Discover the wonders of science together with your family at the Institute of Science! Join us for engaging Family Workshops, where you’ll dive into hands-on activities and interactive learning experiences designed to spark curiosity and inspire a love for science in all ages.
Embark on your next family adventure and make memories that will last forever!
Archaeology!
Saturday, November 9 | 1:00-3:00pm
Begin by uncovering what archaeology truly is (and isn’t) and the fascinating window it offers into our past. Dive into the lifeways of Michigan’s native peoples and witness an exciting live demonstration of early hunting techniques. Discover the surprising significance of ancient pottery designs, then get hands-on as you try decorating and reconstructing pottery yourself. Finally, bring it all together with a simulated archaeological dig in our outdoor dig boxes!
This workshop is recommended for guests ages 7 and up. Some parts of this program are held outdoors, so please dress for the weather. We'll head outside, rain or shine!
Tickets are $17 for members and $20 for non-members per person.
Registration closes on Thursday, November 7 at 1:00pm.
Fossil Ball Frenzy Family Experience!
Saturday, November 16 | Workshops begin at 11:30am, 12:30, 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30pm
Join us for a special throwback event at our exploreLAB to revisit its pre-COVID programs! Enjoy dig boxes, paleo mini-talks, exciting dino activities, and the crowd favorite: FOSSIL BALLS!
If you’re new to fossil balls, put on your safety glasses and use real lab techniques to extract the matrix and uncover your genuine marine fossil. Work alongside paleontologists to identify your discovery, label it, and take home this unique memento of your experience!
Tickets will be available at the door, subject to availability.
Tickets are $6 for members and $7 for non-members per person, in addition to general admission.
Family Egg Drop Challenge
Saturday, December 7 | Workshops begin at 11:00am, 11:30am, 12:00, 12:30, 1:00, 1:30, 2:00, 2:30pm
In this classic activity, you’ll receive a hard-boiled egg that will be dropped from the top of the stairs in just a few moments. Using a limited supply of materials, can you engineer a protective structure to keep the egg from cracking? If you succeed, you can choose your very own prize from the Minerals in a Bottle collection!
If your first attempt doesn’t go as planned, don’t worry! Your ticket allows you to keep trying until you perfect your design. Guests are welcome to work individually, as a family, or to start solo and invite helpers along the way.
The workshop start times are staggered to manage arrivals. Guests are welcome to take as much time as needed to complete their projects.
Tickets will be available at the door, subject to availability.
Tickets are $6 for members and $7 for non-members per person, in addition to general admission.
Mineral Mania Treasure Hunt!
Saturday, December 14 | Workshops begin at 11:00am, 11:30am, 12:00, 12:30, 1:00, 1:30, 2:00, and 2:30pm
Join us for a fun, family-friendly Treasure Hunt in our Mineral Gallery! Discover amazing minerals as you follow clues, examine evidence, and ponder questions that lead you on your adventure. What’s the reward? You’ll get to choose your very own mineral treasure prize (per treasure hunt)!
This workshop will offer four different Treasure Hunts tailored for different ages and experience levels. You can work individually, with a friend, or as a family! Our friendly geology staff will be on hand to provide hints if you need them. Can YOU solve the mystery?
Tickets will be available at the door, subject to availability.
Tickets are $6 for members and $7 for non-members per person, in addition to general admission.
Please note that refunds are not available for Family Workshops. However, cancellations made at least 10 days before the event date may qualify for a one-time transfer credit to another event scheduled before May 10, 2025, subject to availability. Additionally, programs with fewer than 10 total attendees may be canceled, and refunds will be issued in that case.
For questions or special accommodation requests, please call 248-645-3210 or email us at cisreservations@cranbrook.edu.