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

Franco-British Children's Book Fair

Institut Francois, 17 Queensbury Place, SW7 (0171-838 2144) today 12noon- 6.30pm, tomorrow 10am-7pm, free

Forget "Le Boeuf" and find some entente cordiale at this book fair. Quentin Blake, Babette Cole and Gregoire Solotareff are among the authors who will be taking part in signings and the event will also include films, talks and activities. There will be readings in both English and French as well as the chance to buy books in both languages.

Johnny Ball Roadshow

Croydon Clocktower, Katherine St, Croydon (0181-253 1030) today 11am, 1pm, 3pm; adults pounds 2, children pounds 1

Fat Boy Slim's father-in-law will be giving talks on the mathematics of board games. It may all sound a bit dry but with the ever-enthusiastic Johnny in charge, it probably won't be. The event ties in with the museum's "Shake Rattle and Roll the Dice" exhibition which runs until January (exhibition entry: adults pounds 3.50, children pounds 1.75).

Nikki Spencer

Mega Mela 99

NEC, Birmingham (0121-767 4545) today and tomorrow 10am-7pm; adults pounds 13, children pounds 10, under 5s free

The largest celebration of modern Asian culture in Britain (above) has loads for children, including appearances by BBC presenters from Blue Peter, Live and Kicking and The O Zone and workshops in mendhi, henna tattooing and break-dancing.

The Enchanted Wood

Westonbirt Arboretum, Westonbirt, Tetbury, Glos (01666 880220); tonight and tomorrow, dusk until 8pm; adults pounds 3.50, children pounds 1

Every weekend until 19 December, the Arboretum is transformed into a winter wonderland with thousands of lights illuminating the giant trees. Visitors follow a one-and-a-half-mile trail through the woods.

Kingsbridge Extravaganza

Kingsbridge, Devon (01548 853195) today 1-10pm, free

A medieval theme with dancers, musicians, stilt walkers and court jesters plus a performance by the Excalibur Re-enactment Society. The activities will culminate in a grand illuminated parade. There will be a funfair from noon.

Stir-Up Sunday

Shugborough, Milford, Staffs (01889 881388) tomorrow 11am-4pm, adults pounds 4, child-ren pounds 3, plus pounds 2 per vehicle

The forgotten tradition of Stir-Up Sunday (the Sunday before Advent when Christ-mas puddings were made) is brought back to life. The Victorian Kitchens will be bustling as performers cook up festive treats. The puddings will then be taken to the laundry - apparently this was the best place to steam them. NS