We have throwing parties down to a science! Make your child’s next birthday unforgettable at Cranbrook Institute of Science. Whether it’s exploring the museum, embarking on a scavenger hunt, or celebrating in one of our fun and interactive party rooms, we’ve got something exciting for every little adventurer! Keep reading to discover the best party option for your family.
DIY Birthday Party | Available year-round
Throw your own do-it-yourself party and let the adventure begin! Explore the museum on a scavenger hunt, grab public planetarium tickets for an out-of-this-world experience, and, exclusively on Friday nights, take a peek through the telescope in the Observatory. We’ve got everything you need to make your celebration unforgettable!
DIY Birthday Party Pricing:
$340 (members) / $400 (nonmembers) for up to 25 guests (includes adults & children 2+).
Includes:
- General museum admission during public hours
- 50% off tickets to The Science of Archimedes (available through June 1)
- 2-hour party with reserved tables
- Scavenger hunts for guests
- $10 Science Shop gift voucher for the birthday child
- Free parking
*Public Planetarium tickets are limited to 35 guests per party and available for purchase for an additional fee on Friday evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays during scheduled shows.*
Birthday Blast with Party Experts
Available December 1 through May 18 | Offered on select Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00am – 12:00pm or 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Our staff-led parties include a dedicated party host, private room rental, a guided museum tour, and a fun, hands-on activity of your choice. From setup to cleanup, we’ll be there every step of the way to ensure a seamless and unforgettable celebration!
Birthday Blast with Party Experts Pricing:
$635 (members) / $750 (nonmembers) for up to 25 guests (adults & children 2+).
Includes:
- General museum admission + 50% off tickets to The Science of Archimedes (available through June 1)
- 2-hour party + 1 hour for setup and 30 minutes for cleanup
- 1 expert museum host
- Guided tour and staff-led activity (select at booking)
- Private room rental
- $25 Science Shop gift voucher for the birthday child
- Free parking
*Public Planetarium tickets are limited to 35 guests per party and available for purchase for an additional fee on Friday evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays during scheduled shows.*
Birthday Blast with Party Experts PLUS
Available December 1 through May 18 | Offered on select Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00am – 12:00pm or 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Double the fun with our staff-led PLUS party! You’ll get everything from our staff-led party package PLUS an extra museum host (two in total), admission for up to 50 guests, and a make-and-take hands-on activity of your choice. It’s the ultimate party experience for larger groups!
Birthday Blast with Party Experts PLUS Pricing:
$1,275 (members) / $1,500 (nonmembers) for up to 50 guests (adults & children 2+).
Includes:
- General museum admission + 50% off tickets to The Science of Archimedes (available through June 1)
- 2-hour party + 1 hour for setup and 30 minutes for cleanup
- 2 museum hosts
- Guided tour and staff-led activity or make-and-take activity (select at booking)
- Private room rental
- $50 Science Shop gift voucher for the birthday child
- Free parking
*Public Planetarium tickets are limited to 35 guests per party and available for purchase for an additional fee on Friday evenings, Saturdays, and Sundays during scheduled shows.*
Galactic Birthday Party
Available December 1 through May 18 | Offered on select Saturdays and Sundays from 10:00am – 12:00pm or 2:00pm – 4:00pm
This party has it all! Party fee includes everything in the Staff Plus party PLUS a 3rd host, admission for 25 extra guests (75 total), a private planetarium show, and a special gift for the birthday kiddo.
Galactic Birthday Party Pricing:
$2,335 (members) / $2,750 (nonmembers) for up to 75 guests (adults & children 2+).
Includes:
- General museum admission + 50% off tickets to The Science of Archimedes (available through June 1)
- 2.5-hour party + 1 hour for setup and 30 minutes for cleanup
- 3 museum hosts
- Staff-led program and a Make-and-Take activity
- Private room rental
- Private planetarium show (choose from our current schedule)
- $75 Science Shop gift voucher for the birthday child
- Free parking
| Party Package | DIY | Birthday Blast with Party Experts | Birthday Blast with Party Experts PLUS | Galactic |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Members: $340 Non-members: $400 |
Members: $635 Non-members: $750 |
Members: $1275 Non-members: $1500 |
Members: $2335 Non-members: $2750 |
| Max. Number of Guests | 25 guests | 25 guest | 50 guests | 75 guests |
| Number of Museum Staff | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Private Space? | No. Includes reserved tables in a public space | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Staff-led Activity? | No | Yes | Yes OR Make and Take Activity | Yes AND Make and Take Activity |
| Make and Take Activity? | No | No | Yes OR Staff-led Activity | Yes AND Staff-led Activity |
| Private Planetarium Show | No | No | No | Yes |
Please contact Emily Hinton at ehinton@cranbrook.edu to confirm your preferred date and time. A $100 non-refundable deposit is required within one week of contacting Emily to secure your party’s date and time. This deposit will be applied to the final cost of your party.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring food?
Absolutely! The museum does not provide food or decorations, but we do have a fabulous onsite café with a limited menu. You are also welcome to bring birthday treats or have food delivered (please note, you are responsible for receiving all deliveries). No alcohol or hot beverages are allowed, except through in-house catering. We kindly ask that you refrain from serving or ordering items containing peanuts, tree nuts, or any known allergens.
Can I decorate the party room?
Staff-led parties include an additional hour before and 30 minutes after the event for setting up and cleaning up the rental room. Please note: adhesives and tape are not allowed on painted surfaces. You are welcome to bring balloons, but they must be removed from the museum upon departure.
What are the activity options for a staff-led party?
We have plenty of options for guests ages 5 to 12! Some recent favorites include:
- Chemical Concoctions (Recommended for ages 5-12) – Mix substances to create exhilarating chemical reactions, including our Elephant’s Toothpaste experiment that will blow your socks off!
- 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 with audience volunteers—this hair-raising experience is a crowd-pleaser!
- Spectacular Space (Recommended for all ages) – Embark on a journey to outer space with our planet walk activity, fun for everyone!
What other staff-led birthday party activity options are there?
Is there a particular area of science your child loves? From private planetarium shows to souvenir slime and more, we can discuss custom activity options before you book your party! Please note, additional fees for staff, materials, and cleanup may apply.
What if I want to invite more guests?
Contact Emily Hinton at ehinton@cranbrook.edu or 248.341.2492 to share details about your anticipated guest list. We’re happy to answer any questions you have!
What if we’re members? Or if my guests are members?
A birthday party is more than just a typical museum visit, so we include your family and/or member guests in the total guest count. We love celebrating birthdays with our members! Remember, your museum membership also grants you a special member-only party discount.
Interestested in becoming a member?
We have plenty of options to meet your family’s needs and expand your exploration. Become a member today!
Can we see a planetarium show?
Definitely! Private planetarium shows are part of the Galactic level birthday parties and are available Saturday and Sunday mornings before we open to the public. Tickets to public planetarium shows are available with other party options at regular prices. The public planetarium schedule can be found here.
Have an additional question? Or a particular date you’d like us to reserve?
Contact Emily Hinton at: ehinton@cranbrook.edu or 248.341.2492.