Volunteer Open House
Saturday, September 6, 2025 - 11:00am to 2:00pm
Share science. Spark “oh wow!” moments. Volunteer with us!
Join Cranbrook Institute of Science for a Volunteer Open House on Saturday, September 6, from 11:00am to 2:00pm and discover how you can join a rewarding, like-minded volunteer community.
We've reimagined our volunteer programs for the 2025–2026 school year, offering flexible opportunities for adults, teens, and corporate groups. Volunteer shifts are available on weekdays, weekends, evenings, and even during select holidays.
Volunteer Open House guests are strongly encouraged to attend an engaging presentation at either 11:00am or 12:30pm to discover what it means to be an Institute volunteer!
Can’t make those times? No worries. Guests are welcome to stop in at any time to meet the team and learn more about volunteering at the Institute.
Throughout this Open House experience, you’ll:
- Explore Volunteer Opportunities: Learn what you can expect during new and ongoing volunteer opportunities, such as Science Stop Volunteers, Gallery Guides, Special Events Volunteers, and more.
- Connect with Fellow Volunteers: Meet current volunteers and hear firsthand about their experiences.
- Ask Your Questions: Walk away with a stronger understanding of how we generate a lifelong love of STEAM.
- Embark on a Mini Tour: Take a quick tour of the Institute’s galleries and spaces as part of the presentations.
- Sample Activities: Try out a few of the activities volunteers offer to children and families.
As part of the presentations, guests will also receive a quick look at our newest traveling exhibit, Permian Monsters: Life Before the Dinosaurs, currently under construction.
Whether you love exploring new things, are ready to dive into a welcoming volunteer community, or simply want to explore the possibilities, this event is your chance to discover one of the most rewarding ways to give back.
Our Volunteer Open House is free to attend. Pre-register is required.
If you’re interested in learning more, please reach out to Janet Beylin at jbeylin@cranbrook.edu or call 248-645-3748 with any questions.
Ready to make a difference? Pre-register now to start your volunteer journey!
Exclusive Member Preview: Pemian Monsters
Saturday, September 27, 2025 - 12:00pm to 5:00pm
Cranbrook Institute of Science members are invited to be the very first to experience our newest traveling exhibition Permian Monsters: Life Before the Dinosaurs before it opens to the public!
This special members-only preview includes:
- A live reptile presentation (1–3pm): Meet fascinating animals of today and discover their ancient connections.
- First access to the exhibition: Be among the first to explore this incredible look at life before the age of dinosaurs.
Not a member yet, or need to renew? Click below to purchase a membership and start enjoying your benefits today!
Monster Mash (21+ only)
Friday, October 24, 2025 - 7:00pm to 10:00pm
Get ready for a frighteningly good time!
Join us for our Monster Mash—a Halloween party like no other, exclusively for adults 21 and up.
Enjoy a spine-tingling lineup of activities, eerie entertainment, creepy competitions, Halloween classics reimagined, and more ghoulishly good times as you explore the museum…after dark.
Sci-tacular highlights include:
- Costume Contest: Strut your creeptastic costume in solo or group categories!
- Flashlight Ghost Tours: Brave the shadows to discover secrets lurking in dark corners.
- Celebrity or Serial Killer?: Test your knowledge of the infamous.
- Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream: Enjoy a sinisterly good icy treat made before your eyes.
- Skeleton Dance-Off: Show off your best moves with a bony partner—an actual skeleton!
- Final Girl: Uncover the morality of horror movies.
- Mummy Relay: Race to wrap your way to victory!
- Dino Gore Show: Horrifying deaths from the fossil record.
- Mini Pumpkin Decorating: Enchant us with your Halloween creativity.
- Halloween in the Acheson Planetarium: A cosmic twist on seasonal chills.
- Stargazing at the Observatory: Peer into the unknown…if you dare.
- Haunting Memories: Get your boo-tiful picture taken with free professional photos!
And that’s just the beginning…
Food & Spirits
Enjoy Halloween-themed bites and devilish drinks (available for purchase), including specialty cocktails brewed just for the occasion.
Costumes Encouraged
Whether you go full vampire glam, undead chic, or mad scientist style, this is your night to dress to distress. Show off your most creative—or chilling!—look for a chance to win our costume contest. Group and individual entries welcome! Not into dressing up? No problem—your presence is the real treat.
Tickets
$29 for members, $35 for non-members, and $5 additional per person for walk-in attendees. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged and closes Thursday, October 23 at 5:00pm. Tickets are nonrefundable.
Halloween Science 2025
Saturday, October 25, 2025 - 10:00am - 1:00pm OR 2:30 to 5:30pm
Costumes Encouraged!
A host of not-too-scary activities and shows highlight Halloween Science at the Institute! Take a fun ride in the Acheson Planetarium, experience our electrifying scientist, hear creepy stories, see a pumpkin hurled through the air from our massive trebuchet, take the bug eating challenge, indulge in ice cream made right before your eyes, and much more! Amid the Halloween decor at the Institute numerous experiments, make-and-take arts & crafts and activity stations await young and old alike. While you explore the haunted hallways, check out the newly opened Permian Monsters exhibit.
Don’t wait! Reserve your tickets today!
Pricing for pre-registered attendees:
$22 per person for members
$27 per person for non-members
$5 additional per person for walk-in attendees
Walk ups welcome; however not guaranteed. Pre-registration is recommended.
Pre-Registration closes @5pm 10/22.
For questions, email us at cisreservations@cranbrook.edu or call 248-645-3210.