Kick off summer at Reuben H. Fleet Science Center

Summer has arrived (well, soon enough), and there’s lots of fun things to do at Balboa Park’s fun Fleet Science Center. Here’s the special events and activities scheduled for June. Explore, inquire, and enjoy.

* Camp Out at the Fleet * June 16 through August 22 

The kids are counting down the days till school’s out … and summer camps at the Fleet are just around the corner! Keep the scientific fun and learning going all summer long at the Fleet: half-day and full-day camps begin June 16. Summer camps delve into a range of different scientific topics, from “Gross and Gooey Science” and “Astronaut Camp” to “Biotech Bootcamp” and “Toy Lab,” offering hands-on fun and learning for boys and girls ages pre-K through eighth grade. Several camps are already sold out, but a few more spots remain. Don’t miss out … register today!

* Two Scientists Walk Into a Bar * Thursday, June 26, 5 to 9:30 p.m.

What makes Mars red? Why is the ocean blue? Can a coin falling from the top of the Empire State Building kill someone? Any scientific question goes at this new event that connects scientists with the public at more than 50 bars across the county. Bring your questions, grab a drink and join in the fun and conversation!

* Lights, Camera, Bugs! * Playing daily in June

Insects are larger than life in this live-action IMAX® drama that follows the life cycles of a praying mantis and butterfly. Shot on location in the exotic Borneo rainforest, Bugs! features beautiful footage that brings you up close and personal with some of nature’s tiniest creatures.

* Family Science Saturdays: Form and Structure * Saturdays, June 21 & July 1 to 3 p.m.; June 28, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

From snail shells and tree rings to bridges and buildings, different forms and structures are everywhere. Families are invited to the Tinkering Studio on Saturdays to explore the various building blocks that make up the world around us, as well as to create their own forms and structures, including suspension bridges, DNA models and more.

NEW! On June 28, the Fleet will launch the Tinkerers’ Club (1-3 p.m.), where tinkerers of all ages can make their own terrariums using sand, gravel, soil and moss ($13/project).