I love it here. I am a very science-y girl, I love anything to do with science and medicine. So, of course, I started coming here a few years ago. The planetarium shows are gorgeous, my particular favorite was one about monarch butterfly migration. The Aquarium and reptile section is so cool, you get to see these massive tortoises and an alligator named Lucy, pet sting rays, fish of all kinds, etc. You can also explore the human body section and the physics section, where you can play on a special pulley system on a physics playground. There is also a section with insects where you can take a closer look at different types of preserved butterflies. And, every three years or so, they hold a butterfly exhibit where you can watch the butterflies flutter about. They'll even give you some sugar water on your finger, and butterflies will come flocking to you and even land on you! I had the privilege of being present for it last year and butterflies landed on me left and right, I absolutely felt like Snow White! All in all, the Catawba Science Center is a family friendly learning environment that is perfect for field trips of all kinds. You won't regret visiting! read more

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The Catawba Science Center is located next to the Hickory Art Museum in the SALT complex so I stopped here too. It was about $15 to visit the museum. I had reciprocity but didn't think to ask about it and they didn't ask like is done at the other museums. The Science Center was on the small side and a lot of the exhibits were out of order. The exhibits they had seemed geared more to younger children. So there wasn't a lot there. I never found my way to the aquarium as that is apparently in another building and that was not mentioned. The planetarium show wasn't starting until 2pm so that was disappointing. I will go back with my reciprocity to see the building I missed. read more

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I've been coming to Catawba Science center since I was a toddler, and there's a lot of fond memories but I cannot condone their new AI exhibit. It is sickening to applaud and congratulate the people who have made AI "art" generators that unethically steal thousands of artists work everyday to churn out slop. For a place supposed to inspire creativity in young children this is very disappointing, especially with an art gallery attached to the science center it's disgraceful. To explain how AI art works let's take Metas AI training for example. There was no option to opt out within the US. Every image uploaded to the app was put into an AI generator, including family photos and hundreds of small artists work. It then takes those images and puts them together again like a puzzle to make something "new." Without any images from actual artists or photographers the computer couldn't make anything. Art should be about human expression not soulless prompts put into a computer. read more

Catawba Science Center - Museums Near Me - Hickory, North Carolina

Took our grandchildren here Saturday. Very disappointed. Half displays were not open. Husbands first time going was wasn't impressed. Cost $61.00. Wasn't worth the cost. Displays of some of the animals were so far away you couldn't read the info. I'll go back but notimes on. soon. read more

This place was so wonderful! We took our girls while visiting family and it was very informative and interactive. At the main building, you start with different animals and learn a lot from the staff! They have a touch tank and are very informative. We did all the animal exhibits, Thomas the train, and the holiday laser light show. Definitely worth checking out if you are in the area! read more

This is still one of the best places to take your kids (or yourself) year round for a great time! I know that all of their exhibits are amazing and well thought out. The level of detail they put into them is just incredible. Also, the art side is also great, so don't skip over that portion of the museum! There are also great programs for adults to do. You can sign up for art classes, and other programs that they offer. The museum offers a lot more than many people know. read more

Such a fun place for our 2 year old. She would spend all day if she could! Great for a rainy day! She is a sensory seeker and loves hands on activities. It's such a perfect place for her. We have an annual membership and it is 100% worth it! read more

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This was a nice place me and my son enjoyed it. I would highly recommend it for a family place. read more

I was looking for a halfway point for my and my bestie to meet while she was visiting and we found this place it was three hours away from both but it was definitely worth it we had a great time and kids loved one price for all three buildings read more

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Well it is nice for a close place to go to but having been to bigger city science centers it does leave more to be desired.

Catawba Science Center is a hidden gem. I haven't been back here since elementary school. I decided to take my nieces here for the weekend. The exhibits were fun! I really enjoyed the interactive and hands on stations. We had a lot of fun. The aquarium was probably the best spot. I was surprised by how many fish they had on display. The stingrays were the best. If you're looking for something to do in Hickory, this is a great place with a small admission fee. read more

Great place for kids... hands on museum. Staff is really nice... they have a small aquarium that is very good for kids.

