CHANGING LIVES AND INSPIRING LEARNING THROUGH SCIENCE AND WONDER.
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!
Naturalist Program: Build Your Own Cryptid
April 26, 2025 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Unleash your imagination with the knowledge you know about critters and creatures to build your very own cryptid, at this month's Naturalist Program: Build Your Own Cryptid. On Saturday, April 26th from 10 AM – 12 PM in the Naturalist Center.
Free event with purchase of admission.
Expedition Reef
April 26, 2025 11:00 am - 11:26 am
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 11:00AM
One World One Sky: Big Bird's Adventure
April 26, 2025 2:00 pm - 2:25 pm
25 minutes
Big Bird and his friends Elmo and Hu Hu Zhu explore how the Earth, moon, and night sky are similar for all people no matter where they live. This show examines the similarities and differences between the earth and the moon.
Show Begins at 2:00 PM
Expedition Reef
April 26, 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
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.
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.
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.
Fabulous and I don’t often give praise. We took our grandson and were there for hours. He loved it and so did we.
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.
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