Catawba Science Center

If you can't wear a mask, don't waste your time going here. I was discriminated against because I have a medical condition that prevents me from wearing a mask. I haven't ever been denied entry to an establishment. I wear a card around my neck to show merchants. It is illegal to discriminate against someone due to a medical disability. The guy at the counter didn't care and refused to let me tour. I won't be back.

Fantastic time!!! I wish I could give this review 10 stars!!! My grandkiddos beg to visit the Science Center every time they come to Hickory, but due to CoVid, we’ve been unable to go since last year. WOW, what a surprise we had when we finally got to visit this past weekend. On Saturday 2/27, I took my grands (aged 5-7) and we stayed for over 3 hrs. Everything has been revamped with fresh paint and new items/exhibits. The Goose bumps exhibit was super fun, and we all enjoyed the aquarium. The Nature Center had wonderful new items to explore, and the kiddos absolutely loved getting to watch the groundhog eat his lunch. The entire building has been cleaned from top to bottom and there was someone constantly sanitizing all the surfaces while we were there. The staff, as always, were so friendly. It is obvious they love their jobs and are proud to be employees of the Catawba Science Center. Aaron and Pam were two of the staff we encountered while visiting, and they were kind, caring, and full of amazing information about the exhibits and the center. I asked my grands what their favorite thing was about our visit and they couldn’t pick only one – the Tree house exhibit, the aquarium, the Gross Lab, and of course, the gift shop were top on their list (Shout out to Mindy for helping them pick out their souvenirs) . Thank you Catawba Science Center – each of the staff should be applauded for all they have and continue to do to make this place such a fabulous place to visit. We can’t wait until our next adventure.

We came on 2/27/2021. This place used to be great. Now it's awful. Everything is old and dirty worn out. Security guard ( yes they have a cop) is super unfriendly. And the price is 10 dollars a piece now for adults. Don't waste your money or time

Right now, the Science Center has hand sanitizer everywhere, is enforcing their 6 feet apart rule, and are limiting the amount of people allowed to go in at the moment. It is fun as always, but many of the activities have changed. If you go, bring your mask, and be prepared to have fun!

Our son is autistic and he loves this place. Today was our first visit but we will be back.