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Birthday Parties

Celebrate with Science!

Looking for fun places to have birthday parties in Hickory and/or Catawba County? Catawba Science Center offers educational and engaging birthday parties for kids. Science-themed birthday parties for kids include the two-hour use of a classroom, 45 minutes of demonstrations and activities related to the party theme, and free admission for party participants to explore the science center. For additional fees, CSC can decorate and provide gift bags, drinks, snacks, liquid nitrogen ice cream, and a cupcake cake.

Children’s Birthday Party Hours

Saturdays: 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM &
1:30 p.m. –3:30 PM

Sundays: 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM

CSC Weekend Hours

Saturdays: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Sundays: 1:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Call 828.322.8169 to reserve your CSC birthday party today!

Meet the Animals
Ages 3 to 12
 
A wildly popular party. Meet some of CSC's live residents (reptiles and arthropods), examine animal pelts, and identify the tracks they leave behind. Be the creature with an animal mask you make to take home.

Out of this World
Ages 6 to 12out of this world birthday parties theme

In the out-of-this-world party create your own lung-powered rocket and launch it into 
space. Explore our solar system's planets. Learn about constellations while viewing some well-known ones within the party room! Create your very own Galaxy Goo to take home.

*Planetarium shows are not factored into your two-hour party time.

Science Magic
Ages 7 to 12
science magic birthday parties theme
Watch a variety of “magical” physical science demonstrations with liquid nitrogen and exploding balloons. Cool tri
cks teach concepts of chemistry, matter, physical and chemical changes. Make homemade silly putty while doing some experimentation of your own.

Seashore Celebration
Ages 4 to 8

Journey to the “beach” and get an up-close look at live, aquatic specimens like sea urchins and horseshoe crabs, while learning how these creatures have adapted to marine life. Examine shells, make fish prints and a dry aquarium.

Carolina Critters & Crafts
Ages 3 to12

Take a trip through the Carolinas by meeting a few of the critters that live here. Investigate minerals, rocks, and gemstones. Launch into the secrets of flight. Make a fighter jet!

Dino-Mite
Ages 3 to 8
 Dinosaurs
Discover the world of dinosaurs as you excavate and identify fossils to learn how they were formed. Pose with Apatosaurus and T. rex bone models and visualize the creatures’ immense proportions. Make a souvenir fossil with modeling clay.

Birthday Parties Pricing

Themed Party Cost
CSC Members: $150 + tax
Nonmembers: $200 + tax
Extra Birthday: Child $10 + tax

Cost Includes

  • 45 minute hands-on science program
  • Birthday Party Presenter
  • 2 hour use of party room
  • Unlimited all day museum admission for all guests
  • Printable themed invitation template sent in your confirmation email
  • Theme related "Make & Take" item
  • Birthday T-shirt
    Extra Birthday T-Shirt: $10
  • Birthday child’s name in CSC Newsletter
  • Set up and clean up by CSC staff

Guest Limits

  • 25 people standard party room
    35 person limit*
  • 35+ people Special Events Room: $100
    50 person limit*
  • *Each extra person additional $5

Birthday Party Add-Ons

  • Special Events Room (SER) $100 + tax
    Space used for larger parties; 50 person limit
  • Standard Decoration Set $50 + tax
  • SER Standard Decoration Set $55 + tax
    Basic birthday tableware, helium balloons, banner, centerpiece
  • Themed Decoration Set $55 + tax
  • SER Themed Decoration Set $60 + tax
    Themed birthday tableware, helium balloons, banner, centerpiece
  • Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream $50 + tax
  • SER Liquid Nitrogen Ice Cream $55 + tax
    Presenter makes ice cream before your eyes for your guests to enjoy
  • Party Favor Goody Bags $7 each
    Themed goody bags
  • Snacks and Drinks $60 + tax
  • SER Snacks and Drinks $65 + tax
    Regular chips, Cheetos, Rice Krispies Treats, Fruit Snacks, Capri Sun, 3 2L soda, ice
  • Cupcake Cake $45 + tax
    24 cupcakes decorated like a cake for specific party theme
  • SER Cupcake Cake $65 + tax
    48 cupcakes decorated like a cake for specific party theme

 

NOTE: We ask that symptomatic individuals and those who have tested positive and are still within the recommended quarantine period refrain from coming to CSC. If you have already booked and have tested positive or exhibiting symptoms of Covid-19, we can reschedule your birthday party.

CSC Birthday parties logo

DON'T FORGET!

CSC Members receive 10% OFF cake orders at
3 Little Chicks!

CSC Members receive 15% OFF Party Favor Bags at
Tastebuds Popcorn!

For more information on birthday parties or to make a reservation...

contact our Office Staff at scheduling@catawbascience.org or 828.322.8169 x. 0

Payment/Refund Policy

Payment in full (Cash, Check, or Credit Card) is required in order to reserve a party. If a registrant cancels a party at least two weeks in advance, CSC will issue a refund less a $10 administrative fee. If party is canceled less than two weeks before the reserved date, no refund will be given. Note: If CSC must cancel a party because of weather, or other circumstances beyond our control, we will make every effort to reschedule the party, or issue a full refund.

