DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: Histologically verified (at original diagnosis) solid tumor that is relapsed or refractory The following histologies are eligible: Sarcomas: Rhabdomyosarcoma Ewing's sarcoma Peripheral neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) Osteosarcoma Other soft tissue sarcomas Brain tumors: Ependymoma Primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) High grade astrocytoma Brain stem glioma (histologic verification not required) Neuroblastoma Measurable disease that can be followed clinically or radiologically required The following not considered measurable: Bone lesions measured by bone scan or bone marrow involvement Central nervous system disease documented by cerebrospinal fluid cytology Pleural effusion

PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age: 21 and under at original diagnosis Performance status: 0-3 Life expectancy: Greater than 2 months Hematopoietic: In the absence of marrow involvement: Absolute neutrophil count at least 1,000/mm3 Platelet count at least 100,000/mm3 (transfusion independent) Hemoglobin at least 9.0 g/dL (transfusion allowed) With bone marrow involvement: Absolute neutrophil count at least 750/mm3 Red cell and platelet support possible Hepatic: Bilirubin normal ALT/AST less than 1.5 times normal Alkaline phosphatase less than 2.5 times normal Renal: Creatinine no greater than 1.5 times normal OR Creatinine clearance or radioisotope glomerular filtration rate at least 60 mL/min Other: Not pregnant or nursing Adequate contraception required of fertile women

PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Biologic therapy: Prior bone marrow transplantation allowed: Must have stable engraftment without need for significant blood product support or cytokine therapy No concurrent immunomodulating agents Chemotherapy: No prior paclitaxel or docetaxel At least 2 weeks since chemotherapy (4 weeks since nitrosoureas) No other concurrent cancer chemotherapy Endocrine therapy: Concurrent corticosteroids allowed for intracranial pressure in brain tumor patients provided patient has been stable for at least 4 weeks Corticosteroids allowed as pretreatment for docetaxel Radiotherapy: At least 2 months since extensive radiotherapy, defined as: Craniospinal Volume greater than 50% of abdominopelvic cavity Volume greater than one third of lung volume No concurrent radiotherapy Surgery: Not specified Other: No more than 2 prior therapies and fully recovered