4 More Reasons to Stay Up Late on Vacation

Exploring a new city into the evening offers a special kind of magic. The tempo changes as new sights, sounds and smells fill the air. And did you know museums and sightseeing tours in many cities open their doors to visitors after dusk? If you’re on vacation and looking for things to do at night or a unique overnight experience, head to one of these spaces for a new adventure. If you’ve got kids in tow, pack camping gear for a sleepover the whole family will never forget. Lions and tigers and bears (or in this case, dinosaurs, sea creatures and maybe even ghosts) are calling!

Doze with the dinos at the Field Museum

Chicago, Illinois’ famous natural history museum—and one of the largest in the world—the Field Museum has been around for over a century. On certain Fridays and Saturdays between January and May, the museum’s doors stay open late and invite families and groups (schools, churches, etc.) with children ages six through 12 to spend the night. Dozin’ with the Dinos gives guests the opportunity to explore the museum by flashlight and take part in fun activities such as dissecting owl pellets and playing instruments from around the world. Customizable experiences start at $65 per person where you can pay an additional fee to sleep in the Genius Hall of the Dinosaurs.

Sleep under the sea at the Georgia Aquarium

Sleep with the sharks during one of the Georgia Aquarium’s sleepovers—there’s even an adults-only program.

Another immersive overnight museum experience, this sleepover program at Atlanta’s Georgia Aquarium is designed for adults and kids ages seven and up, and includes exclusive guided tours and free aquarium admission the following day. For an adults-only sleepover experience, plan to attend the Sips Under the Sea/Adult Sleepover combo, which includes tickets for drinks and tapas. Sleepovers sell out quickly, so be sure to reserve your spot at least 30 days in advance. Family sleepovers include a snack and a breakfast option.

Tour charming (and haunted) Savannah, unconventionally

Gain a new perspective, learn about the American South and scare yourself silly in Savannah, Georgia. This world-famous, spooky guided ghost tour has been voted No. 1 in the country and lauded by multiple news outlets. What makes it different from your typical ghost tour? The Hearse Ghost Tour reveals Savannah’s history as you ride around the city’s historic and Victorian districts in a vehicle meant for transporting dead bodies to their final resting place. The hearse holds up to nine guests and can be bumpy—not recommended for pregnant women or anyone over 250 pounds. It’s also one of the more affordable nighttime activities, coming in at just $20 per adult and $12 per child under age ten. Take the 10:00 p.m. tour for extra mystery and lots of laughs; tour guides are funny and well versed on Savannah’s haunted history, past and present.

Enjoy a couple’s gallery night at Charlotte’s Bechtler Museum

No kids? No problem! The Bechtler Museum of Modern Art in the Queen City opens its doors to the adult public, free of charge, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. the third Friday of every month for an event called Bechtler by Night. Designed by Swiss architect Mario Botta, the Bechtler Museum features works by influential mid-twentieth-century artists, such as Picasso and Warhol. Nights at the museum are themed depending on the season and feature activities like trivia, board games and even painting classes (with cocktails!). Book a baby sitter and coordinate with friends; this monthly night out is one of the things to do in Charlotte at night that you won’t want to miss.

Ready to travel? Find your hotel and go!