Frequently Asked Questions

What group sizes are allowed?

All children need to come to Science Night as part of a group. The minimum group size we allow is 5 children and 1 adult. Occasionally we have special nights for smaller groups.

All groups need a minimum of 1 adult for every 6 children. There is no maximum group size, but we don’t recommend bringing more than 60 children on any one night.

Please be aware that there will be many other groups enjoying this event. Science Night can cater for up to 470 campers.

How many adults do we need?

Your group will remain together for the whole event and will sleep in the same gallery, but boys and girls have separate sleeping areas. Female adults may sleep in either area, however male adults may only sleep on the male side of the gallery. Occasionally on our special nights families can sleep together and there is no gender divide.

To ensure adequate supervision overnight, your group will need the following numbers of adults:

• For an all-girl group you will need 1 female adult for every 5-6 children
• For an all-boy group you will need 1 female or 1 male adult for every 5-6 children
• For a mixed group you will need 2 female adults or 1 female and 1 male adult for every 5-9 children

British Sign Language interpreters

We can provide a British Sign Language interpreter on any of our Science Nights. Please let us know when you make your booking that you require this service and we will arrange it.

How do I prepare for my group’s big night and what do I bring?

We have a Campers’ Survival Guide which will give you all the information you’ll need to prepare for the night.

Can I bring an inflatable mattress?

As inflatable mattresses cause a major trip hazard we do not allow them on Science Nights. However, we do provide camping mats.

Do we need to bring food?

Campers must provide their own packed evening snack. Occasionally on our special nights we provide snacks or we have one of our cafés open so you can purchase your own food.

We always supply breakfast, which is likely to include a croissant, a cereal bar, a piece of fruit and a fruit drink. There is tea and coffee for the adults.

What are my responsibilities as a Group Leader?

As a Group Leader you are responsible for ensuring everyone in your party has a safe and enjoyable experience throughout the night. We expect you to: 

• Ensure all children are the correct age
• Ensure your group adheres to the Science Night rules set out in the Health and Safety Talk
• Keep your group together and under control at all times
• Address the behaviour of children in your group if they are impacting on the enjoyment of other campers
• Ensure your group doesn’t disturb those who are sleeping

Will we get any sleep?

For some children this will be the most exciting night of their lives so far! As a result it is very difficult for them to get to sleep. We try and encourage groups to keep noise to a minimum when others are trying to go to sleep, but please don’t expect to get your normal quota of beauty sleep.

What will we be doing on a Science Night?

A typical Science Night programme looks like this:

18.45  Doors open and registration
19.05  Set up camp and attend Health and Safety Talk
19.55  Hands-on workshop
20.40  Science Show
21.20  Snack break
22.10  Gallery-based activity
23.10  Getting ready for bed

06.45  Wake up
07.15  Breakfast
07.45  Visit a hands-on gallery and watch a 3D IMAX film
09.40  Prize-giving
10.00  Science Night finishes, Museum and shop open

You are welcome to stay in the Museum for as long as you wish after a Science Night.

Can I bring children who have additional needs?

Yes, we welcome participation by children with additional needs. We can provide a member of staff to give help and advice on the night.

Please let us know when you book how we can help your group get the most out of the Science Night experience.

You can also apply for a grant from our Bursary Fund to reduce the cost of Science Night. For further details see our handy documents page.

Can I apply for funding?

We have a fund to enable children from social priority areas or with additional needs to attend Science Night. With help from the Bursary Fund, Science Night costs £10 per child and £10 per adult.

For further details see our handy documents page.

When do we need to arrive and how do we get there?

The event starts at 18.45 and groups are allowed to enter at this time through the Science Museum’s Main Entrance on Exhibition Road.

Limited parking is available next door at Imperial College for a small charge. The charge is payable on the day. Note we cannot pre-book spaces for you.

The nearest tube station is South Kensington (Piccadilly, District and Circle lines).

How do I know the dates for Science Night throughout the year?

Subscribe to our Science Night e-newsletter and we will send you e-mails as soon as new dates are released.

I need to write a risk assessment - can you help me?

We certainly can. You’ll find all the information you’ll need in our handy documents section.

How much does it cost?

The cost of Science Night is £45 per person. However, we may be able to reduce this cost if your group qualifies for our Bursary Fund.

Ready to book?

Places are limited and are booked on a first-come, first-served basis. This is an extremely popular event and sells out very quickly. Please do not promise children that they will be attending a Science Night until your booking is confirmed by us.

Please note that payment must be made at the time of booking, so make sure you have your credit or debit card ready when you call us.

Owing to the popularity of this event we are unable to take provisional bookings and we do not operate a waiting list. To book, call 020 7942 4777.

Cancellations

If you need to cancel your Science Night booking, or reduce numbers, you must tell us at least 14 days before the date of your booked Science Night.

We regret that cancellations or reductions in numbers cannot be accepted later than 14 days before your visit.