Frequently Asked Overnight Questions

Overnight visits are a fun and exciting way to experience the New England Aquarium. Here are some frequently asked questions about the program.

Can I take pictures inside the Aquarium?

Yes, cameras are allowed inside the building, except in designated areas.

Can I reduce my headcount after I have made my reservation?

You may reduce your headcount up to three weeks prior to the Overnight Program date. Beyond this date, your group will be financially responsible for the spaces that were initially reserved. To adjust your headcount, email overnights@neaq.orgor call 617-2262123. .

I understand dinner is not provided. Where can we go to eat prior to the program?

The Aquarium is located at the heart of the waterfront in Boston. Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market are good places to go for a meal prior to the program. It is a 5-minute walk from the Harbor Garage. Signs are posted to direct you. Please note that your group must eat before the program as there will be no time or space for you group to eat dinner at the Aquarium.

What food is served during the Overnight Program?

Although dinner is not served, the Overnight Program does include a snack of Pepperidge Farm goldfish crackers, chocolate chip cookies, orange slices, and apple/orange juice during the program. Breakfast consists of bagels, Frosted Flakes, Cheerios, orange slices, milk, and apple/orange juice. The bagels and cookies are not made in a nut free kitchen.

My child has food allergies. Can I bring something else for him/her to eat?

If your child has allergies, you are welcome to pack a special snack for them. We do not allow groups to pack extra snacks or treats in other cases.

Is there an age requirement?

Yes. The minimum age of students is 6 years old.

Why don’t we sleep in the Main Building?

The West Wing is better for sleeping because it is carpeted. Open bodies of water in the Main Building prevent participants from sleeping there for safety reasons.

Why is access to the main Aquarium building only allowed the morning after the Overnight Program?

The Aquarium must consider both your group’s safety and the safety needs of the animals. Therefore, the main building will remain closed at night and your group will be able to explore the entire Aquarium before it opens to the public the next morning. In addition, other activities will occupy your group in the evening.

Can participants go to bed earlier than the rest of the group?

Due to the full evening of activities, bedtime is not usually until 11 p.m. or 11:30 p.m. Because this is a special treat for your group, we encourage normally early bed timers to take a nap before attending. The Overnight Program cannot accommodate individuals that require an earlier bedtime as we use all the floor space until lights out.

Will there be an opportunity to feed the animals during the Overnight Program?

The Aquarium staff carefully monitors the animals’ diets. As a result, we cannot offer visitors an opportunity to feed them as part of this program. There are other options for behind-the-scenes interactions with animals and staff. Please call Central Reservations at 617-973-5206 to discuss these options.

How many Aquarium staff will be with us for the Overnight Program?

Depending on the size of the group, two to four Aquarium educators will be with you for your Overnight Program. The educators stay overnight in the Aquarium. They sleep in a separate area and they will be close by in case you need to find them.

Where do we store our gear after the program ends?

Please store your gear in your vehicle. You may also store your gear in the Harborside Learning Lab until 11 a.m. The Aquarium is not responsible for items stored in the Learning Lab. This building is kept locked.