We had no idea that Cranbrook had so much to offer! Although not free (but they have free nights just check out the website), I got a livingsocial deal for half off a year membership. We chose to go Sunday because it fit into our plans, although they are only open a few hours and we knew we would be rushing it.
We are so glad we went! The science institute is really nice, my children had an amazing time exploring the traveling exhibit which included Michigan shipwreck artifacts, some from Trenton, not so far away from where we live. The exhibit included a display on effects of deep water pressure, which was something new to us.
Also at Cranbrook, is the basement children's room where they are able to do experiments and observations. My children, ages eight and five, both really loved this area and could have spent hours going through the various drawers filled with things to experiment with. My son enjoyed the drawer on magnetism and my daughter had fun looking through a real microscope and observing the birds out the window. Tearing them away from the area wasn't easy, but with limited time we had a lot to check out.
On the ground floor is a Mastodon, a T-Rex exhibit (we didn't explore it, there wasn't enough time) and the planetarium which we will check out a day they are open longer. My kids loved the arrowhead wall, and the African elephant skull found - of all the places-- in Clinton Township, MI! We liked the rocks and crystals and American Indian artifacts, but what stole the show was the telescope. It was mid-afternoon on a cloudy day, so we were not able to use it, but knowing it's there and open on Friday and Saturday nights, we are heading back on a clear night sometime soon.
We know we will head back out for the Bats show and to look at everything we missed. The center is located on beautiful grounds and would be amazing to explore in it's own right. We are very happy with this membership purchase and look forward to exploring all that is Cranbrook.
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