CHANGING LIVES AND INSPIRING LEARNING THROUGH SCIENCE AND WONDER.

 

Looking for fun and educational things to do in Hickory and Western NC?

Plan a visit to Catawba Science Center, a 35,000 sq. ft. science and technology museum that offers a wide range of engaging experiences for visitors of all ages. With hands-on exhibits, animal habitats, salt and freshwater aquarium galleries, and a planetarium we provide a fun and interactive learning environment. Our mission is to change lives and inspire learning through science and wonder!

From engaging school field trips, homeschool classes, and preschool programs to summer camps, birthday parties, and adult science we have something for everyone. Come explore the wonders of the natural world in an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere that fosters curiosity and discovery!

 

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So Many Things to Discover!

TODAY'S PROGRAMS & EVENTS

Nothing from April 3, 2025 to April 4, 2025.

TODAY'S PLANETARIUM SHOWS

  • Expedition Reef

    April 3, 2025  3:00 pm - 3:26 pm

    26 minutes

    Learn the secrets of the "rainforests of the sea" as you embark on an oceanic safari of the world's most vibrant—and endangered—marine ecosystems. Discover how corals grow, feed, reproduce, and support over 25% of all marine life on Earth—while facing unprecedented threats from climate change, habitat destruction, and overfishing.

    Show Begins at 3:00 PM

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.

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.

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.

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