Chicago’s museums are packed with fascinating, immersive exhibits on every topic you can imagine — and the fun doesn’t have to stop when the sun goes down.
Many Chicago museums are open late for after-hour events. There are kid-friendly sleepovers, swanky cocktail parties, and outdoor concerts that keep these museums buzzing until late into the night. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite after-dark museum events for a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Dozin with Dinos at the Field Museum
Science is even more fun in your pajamas. Field Museum is a fascinating place to be at any time of day, but kids will get an extra special experience when they come to Dozin’ with the Dinos. They’ll stay up late with museum scientists, do hands-on activities, and explore some of the museum’s most famous exhibits (like the dino exhibit that’s home to the world’s largest T.rex) with flashlights. The series of slumber parties take place on select weekends throughout the year.
Adler at Night at Adler Planetarium
What better time to explore the country’s oldest planetarium than when the stars are out? The Adler Planetarium stays open late into the evening every Wednesday.
Discover the wonders of outer space with hands-on activities, immersive exhibits, and award-winning Sky Shows in the museum’s domed theatre. Plus, step inside the Doane Observatory, home to the largest publicly available telescope in the city. Only open to the public on Wednesday nights, the observatory offers the sharpest and brightest view of our universe that Chicago has to offer.
Science Snoozeums at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry
If you’re looking for something to do with a crew of science-loving kids, the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry hosts Science Snoozeums on select dates throughout the year. Kids aged 6 to 12 will have a jam-packed night of activities, like watching a movie in the Giant Dome Theater, making their own science toys, completing a scavenger hunt, and sleeping alongside the museum’s top exhibits. The morning brings breakfast and a special Snoozeum patch for attendees. 727. 5700 S. Lake Shore Dr., Hyde Park
Jazzin’ at the Shedd and more at Shedd Aquarium
Listen to live jazz while taking in the Chicago skyline at Jazzin’ at the Shedd. Every Wednesday in the summer, the Shedd Aquarium hosts an evening open house with live music, food, drinks, and more. Head to the terrace for stunning views of the water and city, particularly once the Navy Pier fireworks start up. Exhibits are open late, so you can meet aquatic creatures from around the world with a cocktail in hand.
Check the calendar for more special evening events throughout the year, including dance parties with house DJs.
Bunking with Butterflies at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
During Bunking with the Butterflies, you’ll get the chance to spend a night surrounded by nature at the multi-sensory (and super kid-friendly) Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. Families can take part in hands-on science activities, explore the mesmerizing butterfly haven, enjoy a snack and crafts, and more. Kids of all ages will love the nature-focused exhibits, like indoor treehouses and the animal house, which are even cooler with a flashlight in hand.
