Cranbrook Institute of Science Summer Explore Camps – Bloomfield Hills, MI
Cranbrook Institute of Science runs themed week-long summer day camps for children in kindergarten through grade 8, held inside one of Michigan’s most recognized natural history museums. Each week focuses on a different science topic — from astronomy and earth science to ecology and outdoor skills — with hands-on experiments, specimen exploration, and planetarium sessions woven into the daily schedule. Camps run Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, with before- and after-care available. The program is well suited for families in Metro Detroit looking for a science-rich summer experience on a historic campus that goes well beyond a typical day camp setting.
Program Details
Status: Available
Last reviewed by Michigan STEAM Kids: April 14, 2026
Program name: Summer Explore Camps
Ages served: Ages 5–14 (Kindergarten – Grade 8)
Program type: Themed weekly science day camp
Focus areas: Natural history, astronomy, earth science, ecology, outdoor skills, art-science integration
Format: In-person
Pricing: $400–$500/week (varies by grade level); Cranbrook member discounts available ($380–$425/week); $100/week non-refundable enrollment deposit required
Date and time: June 8 – August 12, 2026 (Monday–Friday) | 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Location:
Cranbrook Institute of Science
39221 Woodward Avenue
Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303
Program Overview
Summer Explore Camps use the museum itself as the learning environment. Rather than a single curriculum repeated each week, Cranbrook offers distinct themed sessions that rotate through different scientific disciplines. Younger campers in kindergarten through grade 3 can choose from themes like Science Sampler, which introduces engineering challenges and high-energy experiments; Living Wonders, which explores animal adaptations across species that run, swim, fly, and skitter; Astro Motion, which blends physics and astronomy; and Earth’s Mysteries, which digs into geology, crystals, and minerals. Third graders also have access to Space Camp, which incorporates rockets and Martian ecosystems.
Older elementary students in grades 4–5 can enroll in Outdoor Adventure, which teaches archery and environmental science skills, or Science & Art, which combines creative expression with scientific thinking. For middle schoolers in grades 6–8, Cranbrook offers three specialized tracks: Cosmic College, an immersive astronomy experience that includes a late-evening meteor shower viewing; Eco College, where students work as field ecologists using the 319-acre campus as a living laboratory; and a Counselor in Training program for students interested in developing leadership skills.
Learning Focus & Skills Developed
Earth science, geology, and mineral identification
Astronomy, physics, and planetarium-based observation
Ecology, environmental science, and field research methods
Engineering challenges and hands-on experimentation
Outdoor skills including archery and nature navigation
Creative problem-solving through art-science integration
Leadership and mentoring (Counselor in Training track)
Who This Program Is Best For
Children who are curious about the natural world and enjoy hands-on discovery
Families looking for a structured, educational summer camp with museum-quality resources
Kids who thrive in themed, week-by-week formats rather than a single extended session
Middle schoolers interested in deeper science immersion or early leadership experience
Metro Detroit families seeking a day camp with flexible extended care hours
About the Provider
Cranbrook Institute of Science is a natural history and science museum founded in 1904 by philanthropists George and Ellen Scripps Booth. It is part of the Cranbrook Educational Community, a campus that also includes an art museum, a Pre-K–12 school, and a graduate academy of art. The Institute houses over 200,000 artifacts, a planetarium, an observatory, and a science garden, and it draws more than 300,000 visitors each year. In 1989, the Cranbrook campus was designated a National Historic Landmark, recognized as one of the most important groups of educational and architectural structures in America. The Institute’s stated mission centers on delivering transformational experiences in STEM education and fostering scientific literacy.
Program Location & Local Context
The camps take place at Cranbrook’s campus at 39221 Woodward Avenue in Bloomfield Hills, about 20 miles north of downtown Detroit along the Woodward corridor. The 319-acre campus offers campers access to outdoor green space, the Erb Family Science Garden, and the museum’s galleries and planetarium — all within a single, walkable setting. For Metro Detroit families, Bloomfield Hills is centrally accessible from communities across Oakland County and neighboring areas. Before- and after-care options extend the day from 7:30 AM to 6:00 PM, accommodating working parents’ schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ages are the Summer Explore Camps designed for?
Most camp themes serve kindergarten through grade 3. Select themes (Outdoor Adventure, Science & Art) are available for grades 4–5. Grades 6–8 have three dedicated tracks: Cosmic College, Eco College, and Counselor in Training.
How much do the camps cost?
Weekly tuition ranges from $400 to $500 for non-members, depending on grade level. Cranbrook members receive discounted rates of $380–$425 per week. A $100 non-refundable deposit is due at registration. Families registering for all four July weeks save $40. Need-based financial aid is available by contacting CISReservations@cranbrook.edu.
Is before- or after-care available?
Yes. Before care runs from 7:30 to 9:00 AM ($20/day or $90/week). After care runs from 3:00 to 6:00 PM ($30/day or $135/week).
Are there any food allergy policies?
All lunches must be brought from home and must be free of peanuts, tree nuts, nut butters, sesame oil (tahini), and seeds. This policy applies campus-wide.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations between April 1 and May 31 receive a 50% refund. No refunds are issued after June 1.
Explore Related Programs
Looking for more science-focused summer experiences in Michigan? Explore these related options:
Science of the Built World: Welcome Concrete Summer Camp at Lawrence Technological University — a civil engineering camp for high school students in Southfield, another Metro Detroit option for older teens.
Browse more STEAM summer camps across Michigan.