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!
Dinos, Donuts & Dads
June 20, 2026 9:00 am - 10:00 am
ROAR into Father’s Day fun at our Dinos, Donuts & Dads event!
Enjoy early access to our DINOSAURS! Exhibit, dino-themed activities, a fossil hunt, raffle prizes, and more. Donuts, juice, and coffee will be provided, and your ticket includes access to all CSC exhibits beginning at 10:00 AM.
Bring your favorite dinosaur-loving dad and make unforgettable memories together. We look forward to celebrating with you! Catawba Science Center
SPARK: A STEM Career Showcase!
June 20, 2026 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Don't miss this month's event in the Foothills Collaboratory with Western Piedmont Council of Governments. 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.
Dinosaurs: A Story of Survival
June 20, 2026 11:00 am - 12:00 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.
Dynamic Earth
June 20, 2026 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Explore the inner workings of the Earth's climate systems, including the atmosphere, hyrosphere, and biosphere, with visualizations based on satellite monitoring data and advanced supercomputer simulations.
The Little Star That Could
June 20, 2026 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
The story about Little Star, an average yellow star in search of planets of his own to protect and warm. Along the way he meets other stars, learns what makes each star special, and discovers that stars combine to form clusters and galaxies. Learn basic information about our solar system as Little Star goes on his adventures.
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.
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.
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