Spend the Night at the Museum: 9 Museums and Zoos that Host Sleepovers in Orlando

Sleepover with the dinosaurs at the Orlando Science Center. Photo by Charlotte B
Sleepover with the dinosaurs at the Orlando Science Center. Photo by Charlotte B
10/13/24 - By Melanie Preis

Spend a night at the museum...literally! These Orlando museums, zoos, and attractions host fun sleepovers for kids of all ages and interests. Whether part of a school event, birthday party, or a club activity, sleepovers at Orlando attractions are fun, exciting ways to experience everyday places in a totally new way. If your child isn't ready for an overnight event, don't worry -- many of these zoos and museums feature late nights, where kids stay for an evening of excitement then eventually head home to get some shut eye. 

Take a look at some of our favorite places for Orlando kids to sleepover or spend a late night for a unique experience under the stars!

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Central Florida & Orlando Spots that Host Sleepovers

1. Orlando Science Center - Orlando

The Overnight Adventures program at Orlando Science Center welcome kids to spend the night from 5:30pm-10am the next day. Highlights from an OSC overnight include educator-led workshops, a CineDome film experience, a guided tour through exhibit halls, dinner and breakfast, a live show, sleeping inside an exhibit hall, and exploration of OSC freely the next day.

2. SeaWorld Orlando - Orlando

Learn about the undersea world after closing hours by attending a SeaWorld sleepover. Led by a team of SeaWorld animal experts, your group chooses an animal venue for the night and learns all about it, as well as participating in interactive activities, spending the evening and following morning in animal habitats, and enjoying a pizza party dinner. Additional highlights include touching a shark, morning breakfast, and SeaWorld park entry the next day.

RELATED: Top Attractions in Orlando: Best Things to Do and See with Kids

3. Central Florida Zoo - Sanford

Snooze at the Zoo is Central Florida Zoo's awesome overnight program, available Friday or Saturday evenings (after dinner). Spend the night in the Wayne M. Densch Discovery Center, visit animal encounters, take a flashlight tour, enjoy an evening snack, then watch a movie from the comfort of your sleeping bag. The next morning, eat breakfast like an animal...with the animals...and be the first kids in the zoo to greet your furry roommates. 

4. Kennedy Space Center - Merritt Island

Dream about space at the Kennedy Space Center's Overnight Adventures program! Spend the night at Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex and immerse yourself in all things astronomy. Learn about the history and future of America's space exploration program with activities, guided tours, and live science demonstrations; the following morning, groups get to explore the attractions and exhibits on their own.

5. WonderWorks Orlando - Orlando

On March 22, 2025, WonderWorks Orlando hosts the best sleepover ever for participating Girl Scouts. Sleepover highlights include a visit to over 100 interactive exhibits, laser tag, ropes course, arcade games, scavenger hunt, rides, and a private showing of The Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show. You even get a participation patch! Meals include unlimited pizza dinner, dessert, and breakfast the next morning.

RELATED: Museum Guide for Kids and Families in Orlando

6. Busch Gardens - Tampa

Drive an hour outside of Central Florida for a one-of-a-kind sleepover at Busch Gardens. These sleepovers start at 5:30pm and include a pizza dinner, overnight stay at Mzinga Lodge or Tiger Lodge, and cute Busch Gardens swag. Groups choose from various sleepover themes, including Biodiversity Bonanza (grades 3-5); Endangerquest (grades 6-8); and Survival of the Fittest (grades 9-12). Other sleepover packages revolve around birthdays and holidays. Park admission must be purchased separately.

Late Nights at Orlando Attractions

7. Gatorland - Orlando 

Enjoy the eerie calm of seeing alligators after dark at Gatorland's Gator Night Shine event. These tours begin at dusk and run 1-1.5 hours, where guests are armed with a flashlight and gator food as they explore the Alligator Breeding Marsh. See the glowing eyes above the water and watch how gators move and act once the sun goes down. Tours dates and time vary throughout the year and reservations are required.

RELATED: Best Things to Do at Walt Disney World with Teens & Tweens

8. Starlight Safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge - Kissimmee 

Take an after-dark safari tour of Disney's African savannas and wildlife (open to all guests at Walt Disney World Resort). Starlight Safari guests climb aboard the open-sided safari vehicles and use night-vision devices to scan the plains for over 30 species of African wildlife. The nighttime expedition lasts approximately one hour and is only available to guests 8 years of age and older. Reservations required.

9. Walt Disney World Resort Orlando After Hours - Kissimmee

Depending on the day of the week, visitors can spend up to three extra hours at select theme parks at Walt Disney World Resort. Enjoy the Disney magic after dark, with less crowds, cool evening shows/performances, and much more. After Hours tickets require an additional cost, as well as special event tickets for beloved attractions like Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, Disney's Jollywood Nights, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, and more.

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