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

Young Pavement Artists Competition

Colonnade Walk, Buckingham Palace Rd, London SW1 (0171-732 1651) today, 12noon-5.30pm, admission free, pitch and chalks pounds 1

As well as creating their own works of art, children can have their faces painted, be entertained by Punch and Judy, clowns and jugglers, and meet Mark Speight from children's TV show Smart, who will present the prizes. All money raised will go to the Duchenne muscular dystrophy charity (right).

Special Summer Sunday

Geffrye Museum, Kingsland Rd, London E2 (0171-730 9893) tomorrow 12noon-5pm, free

Visitors to this, one of the capital's most friendly and enjoyable museums, set in former almshouses, will find activities for all ages. There will be craft workshops for children, plus entertainment from Looney the Clown and mellow jazz for the grown- ups. Refreshments will be available or you can bring a picnic to eat in the gardens.

Open Dance Festival

Embankment Gardens, Villiers St, London WC2 (0171-375 0441) today and tomorrow, 12noon-7pm, free

This annual festival features more than 50 groups from all over the country performing everything from jazz dance and tap to flamenco and Greek folk.

Nikki Spencer

Bishop's Waltham Festival Grand Opening

Bishop's Waltham Palace, Nr Winchester (01489 892460) tomorrow, 3pm, adults pounds 1, children free

This annual two-week festival kicks off with a host of family activities, including Punch and Judy shows, and horse and cart rides around this medieval ruin, followed by barbecue and boules competitions.

Creepy Crawlie Weekend

Secret World, New Road, East Huntspill, Somerset (01278 783250), today and tomorrow, activities free with admission, adults pounds 4.75, children pounds 3.50

This award-winning wildlife rescue centre will focus on small creatures (left), when bug expert Francis Farr-Cox leads expeditions into the hedgerows at 12.15pm each day. There will also be pond-dipping at 3.15pm.

Fairy Tales from the Enchanted Garden

Walmer Castle, Walmer, Nr Deal, Kent (01304 364288) today and tomorrow, 2pm, adults pounds 4.50, children pounds 2.30, English Heritage members and under- 5s free

Children can join Aunty Bloomer as she leads a trail around the 10-acre gardens of this Tudor castle. You never know, you may even bump into the Queen Mother - Walmer Castle is the traditional home of the Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports, currently the Queen Mother, who comes to stay once a year. NS