3 Tuesday

Circus Zucchini
Have you ever thought there are too many video games, TVs and computers around? If you''re a kid, maybe not, but a free, new circus show might change your mind. The Make*A*Circus "When Zucchinis Fly" is the story of members of a family that learn to entertain themselves without technology, using their creativity and sense of fun. These clowns, jugglers, and acrobats perform twice in the Monterey Bay area in August, letting kids of all ages watch and interact with the circus magic, learning juggling or stiltwalking, and then demonstrating for friends and family. Make*A*Circus was started 25 years ago by former Pickle Family Circus clown Joan Mankin and writer Dan Mankin to help kids express themselves. Aug. 3, 1pm: Pacific Grove Middle School, 835 4th Ave., P.G. Free. 648-3134. Sunday, Aug. 8, 1pm. Callaghan Park, 225 Sudden St., Watsonville. Free. 728-6081.

14 Saturday

Salinas Masquerade
Summer is in full swing and the Salinas Recreation Department is having a giant children''s masquerade party to celebrate. Nearly everything kids like to do in the summer is ready to go at Natividad Creek Park, from carnival rides and magic shows to flying kites and laughing at clowns. "We plan this to be our biggest summer event, like SantaLand in the winter," says Elaine from the Firehouse Recreation Center. "It''s similar to the Salinas Peppers festival we used to have downtown." It''s a free party for kids with tons of activities to enjoy a sunny day (it''s in Salinas remember) in the park, with wild animal acts, ballet folklorico, costume contests and exhibits by DARE and McGruff the Crime Dog. 11am. Natividad Creek Park, Constitution Boulevard at Freedom Parkway, Salinas. Free, small price for games and food. 758-7900, 758-7949.

Tots

Gymnastics. 8/3-8/26. Tues.-Sat., noon-6:30pm. Pre-schoolers through teens are welcome to participate in a variety of gymnastic programs offered through the Monterey Youth Center. All participants must wear leotard, shorts or appropriate clothes. 777 Pearl St. (next to Dennis the Menace Park), Monterey. $25-47. 646-3873.

Tap For Tots. 8/5-8/26. Thursdays 9:30-10am or 10-10:30am. This class introduces little ones ages 3-5 to rhythmic foot exercises and choreography of tap dance, including marches, toe taps, heel taps, brushes and chugs. Youth Center Dance Studio, 777 Pearl St., Monterey. $22/Monterey residents, $29/other cities. 646-3873.

Monday Morning Stories. 8/9-8/23. Mondays, 10am-1pm. This three-hour program of children''s literature combines arts, crafts, music and dance for a creative experience for kids ages 3-5. Held at Archer Park Center, Casanova-Oak Knoll, and the Youth Center. Please bring a sack lunch daily. $20/Monterey residents; $26/other cities. 646-3873.

Dancin'' Duo. 8/9-8/30. Mon., 10am. A fun, month-long class for parents and tots together. This dance class is a mix of ballet, modern, and energetic movement, for parents to interact with their kids. Pre-registration required. Archer Park Center, 542 Archer St., Monterey. $45/Monterey resident, $59/other cities. 646-3870.

Salinas Wading Pool. 8/21-9/25. Sat., noon. The wading pool in Central Community Park is open to children under 5 and their parents every Saturday at noon. Lifeguard on duty but parents should stay, too. Kids 6 and up may play after 2pm. Central Park, 420 Central Ave., Salinas. Free. 758-7305.

Unicorn Theater. 8/1-8/22. Sat., 2 and 4pm; Sun. 1 and 3pm. The Unicorn Theater presents Pinocchio''s Great Adventure, the classic tale of a wooden puppet that becomes a boy. $5. 649-0259.

Jumpin'' Jazz I. 8/3-8/26. Tuesday, Thursday, 3-4pm. An introduction for kids ages 5-6 years old to the basics of contemporary Latin jazz dance. This class includes basic positions, barre work, jumps, hula-hoop play, percussion, and simple dances. Continuing students may perform in the end of season recital. Monterey Youth Center Dance Studio, 777 Pearl St., Monterey. $40/Monterey resident, $52/non-resident. 646-3873.

Tweens
MY Museum Events. 8/1-8/30. Tues. and Mon. The Monterey Youth Museum offers a summer admission discount every Tuesday in August. Plus, bring a friend on Friendship Day, Aug. 6, and one child gets in free. The museum has activities and exhibits for kids of all ages. Visit MY Museum at the County Fair Aug. 17-23 making hats and crowns 601 Wave St., Monterey. $2/child (Tues. discount). 649-6444.

KWAV Star Search. 8/14. KWAV Radio is holding singing try-outs at Monterey and Santa Cruz locations for kids ages 4-17. Finalists will perform at the Monterey County Fair on Aug. 14 and the winner receives a trip to Southern California. Call for dates and locations, bring background music and original vocals. 649-0969.

"Girls Club" Craft Camp. 8/2-8/13. Mon.-Fri., 11am-2:30pm. Girls, ages 6-12, are invited to participate in a craft camp of 10 sessions: activities include making stenciled canvas bags, wooden daisy wreaths, sea shell wind chimes and sock dolls. 156 Homestead Ave., Salinas. $100 material fee. 755-6800.

Native American Crafts. 8/2-8/30. Mondays, 4-5pm. Children between the ages of 6-10 are invited to join a 4-week session of making Native American Indian crafts, like dream catchers and Kachina dolls, while exploring traditional cultures. Archer Park Center, 542 Archer St., Monterey. $24/Monterey residents, $32/non-resident. 646-3870.

