Museum of Science and Industry

What are the hours of the Snoozeum?

Check in generally begins at 5:30 p.m. The Snoozeum ends at 8:30 a.m. the following day.

What will we do during the evening?

You can experience the Museum at your own pace throughout the evening. You will not be scheduled for specific activities or events. Activities will be scheduled throughout the evening. Omnimax® films and temporary exhibits are available for an additional fee. A program schedule will be sent to families and group leaders prior to the event.

Will my scout troop earn a badge?

Snoozeum programming is not geared specifically to any scout badge, but a Snoozeum patch is included in admission.

How do I register if I don't know how many people in my group are coming?

Take your best guess: you will be asked to make a deposit based on your estimate. You may decrease your numbers without penalty up to four weeks in advance of Snoozeum. After that date, you will receive a 50 percent refund up to one week before the event. There are no refunds the week of - or after - the event.

Can I easily increase the number of my group size?

Our Snoozeum events often reach capacity early, so your extra group members may have to be put on a waiting list. Groups must confirm their numbers four weeks before the event and many drop numbers. At that time we will call you to determine if you still want to increase your group size. You do not have to put any money down to be on the waiting list.

If a Snoozeum is "sold out" can my group get on a waiting list?

Yes. Call the Museum's Group Reservations department and ask to be added to the waiting list. Groups must confirm their numbers four weeks before the event and many drop numbers. At that time we will call you to determine if your group still wants to attend. You do not have to put any money down to be on the waiting list.

How does check in work the night of the event?

Present your ticket (sent to group leaders about three weeks before the event) and a signed Participant Release Form to the check in staff. You will be given a program for the evening that includes times and locations of activities and other important information. You will be given a color-coded wristband that indicates when you are scheduled for snack and breakfast. Our volunteers will help you find your assigned sleeping area to deposit your gear.

Does my whole group need to check in together?

No. If you have your tickets and properly signed release forms, you may check in and enter the Museum. Late arrivals are permitted.

Can I check in late?

Yes. You may check in at the Snoozeum information table.

What if I lose my ticket?

You can still check in by going to the information table in the Entry Hall when you arrive. We will look your name up in the roster that was provided to us and verify that you are eligible to attend. You will be given a paper ticket and asked to fill out a Participant Release Form if that was also lost or forgotten.

What if participants can't attend at the last minute due to illness or injury?

A Snoozeum ticket may be used by another person, adult or child. The child must be between 6 and 12 years old. If you are not the group leader, please notify your leader. Group leaders should contact the Museum with the name of the person not attending and the name of the person who is now attending, so that your group roster can be kept up to date.There are no refunds the week before the Snoozeum, the day of the Snoozeum or after the Snoozeum.

How do I get a ticket to join my group at the Snoozeum?

Contact your group leader. The Museum only communicates with group leaders on issues regarding members of their group.

How do I get to the Museum of Science and Industry?

The Museum is at 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive in Chicago. (Please note that MSI is not on the Museum Campus near Soldier Field, but is about five miles further south on Lake Shore Drive.) Directions to the Museum by car, train or CTA are found on the Getting Here page.

Where do I park my car and where do I enter the Museum?

Please park in the Museum's indoor garage. Parking is an additional fee. The entrance into the Museum leads directly to the Entry Hall, where your group will check in.

What if my group is arriving via bus?

The bus should drop off and pick up your group members at the circle drive on the north side of the Museum on 57th Street (NOT the Group Center entrance). There are two kiosk entrances on the north lawn (marked "Main Entrance") that lead into the Entry Hall.

What do I need to bring with me?

We recommend bringing a sleeping bag or bed roll and pillow. You may bring an air mattress if you wish (electricity is available). Please do not bring pajamas: t-shirts, shorts, sweat shirts and/or sweat pants are recommended. All participants must wear a shirt and pants at all times. Also bring a toothbrush, washcloth, small towel and other toiletries.

Can I bring an inflatable mattress?

Yes. There are outlets around to use. Please do not blow it up until you go to bed.

Can I bring food or drink?

Please do not bring any food or drink with you to the Museum.  We have a snack and continental breakfast scheduled during your visit (both are included in the cost of the Snoozeum). Exceptions are made if you have specific food allergies.

Will there be any restaurants open so we can buy dinner?

You may purchase a light dinner (burgers, pizza, salads, sandwiches) at the Brain Food Court in the early part of the evening.

Where do I store my gear while I'm exploring the Museum?

Leave your gear in your assigned sleeping area. Please don't unpack before lights out. We don't want people walking on your things to see the exhibits. 

Can I plug something in overnight?

Although we have a lot of outlets around, they don't all stay on all night. Please call the Snoozeum Hotline at (773) 684-9844, ext. 2687 to make arrangements. Leave a message and someone will return your call promptly.

Can I sleep anywhere in the entire building?

For safety, we will assign you an exhibit area to sleep in. If your group sleeps in an area other than your preassigned one, you will be asked to move. If you have a problem or concern about your sleeping area, please contact a Museum staff member.

Where do I get a Snoozeum t-shirt?

T-shirts may not be pre-purchased, but you can buy one in the Museum Store.

Will the Museum Store be open?

Yes. Check your program schedule for the exact time.

Can we wander and explore the Museum all night?

We're afraid we have to say "no" to that one. The Museum will be dark and Snoozeum participants will be sleeping throughout the building.

Can we stay up all night?

If your idea of a sleepover is cards and chips until 3 a.m., we have a designated area where you can indulge. Adults must accompany children.

Does it get dark after the lights go out?

Not really. Safety lights remain on in all exhibits. Some areas are darker than others. If you have trouble getting to sleep, we have complimentary sleep masks. 

Does the Museum get cold at night?

The Museum is a very large and very old building. The temperature will vary from area to area. We recommend you bring layers.

Is first aid available?

Staff trained in first aid will be available throughout the entire evening. Should you have a need for first aid, please notify any Museum staff member.

What if I need to contact someone who is attending the event?

Call our 24-hour Security Desk at (773) 684-9844, ext. 2320.

Questions before the event date? 

Call the Snoozeum Hotline at (773) 684-9844, ext. 2687. Someone will return your call promptly.