CHILDREN: WHAT TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN LONDON

Whippersnappers

Brockwell Park Lido, Dulwich Road, London SE24 (0171-738 6633) tomorrow, 12noon, performances from 2pm, pounds 3

Before it's filled for what we hope will be a beautiful summer, the Brockwell Park Lido swimming pool is being transformed in to a theatre for the day, with professional children's performers and local children strutting their stuff on a large stage in the middle of the waterless expanse. There will also be African bands, and dance and puppet shows, as well as community events.

World Book Day

Children's Theatre, Fourth Floor, Harrods, Knightsbridge, London SW1 (0171-225 5721) today, 11am, free

The top-people's store is celebrating World Book Day (yes, it was yesterday but they're extending it a bit) by hosting book signings with favourite children's authors such as Jacqueline Wilson and Nick Butterworth, plus face-painting and story-telling sessions and personal appearances by fictional characters.

Dinosaur Storytime

Borders Books, 203 Oxford Street, London W1 (0171-292 1600) tomorrow, 2pm, free

This mega-bookstore's regular children's Saturday-morning storytime has now become a regular Sunday-afternoon storytime. This weekend they'll be reading stories about dinosaurs and children will be shown how to make their own weird and wonderful models to take home (above).

... AND BEYOND

Junior Town Criers

The Guildhall, Cathedral Square, Peterborough (01733 700035) today, 11am-4pm, free

Give your kids something to shout about at this annual St George's Day celebration. As well as the junior and adult town-crying contests, there will be Morris and Maypole dancing, plus pearly kings and queens.

Dragons Galore

Wrest Park Gardens, Silsoe, Bedfordshire (01525 860152) today and tomorrow, 12noon, adults pounds 4.50, children pounds 2 (English Heritage members and under fives free)

More St George's Day festivities at these stunning gardens, with dragons of all shapes and sizes (left). The weekend also doubles as a celebration of the 400th anniversary of the birth of Oliver Cromwell, and activities will include military re-enactments, and travelling players.

Marsden Cuckoo Day

Marsden Mechanics Hall, Marsden, West Yorkshire (01484 847016) today, 10am-12m't, free except ceilidh, adults pounds 4.50, children pounds 3.50

Join the National Trust for its annual celebrations to welcome the return of the cuckoo. Events include art workshops, banner-making, and a procession followed by an evening ceilidh. NS