Aquariums

Catawba Science Center

Name: Catawba Science Center
Address: 243 3rd Ave NE, Hickory, NC 28601, Hickory, NC, US
Telephone: (828) 322-8169
Rating: 4.4

★★★★☆ 4.4 (298 reviews)

📍 243 3rd Ave NE, Hickory, NC 28601

📞 (828) 322-8169

🌐 www.catawbascience.org

Visit Website 📍 Get Directions

🕐 Hours

Monday	Closed
Tuesday	Closed
Wednesday	10 AM–4 PM
Thursday	10 AM–4 PM
Friday	10 AM–4 PM
Saturday	10 AM–4 PM
Sunday	1–4 PM

⭐ Want to stand out? Get featured ⭐

About Catawba Science Center

Hands-on exhibits & a planetarium. Science museum featuring hands-on displays, including an aquarium with sharks, plus a planetarium. The Catawba Science Center features a featured DINOSAURS! exhibit with moving dinosaurs that runs through December 6th, offering an interactive paleontology experience. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars by 298 visitors.

Quick Facts

Type: Science Center
Size: 35,000 sq. ft.
Best For: All ages
Main Attractions: Aquarium galleries, animal habitats, planetarium, hands-on exhibits
Featured Exhibit: DINOSAURS! (through December 6th)

💡 Did You Know?

⭐The Catawba Science Center features a featured DINOSAURS! exhibit with moving dinosaurs that runs through December 6th, offering an interactive paleontology experience
⭐The science center includes both salt and freshwater aquarium galleries with sharks and interactive stingray touch experiences, combining marine education with hands-on engagement
⭐The facility offers comprehensive birthday party packages that include planetarium access, live animal interactions (turtles, snakes, tarantulas, hissing cockroaches), and personalized staff support
⭐Admission to the Catawba Science Center includes access to an attached art museum across the way, combining science and art education in a single venue visit
⭐The planetarium features educational shows such as 'Living Worlds' and includes interactive exhibits like a weather machine designed to engage visitors of all ages

💬 What Visitors Say

💡Plan extra time for the planetarium shows and interactive weather machine, as these are consistently highlighted as must-see attractions. Consider timing your visit to catch a specific show like 'Living Worlds'.
💬The admission price includes entrance to the attached art museum, so plan to explore both facilities in one visit for better value and a diverse experience covering science, animals, and art.
💡Staff members are stationed at each exhibit to answer questions and spark curiosity, so don't hesitate to engage with them - they significantly enhance the educational experience and can provide insights beyond the displays.
💡Birthday parties at the planetarium are popular and well-organized by staff, with options to interact with live animals like turtles, snakes, and tarantulas. Book in advance during peak seasons.
💬The DINOSAURS! featured exhibit is open through December 6th with moving dinosaur displays, so visit soon if this is a primary draw for your visit, especially with younger children.