I brought my son to night at the museum at Discovery place, and it was a time! My son absolutely…read moreloves Legos and currently right now the brick masters studio is at the museum. We went through the exhibit and got to see some really incredible displays. We marveled at the displays, wondering how long they took to complete, how many people worked on the display etc. It's just so amazing to see that all the displays were made out of Lego pieces. There were some interactive displays which was nice for the kids since they were unable to touch most of the displays in the exhibit. There's a section where the kids can be master builders and time themselves on how quickly they can complete a miniature display, they ranged from easy, medium and difficult. At the end of the experience there was an entire city made of Legos, with loose lego pieces for the kids to be creative and make their own lego creations. It was a great finish to the experience. This exhibit is every lego master builders dream. It brought me back to my childhood!

What a fun place for learning we hoped this place would be! However, for the price, I left a bit…read moreunderwhelmed. We covered the entire museum and by the time my 7 year old left, she had fun but was unimpressed. The Lego exhibition was phenomenal in comparison to the science exhibits and learnings themselves. As far as the exhibits, so many were not functioning or were not being serviced by an attendant to explain what was being displayed in the creative spaces.

I love it here. I am a very science-y girl, I love anything to do with science and medicine. So, of…read morecourse, 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!

The Catawba Science Center is located next to the Hickory Art Museum in the SALT complex so I…read morestopped 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.

The Greensboro Science Center is a true gem for families AND adults. They are committed to wildlife…read moreconservation, rehabilitation and education. The center is constantly improving and evolving the facility by maintaining current exhibits and adding new ones. They also host traveling exhibits such as BODIES. Right now, they are working on adding a new rainforest biosphere (Current ETA September 2027). There is also a butterfly room filled to the brim with butterflies, it is quite a site to see! The interior features children play areas, weather ed, reptiles and more. Not to forget about the AQUARIUM (my favorite part), which gives visitors the opportunity to touch rays and sharks, see the penguins, awe at massive tank with a wide variety of fish, and don't forget the penguins and jellyfish! The exterior is like a mini zoo, it could easily take you an hour+ to visit the flamingos, monkeys, tigers, Pygmy hippos, wolves, red panda, petting zoo and more. They also have concessions inside and outside if you need a beverage or some snacks. Don't forget to end the day with a ride on the carousel! During the December/January holiday time, they also have a lighted exhibit outdoors that you can walk through with lighted sculptures, shows, and hot cocoa. The Greensboro Science Center is a great value experience for something to do in Greensboro, I can't recommend it enough.

I came here to kill time during my drive through the state…read more Unfortunately the AI generators said they participated in Museums at all and the range was $3 to $5 for adults. I arrived there and the front desk people said they increased the price to $7 5 months ago. Since the museum didn't compare favorably to the science museums I was accustomed to (Maryland Science Museum) nor the aquatic centers (Baltimore Aquatic Center), I decided to give it a pass. Instead I went to the Tanger Bicentennial Gardens (free) and so glad I did. It made me grateful for the Maryland Science Museum and the Baltimore Aquatic Center that I frequented with my children. Because of them my son was inspired to become an aerospace engineer - now in his first year in college. That said if it's all you have, it is what it is. I think the $21 ticket price is ridiculous. As I mentioned their increased ticket price of $7 for Museum for All doesn't compare at all to other participating museums around the US.

I have been to this museum several times through the years. They are constantly making…read moreimprovements, and expanding their collections. I brought my 7 year old goddaughter and her family recently. In honor of my dad, who was a huge train buff, I splurged for tickets to ride in the engine with the engineer for 2 of our party, and the rest rode in the caboose. There were interesting things to see for every member of our group. The 7 year old loved the interactive exhibits, so did her older brothers. I was pleasantly surprised by the prices in the gift shop. A lot of museums mark their merchandise up a lot. I found the prices very reasonable here. I was also glad to see that they had bathrooms at good intervals throughout the museum, with the newer ones including water fountains with a bottle filler. This museum is perfect for people of all ages.

This was all about John- I love a good museum and I do love Trains and planes and such- but John…read morecould've spent all day here exploring! We spent about 2.5 hours. It is a massive museum, the grounds sprawling, so many massive buildings to explore! I particularly loved the train lights and gates you can test out when walking up. I seriously want to bring the grandkids here soon! We explored, rode the train, explored some more and grabbed a couple of train souvenirs for the kids!

An amazing experience in which you must plan a return visit to completely explore everything!…read more Unlimited carousel rides, multi discovery zones, the perfect place to wear those little ones out. The staff is very knowledgeable and available to assist you with any need. Highly recommend, budget friendly fun for the entire family!!

