Registration opens on December 1, 2025.

Summer will be here before you know it—plan now for a season full of adventures!

Cranbrook Institute of Science’s on-site camps turn curious kids into scientists, offering hands-on experiments, STEAM challenges, dinosaur digs, planetarium shows, and more. Whether during winter, spring, or summer break, campers collaborate to explore popular science topics, using the Cranbrook campus and museum as their personal laboratory. Each camp is packed with exciting activities and interactive experiences designed to spark curiosity, foster teamwork, and make learning unforgettable.

Each week offers a new adventure—sign up for one week or multiple! Summer Camps are designed for students in K-Grade 3, with select camps and weeks available for Grades 4-8.

DAILY SCHEDULE:

  • Camp meets daily from 9:00am – 3:00pm, Monday – Friday.
  • Outdoor walk-up check-in begins promptly on Monday at 8:15am.
  • Curbside check-in begins promptly at 8:45am Tuesday – Friday.

LUNCH:

Please bring lunch and snacks (morning, afternoon, and for extended care) from home. All food must be free of peanuts, tree nuts, nut butters, sesame oil (tahini), and seeds. If a camper is registered with additional seed-related allergies, all parents will be notified prior to camp and may be asked to remove specific items—such as pumpkin seeds—from their child’s lunch if needed.

Calendar (2026)

  June 8-12
(Week 0)		 June 15-17
(Week 1)		 June 15-19
(Week 1)		 July 6-10
(Week 4)		 July 13-17
(Week 5)		 July 20-24
(Week 6)		 July 27-31
(Week 7)		 Aug 3-7
(Week 8)		 Aug 10-12
(Week 9)

Entering K
*Must be aged 5 by start of camp

 Science Sampler     Astro Motion Science Sampler Living Wonders Earth's Mysteries    
Entering 1st       Living Wonders Earth's Mysteries Science Sampler Astro Motion    
Entering 2nd       Earth's Mysteries Living Wonders Astro Motion Science Sampler    
Entering 3rd       Science Sampler Space Camp Earth's Mysteries Living Wonders    
Entering 4th     Outdoor Adventure            
Entering 4th-5th               Science & Art  
Entering 3rd               Outdoor Adventure  
Entering 6th-8th   Eco College   CIT CIT CIT CIT   Cosmic College

Science Sampler
Interested in more than one science “ology”? Dive into engineering challenges, high-energy experiments, and hands-on discovery all week long. If you’re curious, you’re already in the perfect mindset—let’s explore.

Living Wonders
Explore the world’s millions of organisms—from our 319-acre campus to our hands-on biology exhibits—as we dive into the incredible adaptations of life that runs, swims, flies, skitters, and oozes all around us.

Astro Motion
So much universe, so little time… Get ready to fling, launch, sail, and bounce through a week of physics and astronomy—and see exactly what makes objects land where they do.

Earth's Mysteries
Get ready to uncover the secrets right beneath you! From lava and rocks to crystals and minerals, this week is packed with hands-on experiments and games that bring Earth science to life.

Space Camp
Think like an astronaut! Designed for 3rd graders, this week of Astro Motion blends science, rockets, and Martian ecosystems with team-based engineering challenges that develop communication, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.

Outdoor Adventure
Discover the thrill and challenge of life in the wild! Campers practice essential outdoor skills like archery while engaging in science activities that teach them how to understand, respect, and protect the natural world.

Science & Art Camp
Right brain meets left brain! Campers will unlock creativity and critical thinking to explore the world in innovative ways as both artists and scientists.

Counselor in Training (CIT)
Aged out but not ready to leave camp behind? Entering grades 6–8? Join our CIT program to work with staff, engage with campers, and learn the skills to become a future counselor. (Lunch provided)

Cranbrook Cosmic College
Campers in grades 6–8 blast off into the universe in this immersive experience for young astronomers and creative thinkers! Work with the Institute’s Astronomer to explore the origins of our Solar System, decode cosmic history, and witness the life cycles of stars and galaxies. Design your own planet and civilization to present in the Acheson Planetarium, then end the week with a family-friendly viewing of the Perseid Meteor Shower. Whether you dream of being an astrophysicist, storyteller, or simply love to wonder, Cranbrook Cosmic College turns the universe into your classroom. This three-day camp includes an evening meteor shower viewing on Wednesday, August 12, from 8:30–11:30pm for campers and their immediate families.