I am so torn between giving the Catawba Science Center a 3 and 4 star review, but I'm going to settle with a 3 for now. I have been coming here my entire life, and have very vivid memories of ALL of the different attractions and rooms that they've added/taken away over the years. My most recent visit really disappointed me, and it was very upsetting because there is very little to do now. But I will say this... They have added a new aquarium that is actually pretty neat, you can pet the stingrays and interact with the hermit crabs. However, I really miss the way the building used to be set up. They are doing construction at the moment, but they have taken away SO many good attractions and rooms, like the old aquarium they used to have inside the main building. They also took away the playroom for toddlers as well. I was sad to see this because I was really looking forward to letting my 1 year old play in there. To my understanding, they are just renovating that specific room though. They also got rid of the fish tanks that you could "stick your head in." I'm sure a lot of people will remember what I'm talking about. Downstairs they have added a new "poop" lab, (at least that's what we call it.) and removed the water/sand table and the storm TV (where you could stand up and see yourself on screen inside of an actual hurricane or tornado.) That will be missed a lot by so many of us 90's babies! They started charging for the extra traveling exhibits, and the gift shop doesn't have as much as it used to. All together though, we still had fun, we just wish everything was back to the way that it used to be. There used to be so much more hands on things, and things to do and see. read more

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We used our reciprocal membership to check out the Science Center. I think it's neat in an old high-school but it does make it hard for strollers. My son enjoyed a lot of the tactile exhibits. The aquarium is small but is great for little kids. read more

The Catawba Science Center brings back so many memories! My cousin and I would always go with our grandparents and have so much fun. They have many exhibits and activities. They have an amazing gift shop with lots of fun items. There is so much to explore, such as animal exhibits, butterfly homes, rockets, (my personal favorite) a huge nose that sprays you with water, stingrays, a poop examination, slime, fish, tornado simulator, and so much more! If you are in the Hickory area, stop by the science center for a fun time and lots of memories! read more

Catawba Science Center - Museums Near Me - Hickory, North Carolina

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Best place to bring the kids in the area. Plenty of exhibits, can pet sting rays, and visit a planetarium all within walking distance. My kids love coming here and it's pretty fun for me as well. read more

Wonderful space for various cultural events in Hickory NC. read more

Catawba Science Center - 2012 Ted x Hickory event in the Art Center's auditorium - Museums Near Me - Hickory, North Carolina

I grew up here going on class field trips back in primary school, to me this place makes me feel nostalgic. It is also a great place to make memories and have fun. I think the best part about this place though is that the change the theme of its attractions once in a while to prevent it from becoming too drab. Gift store is a bit overpriced unfortunately. read more

Took my 14 month old here on a Tuesday morning....good thing is it wasn't crowded, bad this was there were no other kids to interact with. It was ok, the place felt kinda old and dusty. I would come back on the free Friday but not gonna invest in a membership. read more

Great place to bring family and they offer things for all ages! Planetarium with laser shows, aquarium with touch tank, and lots of hands on exhibits! read more

A great place for an afternoon with the kids. They have a wide assortment of activities and projects for you and your kids to work on together. The staff was friendly and helpful, and the facility was clean and tidy. We had our son's birthday party here, and they did a really fine presentation to our child's group. We offered to even clean up after the party, and the presenter said she would take care of everything. I deducted one star as the facilities could upgrade some areas (some of their materials just looked a little worn). Much of this is a result of funding and donations, so I really can't blame the staff for insufficient funds. But overall, a great experience, and I would recommend it. read more

Great deal for families! Great aquarium, planetarium and exhibits.

What is there not to love about the Catawba Science Center?! I have been going there since I was a kid and all 5 of my children have gotten their share of enjoyment from this place. read more