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!
Extended Hours: CSC open until 5:30PM
July 10, 2026
Shell- Yeah
July 10, 2026 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm Drendel Auditorium, 243 3rd Ave NE, Hickory, NC 28601, USA
Get ready for your next beach adventure! Join local author and professional shell hunter Dr. Ashley Oliphant at 6:30 PM in Drendel Auditorium for a fascinating and fun presentation on finding seashells, spotting shark teeth, and uncovering treasures along the shoreline.
After the program, continue the exploration with special hands-on activities and a chance to roam through CSC’s exciting Dinosaurs! exhibit. It's an evening of discovery perfect for beachcombers, fossil hunters, and curious explorers of all ages!
Purchase Tickets- https://14048.blackbaudhosting.com/14048/Shelling-and-Shark-Tooth-Hunting-with-Dr-Ashley-Oliphant
Dinosaurs: A story of Survival
July 10, 2026 2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Follow a curious girl names Celeste and her magical guide, Moon as they travel back to the Mesozoic Era to to explore the astounding diversity of prehistoric life and ultimately uncover the evolutionary link between dinosaurs and modern birds.
Experience the Aurora
July 10, 2026 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm
See the Aurora Borealis as it's never been seen before. Join scientists and photographers on a 7-month journey to capture the perfect shot. For the first time the aurora has been captured as it was meant to be experienced, as a display that covers the entire sky.
Astronaut
July 10, 2026 4:00 pm - 4:30 pm
The exploration of space is the greatest endeavor that humankind has ever undertaken. What does it take to be part of this incredible journey? What does it take to become an astronaut? Go from Earth into space…and beyond.
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.
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.
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.
Fabulous and I don’t often give praise. We took our grandson and were there for hours. He loved it and so did we.
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.
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