Despite our deepest desires to burrow in and hibernate for the winter, our kids seem to be numb to the…
Know Before You Go: Cranbrook Institute of Science

Littles love to ask questions (sometimes too many questions), but in science, that’s what it’s all about! So bring them to Cranbrook Institute of Science for a day of exploring and learning about astronomy, geology, physics, anthropology and more!
The bell curve of dinosaur knowledge peaks in childhood and parenthood. Consequently, when you enter Cranbrook Institute of Science and are welcomed by a full-sized Tyrannosaurus rex skeleton, you know it’s going to be a successful visit. In addition to the show stopping dino, the main floor exhibit has life-like models of birds and animals that quickly captured the attention of my toddler.
The Institute of Science has a balanced combination of things you can look at and things you can touch, making it a fun experience for both kids and parents.
You can also sit back, relax and look up at the stars during the planetarium programs. Special shows include Dinosaurs at Dusk and Big Bird’s Adventure.
What You Need To Know:
- Cranbrook Institute of Science is on the same campus as the Cranbrook Art Museum and the Cranbrook House and Gardens. It’s easy to spend a day at Cranbrook, especially during the warmer months.
- The museum is closed on Mondays.
Start Making Plans
- Ages: All ages! You’re never too young to appreciate science – especially dinosaurs
- Cost: General admission – Adults ($13); Youth ages 2-12 ($9.50) and children 2 and under free. Half off admission Friday and Saturday evening between 5-10pm. Additional costs for exploreLAB, Acheson Planetarium and changing exhibits.
- Parking: Free parking garage
- Time: Plan to be there for at least an hour
Visit Cranbrook Friday after 5pm and get free admission to the museum!
Special Exhibit: Now – July 3, 2020
Explore Space, Planetary, Movie, Industrial & Service Robotics! A Current and Futuristic, Interactive, Scientific, Hands-On experience. Participate in activities encompassing the fantastic reality of robotic technology as it applies to Space Exploration, Ocean Exploration, Planetary Exploration, Industrial Applications, Service to Humanity, the Disabled and the Movie Industry. An exhibition that is as visually stunning as it is educationally relevant. The exhibits are real technological devices and fully usable by the public and interactive. Some of the interactive elements are unique to an extent never done before in a traveling exhibition. The activities are adaptable to all ages and skills. The exhibit is a challenging experience that is both colorful and at times mystifying.
Have questions? Send me an email at carrie@littleguidedetroit.com
Photo credit: Facebook
SHARE THIS:

About Carrie Budzinski
Carrie Budzinski is the Vice President of LittleGuide Detroit. She grew up in Livonia and Detroit and continues to live life in both cities. Carrie loves exploring the city and finding hidden gems in the suburbs..
MORE ARTICLES
Outdoor Ice Rinks In Metro Detroit
The temperatures are dropping and the biggest perk of freezing temps is outdoor ice skating. Invest in some skates, stock…
20 Ways To Hygge At Home This Winter
Cozy. Homey. Comforting. These are some of the English words used to describe the Danish term, hygge (pronounced hoo-ga). Hygge,…
Top Things to do with KIDS in Metro Detroit this Week
Looking for daily inspiration and ideas for things to do with kids this week? From at-home family fun, to winter…
Greenmead Historic Park Offers A Winter Wonderland For Families
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow. Greenmead Historical Park debuts a FREE outdoor ice rink and Snow…
#MOMLIFE with Zena of EduKids
Looking for inspiration + ideas for things to do with kids in Metro Detroit? Tried and true suggestions that real…
GIVEAWAY: A Good Night Sleep For A New Mom
If you ask mom what she wants most 10 out of 10 will tell you sleep! Being a mom is…
Learn To Luge At Muskegon Adventure Sports Park
If you want to experience some unique winter fun, head to the Muskegon Adventure Sports Park for skating, skiing and…
4 Things To Do In Brighton-Howell This Winter
If a change of scenery is what you're family is looking for - but not too far away - we…
Top Spots for Snow Tubing in Michigan
Looking for a place to go tubing? Plan a day trip or weekend getaway and have snowy hilltop fun with…
Robotics + Coding Classes For Kids In Metro Detroit
Inspire innovation and engineering skills in your littles and sign them up for fun S.T.E.M. classes both online and in-person…
10 Things to Do with Kids in Metro Detroit this Weekend
The days may all be a blur, but we can still get excited for the weekend. After a long week at…
Winter Storybook Walking Trails in Metro Detroit
Storybook walks make the perfect outdoor adventure for kids to engage in literacy and for families to spend time together…
SEA LIFE Offers FREE Admission To Essential Workers
Travel the ocean in your backyard at SEA LIFE Michigan and do it for FREE if you work at a…
5 Reasons To Visit Grand Rapids This Winter
You don't have to travel far to have fun. Take a road trip to Grand Rapids for a family adventure…
#MOMLIFE with TinkerTots Boxes Founder Katie
Looking for inspiration + ideas for things to do with kids in Metro Detroit? Tried and true suggestions that real…
Top Things to do with KIDS in Metro Detroit this Week
Looking for daily inspiration and ideas for things to do with kids this week? From at-home family fun, to winter…
25 MLK Day Activities & Events for Kids in Metro Detroit
School's out for MLK Day and if you're looking for places to go, here's a list of what's open around…
4 Reasons To Visit Macomb This Winter
If a change of scenery and location is what you're family is looking for - but not too far away…
10 Things to Do with Kids in Metro Detroit this Weekend
The days may all be a blur, but we can still get excited for the weekend. After a long week at…
100 Ways To Spend #1000HoursOutside This Winter
The #1000HoursOutside challenge has been inspiring families to get outside for years. We love tracking our hours and monitering progress…
4 Ways To Celebrate MLK Day With Kids
Monday, January 18, 2021 is a day of remembering and celebrating the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Honor…
NEW Drive-In Movie Theatre to Open in Downtown Detroit
Downtown Detroit is welcoming a new movie experience, as Emagine and Bedrock Detroit partner on a drive-in theatre set to bring…
6 Family Activities For A Trip To Lansing This Winter
In the middle of the mitten you'll find Lansing. Michigan's capital is home to family-friendly museums, winter sports and plenty…