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 6 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, contact Sunnye Dreyfus at 617-973-6596.

Can I increase my headcount?

You may increase your headcount based on available spaces for your Overnight Program date. Because there is usually a waitlist, the Aquarium cannot guarantee extra spaces. Our website is updated every week on space availability, or call Sunnye Dreyfus at 617-973-6596 for the most updated information.

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.

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 before bed. 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.

What is the West Wing?

The West Wing is where groups sleep during the Overnight Program. It is a two-level exhibit space that changes in theme every few years. It provides a separate, more personalized learning experience.

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 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. 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 cars in the Harbor Garage. There is no large storage area on site. You may return to your car as often as you like throughout the day.

What should I bring?

Sleeping bag and mat or pads. The West Wing is climate controlled and will be cool at night. Mats or pads must not be larger than twin size.
Toiletries. Note that there are no shower facilities.
Comfortable clothing that can get messy. The program includes a painting activity.
Money. Students and chaperones will have the opportunity to visit the Aquarium
Gift Shop when it opens at 10 a.m.
Camera. This is optional. With the exception of a few designated areas, cameras are allowed inside the building.
Sleep mask and other sleep gear. Note that some lights in the West Wing must stay on at all times. The sleeping area is climate and light controlled to the needs of the animals. It may be cooler or brighter in the space than you or your group is accustomed to. Please bring appropriate sleeping gear.

What should I NOT bring?

Water bottles. All water bottles must have a cap.
iPods and Gameboys. Music players and handheld games are not permitted.
Food or gum. A light snack is provided to participants. Gum is not allowed in the Aquarium. Please approve any dietary needs with Sunnye Dreyfus at 617-973-6596.
Heelies. Shoes with wheels and other rolling objects are not permitted.
Air mattresses. The Aquarium is subject to the City of Boston’s fire code, which does not permit air mattresses.