Birthday Parties FAQ's
Will my guests and I have to wear a mask?

CSC has lifted the requirement for guests to wear masks during Birthday Party Programming.

What days and times are available for Birthday Parties?

Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. & 1:30 p.m. and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. Guests can have the use of the party room for two hours.

How do I book a party?

Call 828-322-8169.  Payment in full is required in order to reserve a party.

What happens if there is inclement weather on the day of my party?

If CSC must cancel a party because of weather, or other circumstances beyond our control, we will make every effort to reschedule the party, or issue a full refund.  Someone from CSC will reach out to you to let you know if we are closed due to inclement weather.  You can also keep a look out on our Facebook page for any updates.

What is your payment and cancellation policy?

Payment in full (Cash, Check or Credit Card) is required in order to reserve a party. If a registrant cancels a party at least two weeks in advance, CSC will issue a refund less a $10 administrative fee. If party is canceled less than two weeks before the reserved date, no refund will be given. Note: If CSC must cancel a party because of weather, or other circumstances beyond our control, we will make every effort to reschedule the party, or issue a full refund.

What if additional people would like to attend?

The guest limit is 25 people with a $4 additional charge for each extra person after 25, $6 if food is purchased.

How early can I come to set up?

For a 10:30 a.m. party you can have entry to your party room at 10 a.m.

For a 1:30 p.m. party you can have entry to your party room at 1 p.m.

Where do my guests park?

You can download a parking map here.

Can I reserve a party if my child is outside the recommended age range?

If you are interested in more information about booking a party outside the range please contact camps@catawbascience.org for more information.

How early can my guests visit the Catawba Science Center?

Although no one may enter the party room more than 30 minutes early or occupy it more than 30 minutes after the party, you and your guests are free to gain admission to the museum at any time that day during our operating hours which are Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.  In order to do so, they need to check in at any desk by telling them which party they are here to attend and receiving a special admission sticker.

What else can we do while at Catawba Science Center?

Catawba Science Center is a children’s museum offering hands-on exhibits, salt and freshwater aquarium galleries, and a state-of-the-art digital planetarium theater.  Learn about exotic fish, turtles, snakes and other species found in the Amazon River Basin, touch live sharks and stingrays, and stay for a shark feeding. Enter the Germ Zone to learn about disease-causing bacteria, explore the surface of Mars with a robot arm, create and launch rockets, and experiment with circuits.  See live reptiles, amphibians, insects and arachnids, as well as a collection of fossils, in the Naturalist Center. Climb a mountain wall, experiment with sound and dig for fossils in the Outdoor Courtyard.

*Some of these experiences may be altered or off limits due to COVID19 restrictions. 

Can I bring my own cake?

Yes! You may bring your own cake.

Is there a refrigerator for me to use?

No, there is not.

Can I bring my own decorations?

You may, but we do not allow the use of tape on the walls.  We provide magnets for you to use instead.  We also do not allow the use of glitter or confetti.

Can I bring my own entertainment?

You may.  Keep space and time limitations in mind.  There isn’t usually room for a DJ. Dress up characters are welcome.

Can I request a specific room?

You may dependent upon availability.

Can I see the rooms?

Yes.  You can call and arrange to see them during our business hours or you can email info@catawbascience.org to receive pictures of the rooms.

Do you cater?

We offer a "snacks and drinks" package for $55.  It includes regular chips, Cheetos, rice crispy treats, fruit snacks, Capri Sun, soda, and ice.

We do not currently offer warm food catering, but we can recommend these nearby restaurant locations:

PDQ Restaurant
2060 US Hwy 70 SE
(828) 475-0281

Chick-fil-A
1815 US Hwy 70 SE
(828) 267-2027

Chick-fil-A
1239 2nd St NE
(828) 569-2769

Questions? Contact the Public Programs Office at camps@catawbascience.org  or 828.322.8169 x. 316

Meredith C.

What a wonderful place to visit! Great environment to learn and the staff is very helpful! Hickory is lucky to have great family education and entertainment.

– Meredith C.

Tiffany F.

We love the Science Center! I take my 2 and 4 year old boys weekly to play and enjoy the exhibits. The staff are wonderful and the classes offered are excellent! We are so blessed to have such an amazing resource in our area.

– Tiffany F.

Sam H.

This place was great. We have kids from 8 to 1 and they all had a great time. What I really liked is most of the exhibits are hands on and that really kept them occupied.

– Sam H.

Larry W.

Took the kiddos and they loved it. Employees were nice and helpful. If your looking for something to do with the kids give this place a shot.

-Larry W.

Denise G.

Fabulous and I don’t often give praise. We took our grandson and were there for hours. He loved it and so did we.

– Denise G.

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NC Science Fest SEMC ASTC
Catawba Science Center
243 Third Avenue NE
PO Box 2431
Hickory, NC 28603
Phone: (828) 322 8169
Fax: (828) 322 1585
©2019 Catawba Science Center
Site design by: SEMC
Catawba Science Center, located in Hickory, provides fun for all ages, and is within a short drive from Morganton, Statesville, Lenoir, Lincolnton, and Western NC.