Dan Lyke noted that the Exploratorium has new exhibit of hand-cranked automata called the Cabaret Mechanical Theatre. I love this stuff. Perhaps a trip to SF will be forthcoming.
If you’re inspired, you could always pick up some craft books or read up on mechanisms that could be useful.
You have also, I assume, been down to the Musee Mechanique at about Pier 40? A couple of fairly elaborate automata scenes, all for the price of a quarter or two to start ’em up.