TOAD HALL CHILDREN'S BOOKSTORE has a variety of activities this month at their location, 1206 W. 38th, Suite 1101. Sat, Sept 13, 1-2pm features an autographing party with Ana Sisnett, author of the new book Grannie Jus' Came. Free; Sat, Sept 20, 1-2pm features a fairy party. Free; Sat, Sept 27, 1-2pm bring your dog (or just yourself!) for a parade and interactive storytime in the courtyard. Free. 323-2665.
KIDSTHE AUSTIN SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA invites Austin-area fourth, fifth, and sixth graders to register for Backstage with the Arts, a fun-filled educational program that takes participants behind the scenes to visit musicians, dancers, artists, actors, and technicians that are key players in the Austin arts scene. The program runs from October through December at various locations throughout the community. Deadline for registration is Sept 24. All classes are held after school or on weekends, with each session lasting approximately 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Cost is $20 per student; or $30 for two children in the same family. 476-6064.
CHAMPION ACADEMY GYMNASTICS CLASSES are offered at the Austin Recreation Center for youth ages 18 months and up. Call for class times and fees. 476-5662.
CHILDREN'S KARATE CLASSES are offered for youth ages 6-13 at Sun Dragon Martial Arts, 203 E. Riverside. Wednesdays, 6pm; Saturdays, 10am. 416-9735.
THE DOUGHERTY ARTS SCHOOL is offering a variety of programs and classes for kids this fall, including the Creativity Club (an afterschool program), Preschool Picassos, C-Day Camps (on Teacher Service Workdays), and more. Online: http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/dougherty/dacyouth. Sept-May. 397-1458.
ART ADVENTURES offers two unique programs for youth, including Afterschool Fun Fundamentals and Homeschool Art Classes. Sponsored (but not held at) the Northwest Recreation Center. Ongoing. 266-7550.
TODDLER ADVENTURES is offered at the South Austin Recreation Center, 1100 Cumberland Rd. Youngsters ages 3-5 will explore their world through arts and crafts, performing arts, games, nature studies, and more. $66 per month. Mon/Wed/Fri, 9am-1pm. 444-6601.
AUSTIN GIRLS'S CHOIR AUDITIONS are currently being scheduled for girls ages 9-18. The Junior Choir (for ages 9-14) rehearses Tue & Thu evenings; advanced singers ages 13-18 may join the Senior Choir, which rehearses Sun afternoons. Both groups perform frequently. Auditions will be held now through Sept 21. 916-3360.
RONDA'S MONTESSORI GARDEN is currently accepting applications for their fall and winter seasons. Children ages 2-6 each get their own garden to attend to. The school is located at 4300 Mt. Vernon Dr. 707-8635.
THE AUSTIN NATURE & SCIENCE CENTER, located in Zilker Park, provides exhibits and educational programs for children of all ages. Free. Mon-Sat, 9am-5pm; Sun, noon-5pm. Call for a complete schedule of events. 327-8181.
NATIONAL WILDFLOWER RESEARCH CTR., 4801 LaCrosse. Saturdays feature activities for the whole family, including nature walks, planting, leaf-printing, stories, etc. The center is currently featuring an exhibit of gigantic "bugs," sculptures of a dragonfly too big to fit in your living room; fire ants as big as pickup trucks; a black widow spider on a web larger than an office; and a praying mantis that's very, very big! Created by David Rogers, "Big Bugs" has toured the New York Botanical Gardens, the Dallas Arboretum, and Walt Disney World's Epcot Center. On view through November, 292-4200.
PIONEER FARM, 11418 Sprinkle Cut Off Rd., demonstrates how pioneers settled and farmed the land. Visitors can see farm animals, take part in daily chores, and tour historic homes and barns. Sun, Sept 14: Celebrating Cotton. Visitors can help pick, seed, and card the cotton; watch artisans spin cotton into yarn on a spinning wheel; and watch weavers demonstrate their art. Sat & Sun, Sept 20 & 21, noon-6pm: Fall Festival. Come out an enjoy the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the farm's old-fashioned celebration. Admission is $3 adults/$2 children 3-12. 837-1215.