HMNS, Burke Baker Planetarium "Journey to the Giants," a tour of Jupiter, Neptune and Saturn, will be shown daily, 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. June 3July 18. "Destination Mars" is a virtual space trip, daily 11 a.m., 1 and 3 p.m. July 19August 30. Stargazers' Guide, a star identification show, will be held daily, 5 p.m., June 3August 30. Houston Museum of Natural Science, Hermann Park, 639-4600. $2; $1.50, seniors and children under 12.
Six Flags AstroWorld The new big thing in the sprawling, ever-changing theme park is the Batman the Escape water adventure. Open daily, 10 a.m. Kirby at Loop 610, 799-1234. $29.95; $18.95, children less than 48 inches tall; $14.98, seniors and handicapped.
Six Flags WaterWorld Beat the heat at one of our largest pool complexes. WaterWorld has a 30,000 square foot wave pool, at least half a dozen water slides and a kiddy pool. Opens daily at 10 a.m. Right next door to Six Flags AstroWorld, 799-1234. $13.95; $10.95, children less than 48 inches tall; free, children under three; multi-visit ticket (two visits to either park or one admission to each), $31.95.
Splashtown The 40-acre park has pools and wild slides all over, and room for concerts, classic car shows and other events. The Wednesday Kids Koncert series begins May 29. Gates open at 10 a.m. Getting to Splashtown is easy: take the Louetta Rd. or FM 2920 exit off I-45 N. For more information, call 355-3300. $16.95: $10.95 children less than 48 inches tall; free for children three and under. After 4:30 p.m., $8.95 plus tax for everyone. $99.99, family season pass ("family" means of three); $34.95, individual season pass.
Space Center Houston "Lasers and Holograms: Discovering the Splendid Light" is an interactive exhibit that shows how lasers work. Through June 2. SpaceWeek '96, an activity-packed celebration of the moon landing, is July 2027. Space Camps, June 1014, 1721; July 15, 812, 2226; July 29August 2, August 59. Hours: weekdays, 10 a.m.5 p.m.; weekends, 10 a.m.7 p.m. Space Center Houston, 1601 NASA Rd. 1 (20 miles south of downtown, on I-45 at the Johnson Space Center), Clear Lake, 244-2105. $11.95; $10.75, seniors; $8.50, children four to 12 years old; free, children under four.
Zoological Gardens Visitors can beat the heat by checking out the indoor exhibits -- the Brown Education Center, Kipp Aquarium, Small Mammal World, Texas Wildlife Bldg. and Tropical Birdhouse. Open daily, 10 a.m.6 p.m. Hermann Park, 1513 N. MacGregor, 523-5888. $2.50; $2, seniors; 50 cents, children three12; free, children under three.
Festive Events
June 1
Pass and Play Picnic Houston Oiler Ray Childress is the brains behind this fundraiser for the Childress Foundation, an organization trying to put kids on the right path. Jerry Jeff Walker and the Gonzo Compadres will provide live music; the food will be high-class picnic fare. 7 p.m.midnight, The Houstonian, 111 N. Post Oak Ln., 627-7900. $100, individuals; $1,500$5,000, tables.
June 14
Pride Week The theme for the 1996 Houston Lesbian and Gay Pride Week is "Pride Knows No Borders." The big finale for Pride Week is, of course, the parade on June 23. But that's only one thing; a variety of events and celebrations are planned. To be a part of all, or to find out what's happening, contact the Houston Pride Committee, 529-6979.
June 15
Antiques and Collectible Crafts Market Through June 15, a vast array of antiques, art, crafts, pincushions, silk floral arrangements, woodcrafts and other home decoration and gift items will be on display. The craft fair opens at 10 a.m. each day. Astrohall, Astrodomain, Kirby at Loop 610, 799-9632. $2; $1, seniors and children under 12.
June 22
Ole! Fiesta Bash Dos The Houston Challenge Foundation doesn't spend all its time providing food bank goods and other help to HIV-affected families in Houston and Harris county. Sometimes, the group's organizers raise money and kick up their heels. This party features a bountiful Mexican food buffet and live music from Angelucho's Copacabana. The hottest event of the summer, 811 p.m. Sonora Del Norte, 1515 Dallas, 523-8900. $35, and bring a bag of groceries for the food bank and your checkbook for the silent auction.
July 9
1996 Houston Summer Boat Show Everything anyone could ever need for marine fun, from yachts to wiggly worms soaked in blood chloride, will be on display through July 14. George R. Brown Convention Center, 1001 Avenida de las Americas. For more information, call 526-6361. $5; $2, children under 12.
