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Museums

Catawba Science Center

📍 Hickory, NC

★4.4(295 Google reviews)

Catawba Science Center in Hickory, NC combines a live aquarium, planetarium shows, dinosaur exhibits, and interactive science displays under one roof. Combo tickets cover multiple attractions.

✓ dinosaur exhibit✓ planetarium✓ hands-on science✓ aquarium✓ kids museum✓ Hickory NC
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★★★★★Featured review by Amos Famous

Really cool place to check out of in the area. They had a dinosaur exhibit or and they moved so the younger children tonight that was amazing. They also have a ton of other things such as things in motion and museum items. You can also purchase a ticket that allows you to get into both places including the aquarium that's on site to see the stingray and other live animals! Fun for all ages and wheelchair accessible!

🏆 Family Action Verdict

Best for families with kids aged 3 to 12 who respond to hands-on science and large-scale dinosaur displays. The planetarium suits school-age kids especially well; an evening visit for a night sky show is worth planning separately. Families with very young toddlers will find plenty to engage them in the dinosaur and motion exhibits.

â„šī¸ What to Know Before You Go

💡Buy a combo ticket at the door to include both the main museum and the planetarium
⏰Plan a separate evening visit specifically for the planetarium night sky show
đŸŽŸī¸Parking requires a short walk — check the museum's website for the closest lot before arriving
🚗Arrive early if visiting with young children; the dinosaur exhibit draws crowds on weekends

đŸ’Ŧ What Families Are Saying

View all reviews →
4.4
★★★★★

295 Google reviews

Kids loved the dinosaurs42%
Helpful staff28%
Good planetarium18%
Parking is confusing12%
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Amos Famous

★★★★★

“Really cool place to check out of in the area. They had a dinosaur exhibit or and they moved so the younger children tonight that was amazing. They also have a ton of other things such as things in motion and museum items. You can also purchase a ticket that allows you to get into both places including the aquarium that's on site to see the stingray and other live animals! Fun for all ages and wheelchair accessible!”

J

J C

★★★★★

“Always clean always friendly great place to bring your kids to avoid tv screens”

D

Dennis Crews

★★★★★

“The staff was very helpful. It was good for the price. The only reasons I did not give the 5 was because parking was difficult to figure out”

J

Jaxon Graubner

★★★★★

“Fun place for kids but I feel there's not a lot to do and I shouldn't have to pay for that little experience”

Reviews from Google

Overview

At 243 3rd Ave NE in Hickory, Catawba Science Center packs genuine variety into a compact footprint. Current rotating exhibits include a dinosaur display that animatronics have made a hit with younger visitors. Permanent galleries include hands-on science and motion exhibits. The planetarium offers a separate ticketed experience — evening shows are a reviewer favorite. Combo tickets let families access both the main museum and additional attractions.

🕐 Opening Hours

TuesdayClosed
WednesdayClosed
Thursday10:00 – 16:00
Friday10:00 – 16:00
Saturday10:00 – 17:30
Sunday10:00 – 16:00