Forever Young

Can ya dig it?

Comments (0) Wednesday, Apr 16 2003

SAT-SUN 4/19-20

Aaron Farmer

Castleopolis.

Aaron Farmer

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Childhood hasn't changed since 1950 at Children's Fairyland, the year the storybook-themed park opened. The place has entertained generations of kids through simple but proven means: low-budget puppet shows, gluey arts and crafts, unsettling dwarf statues, and the terror of the petting zoo. The beauty of this approach is that digital-era kids still have to use their imaginations to help supply the entertainment.This weekend, besides frolicking on the fantastical slides and structures and piping up at the shamelessly hokey "Insect Songs" sing-along (noon-3 p.m.), youngsters can partake in another rite of childhood: digging in the dirt. "Spring Flowers Day," a hands-on gardening workshop, is held at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. at Children's Fairyland, 699 Bellevue (at Grand), Oakland. Call (510) 452-2259 or visit www.fairyland.org.-- Heather Wisner

Circus Act

WED-SAT 4/16-19

Kids often get fed dumbed-down entertainment, so Castleopolisis a welcome change. "Oooh" and "aaah" over contortionists and jugglers as they explore Madame Oiseaux's palace. It's been dubbed the Cirque du Soleil for youngsters, so step right up and enjoy the show. Visit www.badm.org. -- Lisa Hom

All in Clover

SUN 4/20

Irving Berlin's "Easter Parade" cemented the desire of women of all ages to be the gal "[i]n your Easter bonnet, with all the frills upon it." Here's your chance. Join the free parade on Union Street between Gough and Fillmore, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 989-2220. -- Hiya Swanhuyser