Dino Snores for Kids Special: Mixed Ages

Image of wo children in sleeping bags, one boy is sleeping the other is yawning

Fun for the whole family

Our Dino Snores for Kids mixed ages special is back. Sign up below to be among the first to know when new dates and tickets are released.

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

Get up close to fossils, have a Jurassic animal encounter and see a dino show!

The mix of scheduled and drop-in activities means this event is suitable for a wider range of ages than our standard Dino Snores for Kids sleepovers. 

Lights out in the sleeping areas will be around midnight.

Wake up and explore the Dinosaur Gallery with two fossil hunters who need your help! An exclusive, live actor-led trail, delivered by Zoom Through History.

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.

VIP (Very Important Palaeontologists)

Get the VIP treatment. 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
  • a guided tour of our new Birds: Brillant and Bizarre exhibition

Please bring your own sleeping bag and pillow.

  • Important information

    Lights out in the sleeping areas will be at around midnight

    Suitable for families with children aged 7–17 

    Bookings are required. No refunds will be given

    The event will begin at 18.30 and we cannot allow entry after 20.00

    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

    We reserve 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

    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

  • Frequently asked questions

    What age group is this event appropriate for?

    Dino Snores for Kids: Birds Special is for families with children aged 7–17.  The event's format and activity content make this event suitable for a wider age range than our standard Dino Snores for Kids events. 

    Why is there a minimum age?

    This event and its activities are designed for children aged 7–17. 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, ear plugs, evening snack and some clothes to sleep in (we recommend arriving in clothes you can sleep in to minimise luggage).

    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 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.

    What food is provided?

    The T-Rex restaurant will be open between 19:30 and 21:30 should you wish to purchase food at the event. Alternatively you are welcome to bring your own snacks.

    Breakfast is a breakfast roll (bacon or sausage), piece of fruit, juice and tea or coffee. If you have specific dietary requirements then please let us know via the pre-event form. 

    Do we need to bring food?

    We recommend that you eat a meal before arriving· Our restaurant is open serving pizza, salad and sandwiches. 

    We are working hard to increase our sustainability, therefore please bring your own re-useable water bottle.

    You are welcome to bring your own food if required. No food is allowed in the galleries.

    In the morning, we provide a hot breakfast of a bacon or sausage roll, fruit and tea and coffee. The main café will also open at 8.30 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.

    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.

    Where will I sleep?

    You will be sleeping in Hintze Hall, on the ground, first, or second floor.

    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?

    You can add children or adults to your booking if tickets are still available. 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?

    You must arrive at the Exhibition Road entrance by 18:35. 

    What is the schedule for the event?

    Evening

    18.45 Doors open / set up camp

    19.00 Activities open

    23.30 Get ready for bed

    00:00 Lights out

    Morning

    07.00 Wake-up and pack-up

    07.15 Breakfast 

    08.00 morning trail of the galleries.

    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.

    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 we are 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 7–17  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 £5 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.

    What if I have to leave early in the morning?

    The Museum exits are closed between 23.00 and 07.00 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 07.00 and 09.15 in the morning, please let us know when you book and we will do our best to accommodate you.

    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.

  • 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 7-17 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.