Cranbrook Eco College
Campers in grades 6–8 become working ecologists, using the Cranbrook campus as their outdoor laboratory! Work alongside the Institute’s Ecologist collecting hands-on data in the field and lab, and engage in community science projects. Explore ecosystems to understand the connections between land, water, people, insects, plants, and light pollution, and learn the importance of freshwater and watershed health. The week culminates with a family-friendly evening of fieldwork, analyzing light pollution and discovering the unique nighttime ecosystem. Whether your interests are aquatic, environmental, or simply a love of nature, Cranbrook Eco College turns the outdoors into your classroom. This three-day camp includes an evening program on Wednesday, June 17, from 8:30–11:30pm for campers and their immediate families.

A Note on Weekly Themes
Our Explore Camps offer tailored topics and activities designed to meet the developmental needs of each grade level. Campers dive deep into the week’s main topic while exploring related disciplines that spark curiosity. The descriptions above provide an overview of what to expect, and all activities are adaptable to maximize engagement and learning.

PRICING:

Science Sampler, Living Wonders, Astro Motion, Earth’s Mysteries, and Space Camp:

  • Kindergarten: $500 per week not-yet members, $425 CIS members
  • Grades 1-3: $475 per week not-yet members, $400 CIS members

Outdoor Adventure Camps and Science and Art:

  • Grades 3-4: $450 not-yet members, $380 CIS/CAM members

Counselor in Training (CIT), Cosmic College and Eco College Camps:

  • Grades 6-8: $450 not-yet members, $380 CIS members

DISCOUNTS:

July K-3 Full Session Discount: Save $40 

Your camper must be registered for all four weeks of July Explore Camp at the time of registration for the discount to be automatically applied to the total 4-week registration. This discount does not apply to any other camps.

CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY: 

  • All cancellation requests must be submitted in writing via email to CISReservations@cranbrook.edu and are subject to the policies below.
    • The $100 per week enrollment deposit is non-refundable.
    • Written cancellations received before April 1, 2026, will be eligible for a full refund. The enrollment deposit is non-refundable.
    • Written cancellations received between April 1 and May 31, 2026, will be eligible for a 50% refund of total tuition. The enrollment deposit is non-refundable.
    • Cancellations received on June 1, 2026, or later are not eligible for a refund.
  • Cancellation should not be assumed until confirmed by CIS Reservations.

PAYMENT SCHEDULE:

  • A $100 per week non-refundable enrollment deposit is required at the time of registration. The remaining camp fees are due as follows:
    • 50% of the total fees due by April 1, 2026
    • 100% of the total fees due by June 1, 2026
  • For registrations made after April 1, 2026, the enrollment deposit and 50% of the remaining tuition are due upon registration and 100% of the total fees due by June 1, 2026.
  • For registrations made after June 1, 2026, full payment is required at the time of registration.
  • If you select the ‘Scheduled Payment’ option during registration, payments will be automatically arranged to meet the required amounts by the specified deadlines.

FEES:

  • Rush Enrollment Fee: $35 per session after June 1, 2026
  • Late Payment Fee: 10% of balance after June 1, 2026

ACCEPTED PAYMENT METHODS:

  • Cranbrook accepts the following payment options, with the associated processing fees:
    • eCheck (ACH): 1.1% processing fee
    • Credit Card: 3.1% processing fee
    • Check: Can be mailed or dropped off at the Institute of Science during standard museum open hours (no processing fee)

ADDITIONAL OPTIONS:

  • Before Care is available from 7:30 - 9:00am, Monday – Friday.
    • ($20/day or $90/week)
  • After Care is available from 3:00 – 6:00pm, Monday – Friday.
    • ($30/day or $135/week).
  • Payment plans are available for no additional fee.

FINANCIAL AID:

Need-based financial aid is available. Awards are funded by Cranbrook Institute of Science and other camp families. To apply, please contact us. To donate, visit our donation page.

Questions about our Explore Camps? Call us at 248-645-3210 or send us an email at CISReservations@cranbrook.edu.