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

Gran Gran Fiesta

Oxo Tower Wharf, South Bank, London SE1 (0171-401 2255) tomorrow 2-8pm, free

There is a special children's parade at this Latin American spectacular which is part of the summer-long Coin St Festival. Everyone is welcome to join in and, if they don't have costumes, children can make their own elaborate hats in the Apple marquee. As well as music and dancing, there will be an arts and craft market and Latin American food and drink. Just up the riverwalk at the Royal Festival Hall it's the first day of the Great Outdoors, a season of free al fresco theatre, music and dance.

Paddington Performance Festival

Randolph Recreation Ground, Maida Vale NW6 (0171-375 0441), tomorrow noon-6pm, free

The Paddington area has been captured on TV so now check it out for yourself. Street theatre groups, musicians, and circus acts, including the Westminster Youth Circus.

Ealing Countryside Weekend

Berkley Fields, opposite Ballot Box Pub, Greenford, Middx (0181-758 5916), today 12noon-10pm, tomorrow 11am-8pm

The country meets the town at this popular annual event by the canal, which has an animal marquee and numerous children's activities, as well as live music.

Nikki Spencer

British Volkswagen Festival

Three Counties Showground, Malvern, Worcs (01527 457890), today and tomorrow, 8am-6pm, adults pounds 6, children free

The car may be the star, but this is also very much a family event with clowns, face-painting and a mini-disco, as well as what is billed as a "non-traditional Punch and Judy show," ie one where they don't bash each other to bits. This afternoon they also hold what is known as, a "Rundfaht", a cruise of more than 100 cars around the streets of Malvern.

Marine Fun Day

Combe Martin Beach, nr Ilfracombe, Devon (01271 867393) tomorrow 12-4pm, adults pounds 1, children 50p

Devon Wildlife Trust invites families along to this sandy beach on the edge of Exmoor to join them in an afternoon of activities from rock-pooling to beach art.

Children's Festival

Bolsover Castle, nr Chesterfield, Derbyshire (01246 823349), tomorrow 11am onwards, adults pounds 3.10, children free

A host of activities for children of all ages at this 17th-century castle including theatre and puppet shows, music, storytelling, art and craft workshops and themed activities. Shirebrook Town Farm is also bringing along some of its animals. NS