunds will be given.

    What is the schedule for the event?

    Evening

    18.30 Doors open / set up camp

    19.35 Welcome briefing 

    19.50 Activity

    20.35 Snack break

    21.20 Activity

    22.10 Activity

    22.50 Get ready for bed

    23:10 Bedtime story in Hintze Hall

    23:30 Lights out

    Morning

    07.00 Wake-up and pack-up

    07.15 Breakfast

    08.00 Activity

    09:15 Gather in Hintze Hall

    09.30 Event ends, Cloakroom opens. Collect your bags and belongings.

    10:00 The Museum opens to the public. You are welcome to stay in the Museum as long as you wish.

    Please note that this schedule is subject to change.

    Where will I sleep?

    Guests will sleep in Hintze Hall, on the ground floor and the first floor.

    VIPs will be sleeping in Earth Hall.

    The Events team will assign guests to a team and activity schedule. Sleeping areas are different for each team and we cannot guarantee where you will be sleeping in advance nor can we change your location on the night. If you require special assistance related to where you sleep, please inform us upon booking.

    Are the sleeping areas organised by gender?

    No, the sleeping areas will not be organised by gender - sleeping will be mixed.

    Event and security staff are on hand throughout the night to ensure everyone's safety and comfort. CCTV is in operation throughout the Museum.

    Is there a cloakroom?

    There is no cloakroom available during the event and your belongings will be kept in the sleeping areas. You can leave your luggage in the cloakrooms during the day before the event where they are available as usual when the Museum is open to the public between 10.00-17.30. However, you will need to remove all of your belongings by 17.30 and regular rates will apply.

    The morning after the event, should you wish to stay on at the Museum after it opens to the public, you will be able to drop your belongings off at a cloakroom.

    What hygiene facilities are available?

    Toilets are available for washing, teeth cleaning and changing however there are no showers available.

    What are the adults' responsibilities?

    Adults are responsible for supervising their group's behaviour throughout the event. This will ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable evening.

    Responsibilities include following the team leader's directions, keeping your group together and under control at all times, and making sure your group does not disturb those who are sleeping.

    Can the adults bring alcohol?

    The consumption of alcohol is strictly forbidden at Dino Snores for Kids. If our staff suspect you have been consuming alcohol, our Events Manager has the right to search your bags and test your liquids. If you are caught with alcohol your party will be removed from the event immediately.

    In extreme circumstances, anyone behaving inappropriately, for alcohol-related reasons or otherwise, may be ejected from the event at the discretion of the Event Manager and security team.

    What if one of my group falls ill?

    We have first-aiders available to assist.

    Is this event suitable for children with access requirements or disabilities?

    Yes. Dino Snores for Kids encourages participation from children with disabilities and aims to be inclusive and welcoming for all children.

    We will do all we can to ensure additional needs are met and reasonable adjustments are made wherever possible. Please be aware it is the responsibility of the accompanying adult to ensure that the event environment is suitable for any child in their care. If you'd like to talk to a member of the team to learn more about whether the event would be suitable for you, please don't hesitate to get in touch. 

    If anyone in your group has additional needs, accessibility or health requirements please let us know on booking.

    What if I need to cancel or change my booking?

    We cannot offer a refund once you have purchased your ticket.

    If you need to amend a confirmed booking the following conditions apply:

    If you need to change the date of your event, we require notice of at least 30 days before the date you originally booked.

    There is a £10 admin charge per ticket for moving your Dino Snores tickets. All ticket transfers are subject to availability and are at the manager's discretion.

    You can only move your booking to an event that is within one year of the date of your original event. After this point we cannot move your ticket. Any children on the booking must still fall within the required age bracket of 7-11 years old.

    You can add children or adults to your booking if tickets are still available (so long as you still comply with our group size requirements), but if the event is sold out this will not be possible. Please book early to avoid disappointment.

    If you are collecting ticket fees from a large group, please keep these booking terms in mind and allow enough time to tell us about any changes in numbers.

    We are unable to confirm a booking until full payment has been received.

    Group invoices are payable within 30 days before the event. There is a £10 fee per ticket cancelled if the invoice is reduced from the original request. No changes will be accepted later than 30 days before the event.

    My friends have booked standard tickets but I have VIP tickets, can we be in the same activities?

    The VIP group will merge with one of our six dinosaur teams through the event for activities. If you have friends attending with standard tickets, please contact us with their booking reference numbers and we can ensure you are placed together.

    What if I have to leave early in the morning?

    The Museum exits are closed between 23.00 and 7.00 and it is not possible to leave between these times except in an emergency. We do not advise leaving early (as you will miss some of the fun), but if you wish to leave between 7.00 and 9.15 in the morning, please let us know when you book and we will do our best to accommodate you.

    Can groups of adults book Dino Snores or is it just for children?

    Dino Snores for Kids sleepovers are for children aged 7-11. Adults interested in sleeping over at the Museum should book tickets for Dino Snores for Grown-ups.

    Who can I contact if I have more questions?

    If you have more questions about the event please contact the Visitor Events team by email on dino-snores@nhm.ac.uk.