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

Africabana

Romford Rd, Newham, London E7 (0181-557 8648)

today, 1pm-4pm, free

About 1,500 children will parade around Stratford and Forest Gate in carnival costumes, accompanied by a steel orchestra, cheerleaders and a samba band.

Lambeth Country Show

Brockwell Park, London SE24 (0181-674 1764) today and tomorrow, 11am-8pm, free

As well as the usual bands, funfair and farm animals, there will be free circus workshops for children and on Sunday, Nickelodeon's summer roadshow will be pitching up.

Nikki Spencer

999 Emergency Services Display

Western Lawns, King Edward's Parade, Eastbourne, East Sussex (01323 415442) today and tomorrow, 11am-5pm, free

You've seen it on TV, now watch everyone from the police, fire brigade, ambulance service and coast guard go through their paces. If it all sounds a bit too alarming, there is also children's entertainment and a bouncy castle.

Goose Fair

Shugborough Park Farm, Shugborough Estate, Milford, Nr Stafford (01889 881388) tomorrow, 11am-5pm, adults pounds 4.50, children pounds 3.50

A re-creation of a 1820s village "Goose Fair", with costumed characters mingling with the crowds at the auction, plus clog dancers, palm reading and archery. Only this time it all ends happily ever after for the geese - they get to go back to the farm rather than finishing up on a dinner plate.

International Maritime Modelling Festival

Various venues, Weymouth (01305 785747) today 10am-10pm, tomorrow 9am-5pm, free

A weekend for kids of all ages (have you noticed how the parents are always the ones hogging the controls?) This huge festival promises more than 1,000 models and displays as well as "Grand Prix" model boat racing (they reach speeds of 50mph) and lots of children's workshops.

Children's workshops Gallery 37, Centenary Sq, Broad St, Birmingham (0121-3034709) every Sat and Sunday until 8 Aug, 11am-4pm, free but booking essential

Gallery 37 is a striking canvas arts village which has been erected in the city's Centenary Square and every weekend there will be children's workshops, including mask-making and digital imaging. NS