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Bean Sprouts Cafe
McWaneAfter DarkExplore exhibits, sip cocktails, and play like a kid, without the kids.
Science, After HoursScience, After Hours

Science, After Hours

McWane After Dark is an 18+ event series that turns the science center into an adults-only playground. Explore exhibits, enjoy themed activities, and grab a drink, all without the kids. Each event brings a new twist on science, culture, and curiosity. Check out this year’s themes and find your next night out at McWane.

Adults doing science after dark
Adult Summer Camp - 18+

June 20, 2026
7:00 PM – 11:00 PM

Campfires. Cocktails. Curiosity.

Remember the best parts of summer camp? Gathering around the campfire, making crafts, playing games, and trying something new with friends. Now imagine all of that with cocktails, no curfew, and exclusive access to McWane Science Center after hours.

Join us for Adult Summer Camp, a special McWane After Dark event for guests 18 and older. Enjoy an adults-only night of nostalgic camp fun featuring campfires and s’mores on the plaza, trivia, tie dye, arts and crafts, survival skills, knot tying, a live science show, mini golf, and access to all four levels of the Adventure Halls, including the Shark & Ray Touch Tank and High Cycle.

Grab a drink from one of four cash bars and enjoy food available for purchase from Big Spoon, Travis’ Chicago Style Dogs, and McWane concessions throughout the night.

Pick up your camp program when you arrive and take part in our Summer Camp Badge Challenge. Visit select activity stations throughout the evening to collect stamps or stickers and earn your official McWane After Dark camp badge. Whether you’re determined to complete the challenge or just along for the fun, there’s something waiting around every corner.

Don’t miss Rushton’s live science show, presented throughout the evening at 7:30, 8:30, 9:30, and 10:30 p.m., featuring exciting demonstrations, audience participation, and plenty of surprises.

Tickets are $40 plus tax in advance or $45 plus tax at the door, if available.

Grab your friends, relive your favorite summer camp memories, and discover a few new ones.

Get Your Camp Pass

$40 advance tickets
$45 at the door

Free On-site Parking inside the McWane Parking Deck, while spots are available.

Purchase Tickets
Two visitors brushing dinosaur fossils at an interactive children's science center dig exhibit.
Students in safety goggles at children's science center watch a hands-on microscope experiment demo
A person tests a hands-on physics balance ride at a children's science center, with giant gear wheels in the background.
An educator ignites a fire experiment on stage during a children's science center show, thrilling the seated audience.
Interactive STEM show at children's science center: a presenter engages a packed auditorium of visitors.
Two visitors smile at the children's science center astronomy exhibit with a galaxy backdrop.
Four adults at a children's science center event, smiling by interactive exhibits.
An educator in safety goggles demonstrates a hands-on lab with microscope at a children's science center, visitors watching
Visitors watch a science educator with gloves demonstrate a microscope experiment at a children's science center STEM lab.
A woman and a man smile under a red tinsel arch at a children's science center event.
Two adults smiling with drinks at a children's science center exhibit during an evening event.
20 Years of Taylor Swift = 18+ Adult Only Night

October 24, 2026
7-10 pm

Celebrate two decades of an iconic soundtrack with a night inspired by the eras we all know and love. Grab the mic for karaoke, sing your heart out, and embrace your inner Swiftie after dark.

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