While celebrating my nephews birthday, I had a blast here!…read more It's really a good time for the entire family! I played as hard as the kids, honestly. The carousel was a fun experience to close our visit. My nephew also enjoyed the outdoor play areas. There were Christmas themed activities throughout the day, to include a Grinch Slime activity in the steam lab and crafting snow globes in the art studio. There's a game room with an air hockey table, basketball, as well as other games. It was a nice trip, I'm sure we will be back to enjoy more of what this location has to offer. I noticed they do have a cafe and seating area to dine, if you want to explore the menu while visiting. There is a private parking lot for this location.

The Hickory Museum of Art is located at the SALT complex which was once a high school gymnasium…read more Both admission and parking are free and if the lot in front is full there is a huge lot in the back. Hickory Museum of Art just celebrated its 80th Anniversary. The museum is on three levels and they have curvy staircases; regular staircases and an elevator. I used each during my visit as the curvy stairs made me dizzy so I opted for the elevator to the 3rd floor and found the regular stairs. Besides in the big open spaces there is also art to be found in the nooks and crannies of the art portion of the building. There are also hands on areas for children. I really enjoyed the In Memoriam exhibit of Joe LaFone. I do not believe I had seen his work before but I loved the vibrant colors of the work as well as the textures. It grabbed my attention and made me smile. I believe there are permanent and changing exhibits so that means a return trip to see the new artwork and discover another artist new to me.

I'm surprised that I'm getting the FTR on this wonderful museum. While it's not MOMA or the Getty,…read moreit's a great museum in a small town that is an exurb of Charlotte. Five stars because it's in a category all by itself. Y'all need to make the trip up here! The Hickory Museum of Art has a long-term exhibition of Southern contemporary folk art, showcasing the work of self-taught artists from around the region. North Carolina's second oldest museum, Hickory Museum of Art was established in 1944 when visionary founding Director, Paul Whitener, declared, "I am going to make Hickory, North Carolina an art center." Hickory Museum of Art first earned national accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums in 1991. The museum is free to enter though they of course accept donations. When I visited, only the first and third floors were accessible as the second floor is currently having a changeover of exhibitions. You can easily tour the entire place in an hour. Today, the museum's permanent collection includes approximately 1,500 art objects, ranging from Hudson River School paintings, American art pottery, Glass Art, High-Speed Photography, and the work of regional artists. The third floor of "folk art" was interesting and enjoyable though not the type of art that I usually look for. On the first floor, more landscapes and portraits and a few pieces of contemporary art. Definitely more my speed. The museum has free parking and if you've come this far, check out the Ivey Arboretum two blocks away which features 50 different species of trees and plantings plus a few pieces of public sculpture, https://www.yelp.com/biz/ivey-arboretum-at-sally-fox-park-hickory?hrid=7Ncg9GcUykd7nIRM-MopeA. The museum shares the space with the Catawba Science Center. [Review 15882 overall - 3098 in North Carolina - 1386 of 2021.]

seriously? i would give it 0 stars if the only thing i found interesting was the discovery of the…read moretwist up crayons in the children's section. hasn't been updated since the 70s. and why was the episode on flight being played in the auditorium for a power plant?!? waste of time!

Excellent museum! Our family learned a LOT about nuclear power and energy and had a great time…read more We also enjoyed walking around the beautiful grounds and seeing the nuclear power plant towering over the lake. We'll be back!

Had my daughter's birthday party here. So fun! She said it the best birthday yet! Definitely it out!read more

They just had my detailed, FACTUAL original review (and one owners unprofessional, snooty…read moreresponses) removed for being too truthful I guess. Here's a shorter version... cute photo opps, but do NOT waste your money on their birthday packages. It's average at best, contrary to one of the owners being an "event planner". Go take your pics and celebrate your event elsewhere as it is not worth the money they charge for what you get. Is that better?

This is a nice area for viewing whatever exhibit they have on display at the time. We visited…read morewhile they had art on loan being shown and it was well done. The rooms are well lit and large enough to see multiple pieces but small enough to avoid getting loud or echoing heavily. The staff was super friendly and it looks like they are frequently offering different types of exhibitions or experiences for the community to share in - for free.

From the owner: Waterworks strives to be a leader and innovator in the exhibition of art and in museum education…read more We are accredited by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) as a non-collecting art museum. This highly honored accreditation brings national recognition to a museum for its commitment to excellence, accountability, high professional standards, and continued institutional improvement. We are one of only 12 art museums currently accredited in North Carolina. We offer visitors a sculpture courtyard, sensory gardens, and three revolving exhibitions annually featuring some of the most creative and expressive artwork from regional and national emerging/established artists. Waterworks is handicapped accessible. We provide designated handicapped parking spaces, wide entrance doors and an elevator for access to the 2nd floor. Benches are provided throughout the galleries for those requiring the need to sit. Waterworks is a cultural asset and destination; a vibrant, collaborative space for lifelong learning, and an economic development engine for Salisbury-Rowan County. We are proud of our sixty-two year history and our ability to respond and adapt to the needs of the communities we serve. We look forward to your visit!