SHOTS FOR TOTS offers free immunizations for children as part of the Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Immunization Program. Clinics are located across the city; call for the location nearest you. 469-2069.
KIDSTERRA TOY'S STORY TIME is held weekly at the shop, 1708 S. Congress. Children and parents are welcome. March 20: Friday, Terra opens their Children's Art Gallery, with works from Backer, Travis Heights, and Zilker Elementary schools (on view through May 1). Sun, March 22: Harpist Vanessa Mitchell will present an event of musical exploration for the kids. Sundays, 1-2pm. 445-4489.
AUSTIN ZOO provides an up-close opportunity to meet a wide variety of animals that share the planet with us. Ninety percent of their residents are rescues, including lions, tigers, and bears (and monkeys, too!). The Zoo is located off 290 West, past the "Y" in Oak Hill. Open seven days a week, 10am-6pm. The zoo will offer a special summer day camp for children 5-12, and a Zoocademy Teen Force for youth 13-18. 288-1490.
PIONEER FARM SUMMER DAY CAMP is currently taking registration for children ages 4-15. Youth can spend either all or part of five days at the Farm experiencing work and play as it might have been experienced during the 1880s. Dressed in period clothing, the children care for farm animals, prepare meals, and work on 19th-century crafts. Sessions begin June 1 and run through August 7. Registration is underway. 837-1215.
T'AI CHI is offered weekly at Tom Gohring's School of T'ai Chi for youth age 9-15. Classes help participants develop self-esteem and coordination and improve discipline. Website: http://www.taichitom.com. Ongoing. 452-8664.
CLAYWAYS POTTERY STUDIO is currently taking registration for spring break classes, after-school classes, and summer classes at their location, 5442 Burnet. For ages 6-10 and 11 and up. Parent/child classes are also available. 459-6445.
A FREE TWO-MONTH KARATE COURSE for girls age 6-12 is offered through April at Sun Dragon Women's Martial Arts, 203 E. Riverside. The all-girl classes will be taught by women black belts. Tue/Thu, 5:30-6:30pm. 416-9735.
AUSTIN CHILDREN'S MUSEUM, 201 Colorado. The museum offers a wide variety of fun activities for children of all ages. Programs include Baby Bloomers, an informal play and explore time for children ages 0-2; Teetertots, for kids ages 2-4; Digital Film Editing, for youth ages 9-12; an Early Childhood Educator Workshop for adults; Adobe Photoshop 4.0 Multimedia Studio, ages 9-11; and much more. Call for fees and a schedule of events. 472-2499.
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. 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. Admission is $3 adults/$2 children. March 22: Botanical Gardens - a behind-the-scenes look at Sally's Garden and Gus' cabin. Sun, 1-5pm; Mon-Wed, 9:30am-1pm. 837-1215.