Overnight Guide

Planning Ahead

Doors open at 7:00pm. Please arrive on time for check-in. Parking is free for this event. Enter at the blue canopy to the left of the main entrance at the North Building. Upon entry, guests will be directed to the gear staging area.

All guests must have their belongings in their cars no later than 8:30am the next morning.

Aquarium admission for the following date is included in the overnight price. Tour the Aquarium on your own when the exhibits open at 9:00am. Wristbands will be provided at breakfast for the admission that day.

During family overnights, adult chaperones are responsible for child behavior. Number of children per chaperone is up to the discretion of each group. Guests under 21 cannot be admitted for our adults-only overnights.

Dinner is not served during the overnight program. We strongly recommend eating dinner prior to your arrival. A small evening treat and breakfast will be served. If you or your child have dietary restrictions, please reach out to Guest Services.

The Aquarium will have vending available for guests to purchase snacks or drinks throughout the event. One drink ticket per guest will be provided during adults-only overnights, with a cash bar available to purchase additional alcoholic beverages. Water bottle refill stations can be found near the bathrooms, which are located in the lobby and the near Ray Touch Pool.

Packing List

Sleepwear: The Aquarium is climate-controlled but can become chilly at night, so layers are recommended. Appropriate sleepwear is required.
Sleeping bag (no more than 32x78 inches)
Change of clothes
Pillows and blankets
Sleeping mat (no more than 32x78 inches): For extra cushion and comfort on the exhibit floor.
Sleeping mask: Select exhibit lighting will remain on.
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Water bottle
Flashlight (cannot be used to shine into exhibits)

Please Note

Privacy in the sleeping areas will be limited. Electrical outlets are not available for charging mobile devices; a portable charging unit is recommended. Sleeping bags and mats may not exceed 32x78 inches. Showers are not available for use.

Overnight FAQs

What is the timeframe for an overnight event?

The event is held 7:00pm-8:30am.

Is there an age restriction for overnights?

Due to the content of the program and the nature of the sleeping arrangements, all participants at our family overnights must be at least 5 years old. Guests participating in the behind-the-scenes tour must be at least 8 years old and 48 inches tall. Guests under 21 cannot be admitted for our adults-only overnights.

May I arrive late to an overnight?

Check-in for the overnight begins promptly at 7:00pm. Please be on time as doors will be locked following check-in. Aquarium Security can be reached at (757) 630-1146 if needed for an unavoidable late arrival.

What is the event refund policy?

The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center reserves the right to cancel an overnight program at any time. If your overnight program is cancelled, you will be notified and receive a full refund. Refund requests cannot be made within 30 days of the overnight date.

Do we get to choose where we sleep?

No, sleeping spaces will be assigned based on registration.

What food should be expected?

What if I have dietary restrictions/allergies?

If you or your child have dietary restrictions, please reach out to Guest Services.

Do we have to pay for parking?

No, parking will be free for this event!

Where do we store our sleeping gear after the program ends?

All guest belongings need to be stored in their vehicles the morning by 8:30am following the overnight. Due to space limitations, the Aquarium does not offer a storage location for guests’ overnight gear. The Virginia Aquarium is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.