Source / Unsplash (Cristofer Maximilian) & Shutterstock (Massimo Salesi)
If you’ve ever wanted to experience Flushing Meadows Corona Park after dark, an incredibly rare overnight camping experience is making it happen! For the first time ever this fall, the park won’t close to visitors once the sun goes down–instead, Urban Park Rangers will invite just 200 lucky New Yorkers to roll out their sleeping bags and spend the night beneath the iconic 140-foot-tall Unisphere.
The evening will include all your favorite parts about camping–think: stories around the campfire, s’mores, and a night spent under the stars. It’s the perfect way to get a dose of summer camp nostalgia and close out the season before sweater weather officially arrives.
The event is part of a special edition of NYC Parks’ long-running Family Camping program–and the best part: it’s entirely free!
The Ultimate NYC Bucket List Experience
For just two exclusive nights–Friday, September 25 and Friday, October 9–the park gates won’t close at sunset. Instead, selected campers get a private, after-hours expedition.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani perfectly captured the mood:
S’mores just got even sweeter in New York City. There’s no better way to cap off an incredible summer than by gathering around the campfire, looking up at the stars and making memories with our neighbors.
What Your Night Under The Stars Includes
The evening will begin with icebreaker activities before campers pitch their tents and gather for dinner. Then, the park transforms into a private playground.
🥾 Post-Sunset Hikes: Grab your flashlight and embark on a ranger-led nighttime hike through the woods
🪩 Sleep Under an Iconic Queens Landmark: Pitch your tent directly beneath the park’s stunning 140-foot-tall stainless-steel globe
📚 Fireside Storytelling: Swap tales and relax around a classic campfire
🦉 Wildlife Viewing & Nature Games: Track nocturnal critters with the rangers and learn how the park comes alive after dark
🍫 S’mores: End the evening with everyone’s favorite campfire treat
It’s the ultimate opportunity to experience the park in a whole new way and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Unsplash / Juan Karmy
How to Score a Spot
Because this is a first-time event, demand is incredibly high.
To keep things fair, registration is conducted through an online lottery, selecting just 100 participants per night.
Sleepover Dates: Friday, September 25 & Friday, October 9 (6 pm – 7 am)
Lottery Opens: Thursday, September 10 at 10 am (Open now!)
Lottery Closes: Sunday, September 13 at 11 pm
Register Online:
Notification: Selected participants will be emailed on Monday, September 14
Location: Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens (near the Grand Central Parkway and Van Wyck Expressway)
Unsplash / Scott Goodwill
FAQs About the Unisphere Sleepover
👶 Who can attend?
Families and outdoor enthusiasts of all skill levels. Whether you’re a first‑time camper or a seasoned explorer, you can join in the fun.
🛏️ Do I need camping gear?
Nope! Tents and brand-new sleeping bags are provided for all campers. Best of all, you get to take the sleeping bag home at the end of the program.
🍔 Is food provided?
Dinner and breakfast options will be available for purchase from an on-site food truck, and families are welcome to bring their own meals and snacks.
💰 How much does it cost?
The entire experience is completely free.