Summer Fun Science Camps
Hands-on science adventures for rising pre-K through 9th graders! Choose from one, two, or multiple weeks of exciting classes with weekly themes designed for specific age groups, led by professional educators. Browse our camp offerings in the Summer Fun Guide below to find the perfect camp for your budding scientist!
Build Your Perfect Camp Day
Join us for another fun-filled year of Summer Fun with hands-on science camps at Catawba Science Center! Each week features a different theme designed for camper.
Our Summer Fun camp experience is customizable for your needs. We offer anything from two to ten hours per day of fun exploring and learning. Choose a combination of Sunrise Science (7:30-10am), SciFun Classes (10am-12pm), and Afternoon Adventures (12-5:30pm) to build the schedule that works best for your family!
Browse our SciFun class offerings in the Summer Fun Guide to find the perfect camp for your budding scientist. Registration is accepted on a first-come, first-served basis; don't delay classes fill up quickly!
Not a Member? Join today for discounts on camps!
Join Today! →Age Groups
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Create a Schedule That Works for You
Mix and match any combination from 2 to 10 hours of science camp per day!
Sunrise Science
Early-morning drop-off care with science-themed activities. A great add-on before SciFun classes begin.
Pricing
SciFun Classes
The heart of Summer Fun! Weekly themed science classes for each age group, led by CSC educators or certified teachers. Prices vary by theme; check the Summer Fun Guide for more details.
Prices listed in the Summer Fun Guide.
Afternoon Adventures
Afternoon fun including indoor and outdoor games, scavenger hunts, and field trips to the YMCA, Carolina Theater, City of Hickory parks, Patrick Beaver Memorial Library, and Pin Station.
Pricing
Available to Rising 1st - 9th Grade only.
Innovation Camps
Started in 2010, Innovation Camps offer fun learning experiences in engineering, robotics, coding, and other STEM-related concepts for rising 1st through 6th graders. Camps are held at Catawba Science Center from 9:00am – 3:30pm. Each camp session is unique, with different projects and activities. Click the Summer Fun Guide below for the full class descriptions on page 10. Space is limited — register today to reserve your spot!
Engineering Pioneers
Future Engineers
Robotics
How to Register
Browse the 2026 Summer Fun Guide to select the SciFun class(es) you'd like to enroll in.
Complete the online registration form for your rising Pre-K through 9th grader. Please ensure you complete a separate form for EACH child.
Your registration is timestamped and received in the order submitted. CSC Office Staff will email a registration confirmation once processed.
If a class is marked 'FULL' with a price of $0.00, you may join the waitlist. Staff will notify you if a spot opens.
Your registration is NOT finalized until you receive an email confirmation from CSC Office Staff. This may take up to 3 weeks. If you have any questions or wish to be removed from the waitlist please call (828) 322-8169 press 0 or email [email protected]
A late fee of $15 per child applies to registrations received less than two weeks prior to camp.
Select your child's grade level to see available classes and complete registration.
Drop-Off / Pick-Up
Students can be dropped off at the South Entrance parking lot and walk down a set of stairs to the doors.
You are welcome to park at any of the designated parking lots and walk your camper to the doors. Pick up will be in the same South Entrance parking lot for the car rider line, or you are again welcome to walk your camper to your parked car.
If you are picking up in the afternoon please call BLUE 828.514.9425 or RED 828.455.9983.
Scholarship Opportunities
Through the Portal to Science Program, qualified families may apply for scholarships to attend Summer Fun Science Camps. Benefits are for residents of Alexander, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, or Lincoln counties who receive WIC, SNAP, or Medicaid benefits. Quantities are limited. Submit completed applications at least two weeks prior to the desired class start date. Complete a separate application for EACH child.
Learn More →Refund Policy
If cancellation occurs prior to two weeks before class begins, an administrative fee of $12 per class will be deducted from the refund. Refunds will not be issued for cancellations occurring after the two-week deadline. Catawba Science Center reserves the right to cancel any class if minimum enrollment is not met, in which case a full refund will be issued.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Families Are Saying
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My 4 year old grandson loved his Messy Science class this week and is looking forward to his next class with bubbles. Great staff and subject matter. He came home excited every day!
— Miya T.
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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.
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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.
Questions? We're Here to Help!
Our office is available for registration assistance Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm. Don't wait, classes fill up fast!