Children; WHAT TO DO IN LONDON THIS WEEKEND; ... AND BEYOND

Discover a Dog

Earls Court 2, SW5 (0171-385 8687) today and tomorrow, 10am-6pm, tickets from pounds 4

If you finally succumbed to the kids' request for a puppy or are thinking about getting one, this is the place to go this weekend with more than 170 breeds of pedigree dogs and everything related to them, all thanks to the Kennel Club (above). If you spot lots of boys in shorts in the vicinity it's because Cubs in uniform get into the show for free.

Commonwealth Fair

Kensington Town Hall, W8 (0181-248 3275) today, 10am-4.30pm, adults pounds 2, children pounds 1

A steel orchestra, children's story-telling and face painting (right) are just some of the attractions at this family event organised by the Commonwealth Countries League. It also features handicrafts, produce and food stalls.

Arts and Crafts Learning Day

Lewisham Irish Centre, 2a Davenport Road, SE6 (0181-695 6264) today, noon-4pm, free

Learn about Irish instruments, hair braiding, glass blowing, engraving and peat crafts at this family event, which is part of Lewisham's Irish festival.

Nikki Spencer

Behind the Scenes for Families

Blickling Hall, Norwich (01263 731660) today 10am-12.30pm, pounds 6.50 per person, under-fives free

Tour the attics, basements and the rooms you don't usually get to see in this Jacobean mansion - very generously they say they will even let you help with a bit of dusting and cleaning the grates.

Autumn Colour Walk

Stourhead, near Warminster, Wiltshire (01985 843601) tomorrow, 10.30am, pounds 3.50 adults, children free

Take a stroll with the head gardener around this beautiful Wiltshire country estate. Meet at the visitor reception centre.

Guy Fawkes Carnival

Bridgwater, Somerset (01278 429288) tonight 6.15pm (roads close at 6.30pm) free, but donations accepted

Thousands of people from all over the south of England travel to see this spectacular event, which features about 70 floats, each illuminated by thousands of light bulbs. The procession culminates in a short but dramatic fireworks display. NS