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Exhibits at Catawba Science Center in Hickory
VerifiedFixed locationChildren's Museums

Catawba Science Center

Hickory, NC

Hands-on Hickory science museum with exhibits, aquarium galleries, public planetarium shows, memberships, and science-themed birthday parties.
Plan This Visit

Best for

Broad mixed-age appeal, strongest once kids enjoy exhibit-based exploration

Hours

Wednesday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Visit style

Plan-ahead museum outing

Birthday parties

Available

Profile

Strong profile coverage

Atlas Perspective

Editor's Take

Think museum outing with built-in wow factors, not padded-play drop-in; it is especially useful for mixed-age sibling groups.

Atlas Perspective

Best Fit

Best For
  • Mixed-age families who want science exhibits, aquarium viewing, and planetarium time
  • School-age kids who enjoy hands-on learning
  • Families wanting a museum membership option with repeat-visit value
Less Ideal For
  • Toddlers looking mainly for soft play or climbing equipment
  • Families expecting a café-style play space
  • Parents who want seven-day-a-week access

At a Glance

Venue type

Kids activity center

Age groups

ToddlersPreschoolersBig kidsMixed ages

Play features

Museum exhibits

Birthday party options

Birthday partiesParty packages

Accessibility and comfort

Wheelchair accessible

Visit options

Membership availableDrop-in visitsClasses or events

Toddler-friendly

Yes

Operator type

Museum

Play model

Mixed open play + classes

Supervision model

Caregiver supervised

Max recommended age

Under 13

Structured classes or guided programming

Yes

Plan Your Visit

Hours

MondayClosed
TuesdayClosed
Wednesday10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
HoursClosed to the public Monday and Tuesday; Wednesday-Saturday 10:00 AM-4:00 PM; Sunday 1:00 PM-4:00 PM.
Visit StyleBest for a half-day visit that mixes exhibits with planetarium or aquarium time.
Planning Tips
Check the day's planetarium show schedule before arriving if that is part of your plan.This is more museum-style than playground-style.

Pricing Snapshot

Notes
General admission includes exhibit areas, aquarium galleries, and public planetarium shows.
Add Ons

Portal To Science

$3 + tax

Immotion Vr Members

$5

Immotion Vr Non Members

$7
General Admission

Youth 3 To 17

$14 + tax

Adult 18 Plus

$16 + tax

Group 10 Plus

$14 + tax

Children 2 And Under

Free

Military Student Senior

$14 + tax

About the Venue

Catawba Science Center is a hands-on science museum in Hickory that works best for families who want a mixed-age indoor outing with more to do than a simple play structure. General admission includes exhibit halls, aquarium galleries, and public planetarium shows, and the center also runs preschool programs, camps, and birthday parties. It is a strong pick for families with both younger kids and school-age siblings who enjoy interactive museum play, animals, and science-centered discovery.

Atlas Perspective

Indoor Play Atlas Notes

Age FitBroad mixed-age appeal, strongest once kids enjoy exhibit-based exploration
Noise Levellow to moderate depending on program areas
Visit StylePlan-ahead museum outing
Energy Levelmedium
Parent ComfortHigh for structured museum visits
Booking FrictionLow for general admission, moderate for parties and special programs

Birthday Party Snapshot

Notes
See the official birthday page for current booking details and room options.
SummaryCatawba Science Center offers science-themed birthday parties through its public-programs section.
AvailableYes

Accessibility & Comfort

NotesFamilies with toddlers should expect exhibits and hands-on science rather than a dedicated padded playground.
SummaryAccessibility is more museum-style than soft-play-style.
Features
Wheelchair-accessible venueAll-day admission formatPublic planetarium shows included with admission
Wheelchair accessible

External Links

WebsiteBookingFacebookInstagramDirections

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Quick Summary

Best for

Broad mixed-age appeal, strongest once kids enjoy exhibit-based exploration

Hours

Wednesday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Visit style

Plan-ahead museum outing

Birthday parties

Available

Contact Information

Address

243 3rd Ave NE

Hickory, NC, 28601

Location
North CarolinaHigh Country / BooneHickory, NC
Source & Verification

Last updated

April 18, 2026

Verification summary

Last verified: April 7, 2026

Checked against 3 public sources.

Reviewed as

Business website and booking-flow review

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