Children: What to do this weekend in London

Decorate Tower Bridge for Christmas

London SE1 (0171-378 1928) today and tomorrow, 11am and 3pm, adults pounds 5.95, children pounds 3.95

Your kids can get a certificate saying they've helped decorate Tower Bridge for Christmas 1998 when they take part in this workshop (places allocated on a first-come, first-served basis). The end results will be displayed on the bridge's east walkway 140ft above the Thames throughout the festive season.

There will also be a costumed Victorian story-teller in the engine rooms on the hour every hour.

Christmas Storytelling

London Transport Museum, Covent Garden Piazza, London WC2 (0171-379 6344) today and tomorrow, noon-3.30pm (museum open 11am-6pm) adults, pounds 4.95, children pounds 2.95

Christmas transport tales with a night-time theme will be on offer at 45-minute intervals throughout the day (suitable for seven to 12-year- olds). Children can also take part in the Hard Day's Night Trail, where they can use lamps and lights to find their way around.

... AND BEYOND

A Royal Christmas Celebration

Royal Brighton Pavilion (01273 290900) tomorrow, noon-5pm, adults pounds 4.50, children pounds 2.75 (Brighton/Hove residents, pounds 1.75, children free)

Festive fun at Brighton's fantasy palace. Activities will include children's crafts, songs and music, plus Regency dancing and costumed guided tours.

Winter Solstice Event

Kingston Lacy Estate, Wimborne, Dorset (01202 882705) tomorrow, meet at 7.30am, adults pounds 5, children pounds 4 (booking essential)

Greet the dawn and hear stories before tucking in to a big breakfast, with entertainment by Morris men, mummers, and music makers - you never know, it may wear everyone out so much that you can all have a nice Sunday-afternoon nap.

A Sleigh Ride to See Father Christmas

Petworth House, Petworth, West Sussex (01798 342207) today 11am-3pm, adults free, children pounds 2

Travel on a special sleigh to visit Father Christmas in his woodland grotto. There will also be craft workshops for both adults and children in the 17th-century National Trust mansion.

Tudor Toy-making

Kenilworth Castle, Kenilworth, Warwickshire (01926 414140) today 10.30am onwards, adults pounds 3.10, children pounds 1.60

Make your own Christmas gifts under the guidance of Tudor-costumed toy-maker Cyril Hobbs at this historic red sandstone castle. You can also buy wooden toys as well as Christmas gifts from the castle shop. NS