Published: March 18, 1999

This spring break, Â鶹¹ÙÍø children can attend several matinees at Fiske Planetarium on the University of Colorado at Â鶹¹ÙÍø campus to break up the week.

"Spring Break Matinees" is a series of family shows on a range of topics including astronomy and dinosaurs that will be presented March 23-25.

A complete list of matinees follows.

Tuesday, March 23

* Stars and Lasers , 10 a.m.

Kids get an introduction to the night sky and can explore the constellations. Colorful laser lights are set to music from the movies "Star Wars," "Indian Jones" and "Close Encounters of the Third Kind."

* Adventures in the Solar System, 2 p.m.

As a reward for improving his grades, Will's father gives him a toy robot that transforms into a spaceship! Kids are invited to join Will and Planetron as they explore the planets, dodge through the asteroid belt and go for a ride on a comet.

Wednesday, March 24

* Adventures Beyond the Solar System, 10 a.m.

Youngsters can explore with Will and Planetron as they roam beyond the planets and discover clusters of stars that form a halo around our Milky Way -- nebulae that will one day form new stars and perhaps a new planet.

* Follow the Drinking Gourd, 2 p.m.

More than 100 years ago, escaping slaves used the Big Dipper to find their way to freedom on the Underground Railroad. This is the story of one family's long, brave journey.

Thursday, March 25

* Maia: A Dinosaur Grows Up, 10 a.m.

Millions of years ago, duckbilled dinosaurs lived in Montana. Maia, one of these dinosaurs, hatches from an egg, grows up and starts her own family.

* Stars and Lasers, 2 p.m.

The show is a repeat of the matinee from Tuesday, March 23. Visit the night sky and experience laser lights set to classic movie music.

Admission for the matinees will be $3.50 for adults and $2 for children and seniors. For more information or evening show schedules, call 303-492-5001. For groups of 20 or more, call 492-5002 for reservations.