This summer, swap screen time for sunshine, discovery, and unforgettable experiences. Hickory is full of places that invite you to get outside, get creative, and try something new. Whether you're touring a museum, paddling on the lake, cheering from the stands, or cooling off with ice cream, these screen-free summer activities are a fun way to explore Hickory.
Discover something new
Curiosity never takes a summer vacation. Check out the recently opened Hickory Aviation Museum, where visitors can get up close to historic aircraft and aviation artifacts in a brand-new space at Hickory Regional Airport. Keep the fun going at the Catawba Science Center, where hands-on exhibits, aquarium galleries, and planetarium shows spark wonder for all ages. This summer's DINOSAURS! exhibit adds even more excitement, bringing the prehistoric world to life through interactive experiences. Together, these attractions make it easy to spend a day learning, exploring, and making new discoveries.
People are also reading…
Unplug and head outdoors
When the weather is this good, why stay inside? From splashing and paddling to hiking and biking, Hickory offers plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors. Downtown Hickory's Lowes Foods City Park features an interactive water element that's perfect for helping kids cool off on a hot summer day. The Hickory Riverwalk provides a scenic setting for a stroll or bike ride, with waterfront views and an overwater bridge that make it easy to see why it's a local favorite. Located just across the bridge, Lake Hickory Pub & Marina invites visitors to get out on the water by kayak, paddleboard, or pontoon, then kick back with lakeside bites, refreshing drinks, and ice cream. If your perfect summer day includes even more trails, water views, and wide-open spaces, Riverbend Park delivers with nearly 20 miles of paths to wander.
Creativity is calling
Add a little color to your summer with Hickory's thriving arts scene. Turn a walk through Downtown Hickory into a mural hunt as you search for colorful works of public art, including the Welcome to Hickory, Miracle of Hickory, and Historic Beginnings murals, all within easy walking distance of one another. Click here for a full list of murals. Snap a selfie with your favorites and share your discoveries along the way (don't forget to tag @VisitHickoryNC). Looking to create something of your own? Bisque Boutique in Downtown Hickory and Creative Maker's Market & Studio in Claremont invite visitors to pick out a pottery piece, add their personal touch, and leave the firing to the experts. With themed events, creative workshops, and plenty of opportunities to make something uniquely yours, inspiration is never far away.
Trade screen time for game time
From championship soccer to summer nights at the ballpark, Hickory's sports scene brings plenty of excitement. Cheer on Hickory FC, the reigning 2025 National Premier Soccer League National Champions, as they defend their title during home matches throughout the summer. At L.P. Frans Stadium, the Hickory Crawdads deliver themed nights, fan contests, and all the ballpark favorites fans know and love. First-time fans and longtime supporters alike can enjoy the excitement of game day, with plenty of opportunities to catch the action this season.
Reward your adventure
Every great adventure deserves a scoop (or two). At Catawba Creamery, you'll find dozens of ice cream flavors alongside milkshakes, sundaes, floats, and plenty of other frozen favorites. Over at Udderly Delicious, with locations in Hickory, Viewmont, and Conover, homemade flavors like Red Velvet Cake and Moo-Moo Chocolate keep locals and visitors coming back for more, while refreshing Italian ice offers the perfect cooldown on a hot summer day. The Hickory location on Highway 70 even features mini golf and classic pinball machines, turning dessert into an outing of its own.
The best summer days aren't measured by screen time. They're measured by the moments you share, the places you discover, and the memories you make along the way. From outdoor adventures and hands-on attractions to local sports and sweet treats, Hickory offers plenty of ways to make the most of the season. Your next favorite summer memory is waiting in Hickory.
