[Adventure Bay]-12 acres of water highlighted by Houston's only Master Blaster, a water coaster that defines gravity and sends its riders uphill! Explore Pirates Cove children's area with its huge interactive pirate ship. Brave the waves in Paradise Bay wave pool, or relax and unwind in Rio Lento, the laziest of Rivers. For the daring, there are plenty of thrills in the Lost Falls Speedslides and Slidewinders Tube Riders. Relax at the Galley and full service food and beverage court. Open Memorial Day - Labor Day. At 13602 Beechnut on the corner of Beechnut and Eldridge in southwest Houston. For more information, 281/498-SWIM (498-7946)

[Alkek Velodrome]-Site of 1989 Texas Track Championship. The 33.334 meter track is banked nine to 33 degrees. Bicyclist may ride Mar.-Oct. Tues.,Thurs.5-9 p.m., Sat.,Sun.4-8 p.m.; Nov.-Feb. Mon., Wed., Fri.,5-9 p.m.,Sat.,Sun.,2-6 p.m., In Cullen Park at 19008 Saums Rd.

[Allen Landing; Old Market Square]- Park on Buffalo Bayou where Allen brothers arrived in 1836 to promote new real estate venture: Houston. General area, now Old Market Square, became center of new city. Several important 19th-Century buildings restored; now devoted to dining and entertainment, including great restaurants and a quaint bar in Houston's oldest commercial building. Bounded by Travis, Milam, Congress, and Prestong Sts.

[Astrodome Convention Center]-Complex includes Astrodome, Astrohall and Astroarena. Superlatives are required to describe the Astrodome, or Harris County Domed Stadium, its official name. An 18-story building would fit inside the Astrodome. It is the world's first air-conditioned domed stadium  for baseball and football, and also accommodates basketball, boxing, conventions, rodeos, and almost any other entertainment or sporting event. Visitors on tour of facility see  film, "Astrodome.The Original," an historic viewpoint of the stadium, it's concept and construction. The film also places the viewers in a "you are there" perspective: Sitting on the bench with the Astros, backstage at a concert, in the chutes with the bronco and bull riders, and more. Tours daily at 11 a.m., 1 & 3 p.m., unless pre-empted by an event. Parking and tour fees.
      Astrohall is one of the world's largest exhibition centers and the Astroarena contains 6,000 theater-type seats. To reach the Astrodome, tale Kirby Dr. at Loop 610 South and enter gate #2 on Kirby Dr. For tour information telephone 713/799-9544; or write PO Box 288, Houston 77001-0288.

[Brown, George R., Convention Center]-Located in the heart of Downtown, the facility features 500,000 sq. ft. of meeting and convention space. It also features a plush telescopic seating arena and a first-class ballroom. For more information, call 713/853-800.

[Christ Church Cathedral]-Founded 1839, is Houston's oldest church   on original site. Contains hand-carved woodwork and fine stained-glass windows including one designed by Tiffany. Open by request . Noon Eucharist in Golding Chapel. 1117 Texas Ave.

[Ensemble Theatre]-The oldest and most distinguished professional theater in the Southwest devoted to the African-American experience. The Ensemble boast two stages and a full season of productions. At 3535 Main St. For information, call 713/520-0055

[Houston Arboretum and Nature Center]-155 acre nature sanctuary with over five miles of walking trails winding woodlands, ponds, and a demonstration meadow. Interpretive Center contains Discovery Room with interactive exhibits, aquariums, touch screens monitors, and a 15-ft. tall tree model. Grounds open daily 8:30 a.m.-6p.m. Building hours are 9a.m.-5p.m. Discovery Room open Tues.-Sun. 10a.m.-4p.m. Located four miles west of downtown Houston at 4501 Woodway Drive. For more information, call 713/681-8433.

[Houston Underground]-A 6-mile system if underground pedestrian tunnels and sky walks that includes a variety of shops and more than 100 restaurants. Connects 55 buildings with three hotels in the downtown area. The underground area is usually open Mon.-Fri. 7a.m.-6p.m. and is wheelchair accessible. Tours available by calling 713/840-9255. Maps available in banks along route and at Visitors Information Center.

[Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center]-Visit headquarters of America's manned space program, the famous "Mission Control" that guided pioneering astronauts, and directs the Space Shuttle project. Located 20 miles southeast of downtown, 3 miles east of I-45 on NASA Road. See Space Center Houston.