Clown Around With <i> Glasnost</i>

The Junior Arts Center in Barnsdall Art Park explains glasnost in terms children can understand with its new production of “Cacophonia? Or, What to Do When the World Isn’t Funny.”

This 40-minute show is a collaboration of Olga Serova, who was a clown with the Moscow Circus, and Dick Monday, who clowned with Ringling Brothers circus.

The “clowning ballet” is set to music that varies from Spike Jones and Benny Goodman to Soviet hymns and balalaika music. Even the Russian dialogue is understandable with the clowning techniques Serova uses to express her feelings.

The show, directed by Louise Steinman, is free and begins at 12:30 p.m. Sunday in the Gallery Theater, Barnsdall Art Park, 4800 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, (213) 485-4474.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GODZILLA

Celebrating Godzilla’s birthday has become a springtime passion at L.A. Children’s Museum as an excuse to indulge in all sorts of monster fantasies.

Today and Sunday in the art studio, children will make monster costumes from recycled materials, and at 1 and 3 p.m. wear them in a parade around the museum. Still in costume, they will head for the video studio to see just how horrifying they look on tape. The museum is at 310 N. Main St., (213) 687-8801. Admission: $4.

NATURE WALK

A docent-led Family Fun Nature Walk, geared to young minds and attention spans, is scheduled for noon Sunday at Franklin Canyon Ranch. Families can stroll around the lake in an easy-paced exploration of flora and fauna. Meet at Sooky Goldman Nature Center, 2600 Franklin Canyon Drive. Information: (213) 858-3834.

SEW TIME

Today’s applique workshop at Kidspace Museum in Pasadena offers simple sewing techniques suitable for ages 4 and up. Youngsters may take their projects home. The workshop, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., is free with museum admission, $3. The museum is at 390 S. El Molino Ave., (818) 449-9144.

Send items at least three weeks before events to Family Spots, Saturday View, L.A. Times, Times Mirror Square, Los Angeles, Calif. 90053. All items must include dates, times, address and admission prices.