California''s Birthday. 8/4. Wednesday, 2pm. Celebrate California''s 150th birthday at the Pacific Grove Library with cake, crafts, and the "Singing Principals." This event is part of the Summer Reading Club. Young kids ages 2-14 are welcome. Pacific Grove Public Library, 550 Central Ave., Pacific Grove. Free. 648-3160.

Central Park Classes. 8/4-8/13. Wed., 1pm and 2pm. Central Community Park offers a chance for kids ages 10-14 to make tye-dyed T-shirts on 8/4 at 2pm. Bring a T-shirt. Also, the week of 8/9-13, a class on candle-making is provided for kids ages 8-14, from 1-3pm. 420 Central Ave., Salinas. $3. 758-7305.

Ballet Folklorico. 8/4-8/27. Wednesday, Thursday, 5:30 pm. Learn the steps and techniques of Ballet Folklorico, Mexican traditional ballet. The classes starts at 5:30pm for 5-9 year-olds and 6pm for 10-17 year-old kids. Pre-register at Closter Park or Firehouse Recreation Center. Closter Park, 401 Towt St., Salinas. $9. 758-7905.

The Wizard of Oz. 8/5-8/7. Thurs.-Sat., 7pm and 2pm. The Ariel Theater company presents three performances of the classic tale of Dorothy, her dog Toto, the Lion, Tin Man, and the Wicked Witch of the West as their summer children''s production. Sherwood Hall, 940 N. Main St., Salinas. $8/adults, $5/child. 484-2228.

Morgan''s Children''s Morning. 8/7. Saturday, 10:30am. Nancy Raven shares children''s music, games and stories at this "First Saturday Morning" event, which is suitable for all ages. Special guests play and encourage arts and music for kids. Morgan''s Coffee and Tea, 498 Washington St., Monterey. $3/adults; $2/children; free/babies. 655-6868.

View and Do. 8/14. Saturday, 10:30am. The Monterey Museum of Art invites families and young folks to take a tour through a gallery, look at original works of art, and create their own. Reservations are necessary. Civic Center Lobby, 559 Pacific St., Monterey. Free/members; $2/non-members. 372-5477.

Jujitsu-Karate/Self Defense. 8/18-9/10. Wednesdays, Fridays, 7-9pm. This class combines the martial arts of Jujitsu and karate for children ages 6 and older. Students will learn basics of punching, kicking and sparring, along with self-defense techniques and how to escape from various holds. Monterey Sports Center, 301 E. Franklin St., Monterey. $25/Monterey residents; $33/other cities. 646-3700.

Pageant & Talent Show. 8/28. Saturday, 6pm. A Marina Youth Pageant and Talent show is sponsored by the Marina Labor Day Parade committee. Marina residents who are in kindergarten to 11th grade are welcome to enter the contest. Application forms are available at the public library, city hall, and public schools in Marina. Call for more information. P.O. Box 1563, Marina. Free. 384-0615.

Teens
Firehouse Center Events. 7/31-8/28. Friday and Saturday, 11:30am and 2pm. Kids and families are welcome to a summer salad feast on 7/31. On 8/28, a ice cream social party is offered for the whole family (pre-register). Firehouse Recreation Center, 1330 E. Alisal St., Salinas. $Salad: $3/adults, $1.50/kids 6-12; Ice cream: $1. 758-7900.

Youth Center Teen Room. 8/1-8/25. Mon.-Thurs., 1-8:45pm, Fri.-Sat. 1-4:45pm. Teens can hang out, play pool, ping-pong, electronic games, foosball and more at the Teen Room. Located at the Monterey Youth Center. 777 Pearl St., Monterey. Free/Monterey teens. 646-3873.

Summer Tennis Camp. 8/2-8/20. Daily, 9am. Week-long tennis camps for kids ages 5-17 provide basic tennis skills, strokes, game scoring, and cross-training. Kids grouped by age and ability. Bring your own racquet and lunch. Camp includes snacks, T-shirt and group photo. Monterey Tennis Center, 401 Pearl St., Monterey. $95/person/camp. 646-3881.

Salinas Teen Lounge. 8/1-8/29. Mon.-Thurs. 6:30pm. Hang out, play billiards, watch movies at the Salinas Community Center''s free teen lounge. Enjoy "Dance with Me," all week 8/2-8/6, and "Summer Breeze" activity week 8/9-8/13. 940 N. Main St., Salinas. Free. 758-7351.

Dance Club I and II. 8/2-8/25. Mon., Wed., 5-6pm for 7-10 year-olds, 6-7pm for 11-15 year-olds. Classes for students ages 7-15 years old cover the basics of jazz, ballet and hip-hop. Monterey Youth Center Dance Studio, 777 Pearl St., Monterey. $30/Monterey City resident, $39/other city resident. 646-3873.

Tour the Farm. 8/21. Saturday, 11:30am. Earthbound Farms Farm Stand offers a special tour for children this summer on Aug. 21. Organic farming and eating healthy foods are topics that will be covered. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley. $5. 625-6219.

Auditions for Orchestra. 8/28. Saturday. Auditions for the Youth and Honors Orchestras of the Youth Music Monterey are held in the Music Department at MPC. Open to students ages 8 to 20. Call Youth Music Monterey to schedule the audition. Monterey Peninsula College, 980 Fremont Blvd., Monterey. Free. 375-1992.