If you’re in Northville, Michigan, and found yourself wishing for a place that makes science feel magical, you’re in luck! The Cranbrook Institute of Science is just about a 25-minute drive northeast in Bloomfield Hills, at 39221 Woodward Avenue. This isn’t the kind of museum where you wander aimlessly, glancing at “Do Not Touch” signs. At Cranbrook, science is made vivid, hands-on, and unexpectedly sparkly.
Step Into a Realm of Marvels
Walk into Cranbrook and you’ll be met by interactive exhibits that invite more than just looking. Ever wanted to stand beneath a towering T.rex, feel the fur of a mastodon, or touch a piece of outer space? Here, you can do all three. There are over 20,000 artifacts displayed in nine permanent exhibit halls, plus a changing exhibition hall that keeps the experience fresh and surprising.
Not Your Average Day Out
Looking for something out of the ordinary? Don’t miss the Acheson Planetarium, where the lights dim and an entire universe appears overhead. The 360-degree dome whisks you into the cosmos with sharp, vivid colors and immersive sound. It’s a place to watch stars be born and planets spin, no telescope needed—just a sense of curiosity.
On Fridays and Saturdays, the Cranbrook Observatory opens wide for stargazers. Three research-grade telescopes invite visitors to spy dazzling planets and distant galaxies. Solar viewing on select Sundays means you can safely gaze at the sun and spot sunspots—totally cool and safe.
Programs That Spark Imagination
Cranbrook isn’t a quiet museum. All year long, a lineup of programs and events pops with creativity. Seasonal celebrations, special exhibit unveilings, and planetarium shows fill the calendar. Scouts, school groups, birthday parties, and even summer campers find science to be a journey they never forget.
Teachers and parents, take note: The museum hosts unforgettable school-year field trips and group visits designed to get kids asking wild questions—and finding their own answers. For the little ones, “Science Stop” introduces the basics in a way that’s all grins and excitement.
Become a Member of the Wonder Club
If you want more from Cranbrook than just one trip, their membership program opens new doors. Members enjoy free general admission, exclusive invitations to members-only events, and the chance to see cutting-edge science before anyone else. A single membership even gives access to other gems on campus, including the Cranbrook Art Museum and Cranbrook House & Gardens—bonus adventures await!
Plan Your Visit: Museum and Café Hours
Cranbrook Institute of Science is ready for explorers throughout the week:
Museum Hours
Wednesday-Thursday: 10am-5pm
Friday: 10am-10pm
Saturday: 10am-5pm
Sunday: 12pm-4pm
Reflections Café Hours
Wednesday-Friday: 9:30am-2:30pm
First Free Friday: 9:30am-3:30pm and 6:00-9:00pm
Saturday: 10:30am-3:30pm
Sunday: 12pm-3:30pm
If your day of exploring science leaves you hungry, Reflections Café provides a cozy spot to refuel with snacks and drinks. Its hours are set to match your adventure, including extended times for the “First Free Friday” each month.
What’s New and Wild?
There’s always something fresh happening. This fall, you can time-travel millions of years in “Permian Monsters: Life before the Dinosaurs,” diving into ancient worlds and the secrets of Earth’s greatest extinction. The exhibit (September 28, 2025 – January 7, 2026) puts the weirdest creatures you’ve never heard of on display—giant insects, wild fish, and reptilian beasts.
Make Science a Party
Did you know you can host birthday parties, private events, and group outings right inside the museum? Whether it’s a celebration, a scout troop adventure, or a classroom seeking a spark, Cranbrook turns gatherings into story-worthy experiences. Their team helps create a science party filled with discoveries and laughter—no boring speeches, just excitement.
Giving Back
Feel inspired to make science more accessible? Cranbrook welcomes donations and support to keep their curious playground alive for future generations. Contributions help fund exhibits, educational programs, and scholarships, ensuring kids from all backgrounds have the chance to be wowed by science.
Why Cranbrook?
It isn’t just about learning. It’s about feeling the thrill of discovery, standing in the middle of a museum where you’re encouraged to touch, experiment, and dream. Families, friends, classrooms, and solo adventurers can all find their spark—regardless of age. Whether you’re peering through one of the telescopes, cracking open a geode in ExploreLAB, or following a dinosaur’s footsteps, the Cranbrook Institute of Science turns every visit into a lively treasure hunt for knowledge.
So next time you’re asking, “What’s there to do near Northville?”, make the short trip to Bloomfield Hills and let your sense of wonder loose. Science isn’t just for school—at Cranbrook, it’s for everyone.
Sources: science.cranbrook.edu, Cranbrook Institute of Science Facebook Page, Cranbrook Institute of Science Instagram Page
Header Image Source: science.cranbrook.edu
