KIDS/SNEAK PEEK : `MAGIC MIRROR' LETS YOUNGSTERS JOIN IN.

The magic of a child's imagination comes to life when they watch and become part of a special performance of the long-running production ``The Magic Mirror'' by the Towne Street Theatre. Children ages 5 to 12 will experience an improvisational show using music and ideas and will have the opportunity to participate in the performance with the the Magic Mirror Players.

This one-time performance at the Pasadena Arts Space, 155 E. Holly St., Pasadena, is scheduled for 3 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $8.50 for children; adults are free. For reservations, call [phone].

Fueling a child's imagination

Youngsters of all ages can learn everything about cars through hands-on experience when they visit the 6,500-square foot interactive learning center on the third floor of the Petersen Automotive Museum. The May Family Center consists of interactive learning stations for kids ranging in age from 6 to 16. Children learn why a car works, not just how it does. Easily recognized automotive components help kids discover new insights into such scientific principles as the laws of motion, force, energy and mass distribution.

Soon-to-be-licensed drivers will especially enjoy the state-of-the-art Driver's education automobile simulator that uses an enhanced version of a computer program and replicates a series of different driving conditions, including congested traffic, freeways and oncoming emergency vehicles Tickets are $7 for adults, $5 for seniors, $3 for children ages 5 to 12; children under age 5 are free. Petersen Automotive Museum is located at 6060 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. Hours are Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Extra helpings of `Doug'

Viewers have the opportunity Saturday to watch the progress of Doug's mom's pregnancy - from her announcement to the family to the actual birth of the baby - in four back-to-back episodes of the popular ``Brand Spanking New Doug'' series. The mini marathon on KABC (Channel 7) starts at noon with Doug's 12th birthday when he learns about the passage of time. Episode 2 finds Doug searching for answers as to what it means to be grown up.

In the third episode, Doug decides he wants to be more than average and prepares to compete in the Tri-County Bowl of Brains. The fourth and final episode culminates with Doug discovering that Christmas is not about having gifts under the tree but about spending time with loved ones - even a new baby!

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Photo: With his mom expecting a baby, Doug feels like his family has forgotten the holidays in ``Doug's Secret Christmas,'' airing in a two-hour block of episodes Sunday on KABC (Channel 7).