Schools may go on holiday break, but science will always be here! Engage your brain over the holiday season at the Cranbrook Institute of Science and explore special hands-on activities being offered on select dates from December 27th to January 6th.

Discover the wonder of the natural world and develop a better understanding of the ways in which science impacts our lives each day at Cranbrook Institute of Science. In addition to the permanent exhibits and the current traveling exhibit – Galileo: Scientist, Astronomer, Visionary, families can have fun with special activities during school break. The following activities are all free with general admission:

  • Grow a Grinch Heart: Use the science of chemical reactions to grow the Grinch a heart.
  • Ice Fishing: Can you pick up ice cubes with a piece of string? Learn the laws of physics to discover the trick that makes it easy!
  • Snowball Catapults: Up your game this winter season and build a snowball catapult to bring home.
  • Slip On Your Skis and Skates: Why are skis and skates helpful for winter exploring? Learn about the science behind them.
  • Un-brrrr-lievable Temperatures: Explore the laws of thermal expansion and contraction with a homemade thermometer.
  • Polar-Palooza: Investigate the various ways polar creatures use to stay warm and dry in the cold winter months.
  • Snowflake Science: Why are snowflakes always six-sided? Learn all about the fascinating science behind snowflakes and even take one home.
  • Ice Cube Races: Which materials will melt ice the fastest? Experiment to find out.
  • Snowy-Scavenger Hunt: Can you find the clues? Solve this winter mystery!

Activities run daily from 11am to 3pm from December 27 – 30, 2023 and January 3 – 6, 2024. General admission to the museum is $14 for adults and $10.50 for kids ages 2 to 12. Tickets to traveling exhibit, Galileo: Scientist, Astronomer, Visionary have an additional cost and range in price from $5 – $8; children under 2 are FREE.

BONUS: Cranbrook offers FREE admission on the Third Thursday of each month (Dec. 21st) and on the First Friday (Jan. 5th).

Members enjoy it all for FREE! A family membership is a great value at $75 for a family or $95 for a household PLUS two guests per visit. Enter to win a FREE annual family membership from LittleGuide Detroit!