Looking for a fun sleepover for your family? Imagining sleeping under the sea and relaxing with the sound of the wave in the ocean? What could be better than sleep in the deep end with the shark in your favorite aquarium?
Most aquariums around the US offer group sleepover programs for field trips or church group. But there are several dates in the calendar that open to public so you can enjoy family sleepover under the sea. Or if you can’t make the date, why not make it a family mini vacation with your friends and family?
Here are the list of aquariums around the country that I would love to visit.
1. Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta GA – My hometown aquarium is not be missed. It’s one of the world largest aquarium. The aquarium offers different programs for different age group. Most of the dates are for Youth group. But look out for the date that allows family group to attend. The price is on the high range but it also includes aquarium admission, behind the scene tour, activities, 3-D show, dinner and breakfast
Price: $75 for member and $100 for non-member
Minimum Age: 7 years old
2. Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga TN – One of a great location aquarium sits along the Tennessee River with the best view in town. The Tennessee Aquarium Sleep in the Deep program available to group only but look out for special occasion family sleepover like July 4th. You will be able to celebrate America’s Birthday while you enjoy the Firework over the river. The price also includes admission to the aquarium, behind the scene tour, evening snack and breakfast. With the price half of the GA aquarium and only a couple hours away, this might be our destination next year when Mr. Z is old enough.
Price: $45 for member and $55 for non-member
Minimum Age: 6 years old
3. National Aquarium Baltimore, Baltimore MD - The Baltimore aquarium is one of my favorite aquarium. The Sleepover with the Sharks program will be a great overnight sleepover for the kids and the whole family. You will enjoy the guided tour to the behind the scene area, participate in hand-on activity, and dare to walk on the catwalk over the shark tank. Then you lay down your sleeping bag at the underwater viewing area where sharks are your sleepover buddy.
Price: $84.95 for member and $94.95 for non-member
Minimum Age: 8 years old
4. Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey CA – The Monterey Bay aquarium offers Family Seashore Sleepover program. It’s available once a month from June to September. So if you live in the Monterey area, you might want to check out availability and register as soon as you know your plan. The price includes aquarium admission, behind the scene tour, light evening snack and breakfast.
Price: $50 for member and $75 for non-member
Minimum Age: 6 years old
5. The Florida Aquarium, Tampa Bay FL – The Tampa Bay Aquarium offers only group sleepover. But if you can get together with your friends and family to have a group of 15 participants then you will enjoy your own private sleepover in the clear tunnels surrounded by sharks, rays and thousands of fascinating inhabitants. The price bases on the number of participants in your group.
Price: $42 per person (group of 15-19)
Minimum Age: 6 years old
6. Atlantis Marine World Long Island’s Aquarium, Long Island NY – The Long Island’s aquarium is one of the top 10 best aquarium for kids voted by Parent magazine. The sleepover program is offered only one time as a special event and this year is on July 7th. So mark your calendar and book your reservation for the unforgettable night filled with activities, movie and adventure
Price: Check with the aquarium
Minimum Age: Check with the aquarium
7. Oregon Coast Aquarium, New Port OR – The Newport aquarium offers both group sleepover and public family sleepover for Sleep with the Sharks program. The program includes hand-on activities, scavenger hunt, early morning behind the scene, pizza and light breakfast.
Price: $50 for member and $55 for non-member
Minimum Age: 4 years old
8. New England Aquarium, Boston MA – The Boston area aquarium offers once a year Family Overnights program so check out the date and make a reservation soon. This year there are 2 dates available for Family Overnights for Nov 7 and 21. There are plenty of activities to keep the little ones busy all night long.
Price: $45 for member and $50 for non-member
Minimum Age: 6 years old
9. Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach CA – The Long Beach aquarium offers fun family sleepover once a year and this year the date is set for July 24. So hurry and check if there is still any availability. This overnight program includes hands-on activities, a craft, pizza dinner, snack, cereal breakfast, and overnight T-shirt
Price: $45 for member and $50 for non-member
Minimum Age: 6 years old
10. North Carolina Aquariums – Both Pine Knoll Shores and Fort Fisher offer group sleepover with small size minimum so it’s possible to get together with a few families to meet the minimum
Pine Knoll Shores: Group minimum – 12
Price: $35 per person
Minimum Age: check with the aquarium
Fort Fisher: Group minimum – 10
Price: $45 per person
Minimum Age: check with the aquarium
There you have it.. Now let’s get packing for a fun family sleepover!
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Hi Amy!
Thanks for the sweet comment: it’s nice to know I have some followers :) Let me know of your favorite outings: I love to hear feedback. Have fun!!!
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Amelia
I’m an aquarium junkie, so I like this post because it gives such a nice summary of all of the great aquariums! I spent two years working at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps in San Diego after college, and I recall they had a sleepover program too. I never understood that idea of a ’sleepover’ before I had kids, now I see how much of a blast it can be for them!
I had no idea the Boston aquarium had those events. I will have to look into it! I adore aquariums. Growing up in Florida, I can never get enough of them.
What a great idea. Kids would love that!
I’m so sad to say that I haven’t been to ANY of these aquariums. This would be a good list to keep, though. You know, for future reference :) Especially when my little one starts bugging ms to go…
@Amelia: It’s nice to find your blog!
@Lorraine: I will have to check them out and add to my list. :)
@Momisodes: I just found out about GA aquarium recently and that’s why it prompted me to write a blog about it. :)
@Dave & Deb: I think I would love that too.
@Jen : Don’t feel bad. I have only been to one and because it’s in my city.