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!

SPARK: A STEM Career Showcase!
May 9, 2026 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Don't miss this month's event in the Foothills Collaboratory! SPARK is a STEM career showcase featuring local industries in the Carolina Foothills. Participate in guided activities based on their careers. The LAB can be found at the end of the South entrance hallway across from Velo-City. This program is free with the price of admission. Learn more HERE.
Legend of the Enchanted Reef
May 9, 2026 11:00 am - 11:30 am
Dive in with three friends on the ocean adventure of a lifetime. After a fishing trawler devastates their reef, the trio has no choice but to set out on a quest to find a new home. As they search the sea for a legendary reef, the friends encounter a variety of intriguing environments, from kelp forests to sunken wrecks and even outer space!
Magic Tree House
May 9, 2026 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Travel with Jack and Annie, stars of the Magic Tree House® bestselling children’s book series, as they visit an observatory and beyond into space with the help of an astronomer and astronaut.
Living Worlds
May 9, 2026 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Whether earthly or alien, all life leaves a trace. Journey through space and time to discover how life makes Earth livable, where it could be found elsewhere in the cosmos, and what new technologies we might use to find it. Along the way, you'll learn how light and color can help us spot other living worlds even from vast distances-and develop a new appreciation for the one of-a-kind planet right beneath our feet.
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.
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.
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.
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.