​​Host your child’s next birthday party at Cranbrook Institute of Science! From museum tours to room rentals, scavenger hunts, and more, there’s something for everyone! Read on and see what option might work best for your family.

Staff-Led Birthday Party
Jan. 14 - May 5, 2024 | Offered Select Sundays 10:00am -12:00pm or 2:00 - 4:00pm
We have party-hosting down to a science! Staff-led parties include a host, private room rental, guided museum tour, and memorable hands-on activity of your choice. From set-up to clean-up, we’ll be with your group every step of the way!

Pricing:
Members: $600 for up to 24 guests
Non-members: $700 for up to 24 guests
“Guest” applies to the total number of adults and children 2+. Additional guests (limit 35 guests total) are $15/each.

Price includes:

  • General museum admission and option to purchase 50% discounted Galileo: Scientist, Astronomer, Visionary exhibit tickets (exhibition is open through June 2, 2024)
  • 2-hour party plus time for set-up and clean-up
  • 1 museum host for first 24 guests
  • Guided museum tour and hands-on activity (options are below in the FAQ and will be – selected at time of booking)
  • Private room rental
  • Free parking
  • Gift for the birthday child ($25 voucher to our Science Shop – no cash value)

Galactic Birthday Party
Jan. 14 - May 5, 2024 | Offered Select Sundays 10:00am - 12:00pm or 2:00 - 4:00pm
This party has it all! Party fee includes a host, private room rental, museum tour, private planetarium show, and a special gift for the birthday child. From set-up to clean-up, your Cranbrook Institute of Science host will be with your group every step of the way. Pick your favorite planetarium show by clicking here!

Pricing:
Members: $1,250 for up to 50 guests
Non-members: $1,500 for up to 50 guests
“Guest” applies to the total number of adults and children 2+. Additional guests (limit 75 guests total) are $15/each.

Price includes:

  • General museum admission and option to purchase 50% discounted Galileo: Scientist, Astronomer, Visionary exhibit tickets (exhibition is open through June 2, 2024)
  • 2-hour party plus time for set-up and for clean-up
  • 2 museum hosts
  • Staff-led program
  • Private room rental
  • Private planetarium show of your choice
  • Free parking
  • Gift for the birthday child ($50 voucher to our Science Shop – no cash value)

Self-Guided Birthday Party
Available Year-Round
Host your own self-guided party! Roam the halls to complete a scavenger hunt, purchase planetarium tickets, and on Friday evenings, peek through the telescope in the Observatory. We’ll give you the tools you need to have a great celebration!

Pricing:
Members: $350 for up to 24 guests.
Non-members: $400 for up to 24 guests
“Guest” applies to the total number of adults and children 2+.

Price includes:

  • General museum admission and option to purchase 50% discounted Galileo: Scientist, Astronomer, Visionary exhibit tickets (exhibition is open through June 2, 2024)
  • 2-hour party
  • Reserved tables in the lower lobby of the museum
  • Scavenger hunts for guests
  • Free parking
  • Gift for the birthday child ($10 voucher to our Science Shop – no cash value)

Ready to book?
A $100 non-refundable deposit officially holds the date and will go towards the final cost of your party. To book a birthday or to get additional information, please contact Emily Hinton at: ehinton@cranbrook.edu or 248.341.2492.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring food?
Absolutely! The museum doesn’t provide food or decorations. We do, however, have a fabulous onsite café with a limited menu or you are welcome to bring birthday treats or have something delivered (you are responsible for receiving all deliveries – no alcohol or hot beverages allowed, outside of inhouse catering). Cranbrook Institute of Science does not allow peanuts, tree nuts, or nut butter in the museum. We request that you please refrain from serving or ordering these, or any items made with these ingredients and any known guest allergens.

Can I decorate the party room?
Staff-led parties also include an additional 30-minutes before and after the party to set-up and clean-up the rental room. Please note: adhesives and tape are not allowed on painted surfaces and all balloons must be removed from the museum. You are welcome to bring balloons and are required to remove them from the museum, give away to guests, or deflate and dispose of, upon departure.

What are the activity options for a staff-led party?
We have lots of options for guests ranging in age from 5 to 12. Some recent favorites include:

  • Dino Mite: Recommended for ages 5-7 Pass around real fossils and casts from the Institute’s collection and have all your dinosaur questions answered by our museum expert!
  • Incredible Insects: Recommended for ages 5-8 Check out our displays, get up-close to a hissing cockroach, and take the eating-an-insect challenge – who needs birthday cake?!
  • Science Stage Show: Recommended for all ages Sit back and enjoy several stage science demonstrations using audience volunteers – you’ll love this hair-raising experience!

What other staff-led birthday party activity options are there?
Is there an area of science that your child really digs? Private planetarium shows, souvenir slime, and more… We can talk about custom activity options before you book your party! (additional fees for staff, materials, and clean-up will apply)

What if I want to invite more guests?
Contact Emily Hinton at: ehinton@cranbrook.edu or 248.341.2492 and tell us more about your anticipated guest list. We’ll gladly answer your questions!

What if we’re members? Or if my guests are members?
A birthday party is more than a typical visit to the museum, so we do include your family and/or member guests in the total guest count. We love celebrating birthdays with our members! Keep in mind, your museum membership entitles you to a member-only party discount!

Not a member? No problem! We have lots of options to meet your family’s needs. 

Can we see a planetarium show?
Definitely! Planetarium shows are part of the Galactic level birthday parties and are available on Sunday at 11:30am (before we open to the public) and 3:30pm (after public shows have concluded for the day).