How many people are required to receive group rates at Cranbrook Institute of Science?
20 paying participants. This can be any combination of adults and students.
What if my group is less than 20, but I still want a private program?
You may pay for 20 people at the group rate (even if your group is smaller), and you can still receive a program for your group.
We only want to see a planetarium show. Can’t we just pay for the planetarium?
The Acheson Planetarium may be rented for private shows at mutually agreeable times. For school-day groups, planetarium programs may be selected as one (or more) of the group’s programs.
Can we visit the museum without seeing a program?
School-day group visits have the cost of programming factored into ticket prices. Foregoing programming will not affect pricing. For optimal engagement of your students, we encourage you to limit your visit to a total of two hours from arrival. Admission pricing for senior/private weekend groups is independent of program charges.
What are your group rates for homeschool groups?
During the week, school-day field trip fees apply. Chaperones are $15 per person, with one chaperone admitted free of charge per every five students, after the 20-person group minimum has been met.
Teachers are free, provided the 20-person group minimum has been met.
How far in advance should I secure my group visit?
Reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. We recommend scheduling as soon as possible and no less than 45 calendar days in advance of your desired date of visit.
When are my final attendance numbers due?
45 calendar days, minimum, in advance of your group’s visit.
What if fewer people come on the day of our scheduled field trip?
Final balance due is based on attendance reported 45 calendar days before the date of your visit or the number of attendees on the day of the visit, whichever is greater.
Fewer than 45 days from the date of your visit, balances will only be updated due to increased attendance. Refunds are not issued day of, or within 45 days of visit, for fewer than anticipated attendance.
What if I need to cancel my group’s reservation?
All cancellations must be in writing and sent to cisreservations@cranbrook.edu more than 45 calendar days before the date of your reservation to qualify for:
- Rescheduling with no additional fees
- Crediting your registration fee and payment(s) towards a future reservation occurring before May 28, 2027
If we receive a cancelation in writing 45 calendar days or fewer before the date of your reservation:
- Registration fee and payments are forfeited
What deposit is required to secure my group’s reservation?
A $100 non-refundable registration fee is required at time of booking to place a temporary hold on your requested date. This will be credited toward your reservation or forfeited if, at any time, the trip is canceled by the school.
How long are your educational programs?
Most programs are approximately 45 minutes in length.
When are programs offered?
Group programs at the Institute are offered Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, on the hour, beginning at 9:00am. Science on the Go! programs at your location are offered Monday through Friday at the time you request.
Sometimes we can request alternate schedules – do not hesitate to ask!
How far in advance of my group’s program do I need to arrive?
Groups are expected to arrive no less than 15 minutes prior to the first scheduled program start time.
What if my group is running late?
Please call the Reservations Office at 248.645.3210 or 248.645.3290 and we will do our best to accommodate. We may not be able to deliver all programs as planned due to other bookings.
What are the expectations of chaperones?
Teachers and chaperones must remain with their group at all times – always watching over the children in their care. Phones are required to be silenced during program times; please limit adult-to-adult conversations during museum visit time. Beverages and food are only allowed in lunch rooms.