CHILDREN:WHAT TO DO TODAY IN LONDON

Art in the Park Morden Hall Park, Morden Hall Rd, Morden, Surrey (0181-648 1845) 15 & 16 Aug 10am-5pm, free Drama workshops and an "art trail" are just two of the activities on offer for children at Morden Hall Park this weekend. There will also be scenes from Shakespeare (Sat & Sun pm), performed by The London School of Performing Arts, tea dances, poetry recitals, pottery demonstrations and open-air opera (Sun) from the Three Sopranos.

Family Festival Day Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, Wood Green, London N22 (0181-365 2121) 16 Aug, from noon The 125-year-old Victorian palace (right) is holding its second annual family festival, with face-painters, children's shows and an ice-skating gala. Entertainment will include Fizzy Lizzie the clown and bagpiper Dave Brooks, plus a grand organ recital in the Grand Hall and a host of discounted attractions on the funfair, boating lake, etc. And, if you want your five minutes of fame, this may be your chance, as the whole event will be broadcast live on local radio Town FM.

Indian Summer Bernie Spain Gardens, Gabriel's Wharf, Upper Ground, London SE1 (0171-401 2255) 16 Aug, 2-7pm, free Part of the Coin Street Festival is this day of music, crafts and dance from the Indian subcontinent on the banks of the Thames. Musical highlights include Britain's best Bhangra group, The Sahotas, contemporary jazz and classical Indian music, plus musicians, dancers and rappers The Asian Equation and GLR DJ Imran Khan. There will also be a number of events and workshops specifically for children. While you are here, you can check out the shops and cafes in Gabriel's Wharf, or, if you want to flash the cash, head for the Oxo Tower. Bishops Waltham Palace, Hampshire (01489-892460) 15 & 16 Aug, from noon, children pounds 1.50, pounds 2.50 adults, free for English Heritage members & under-5s Kite-making and face-painting (above) are on offer for children at this historic palace over the weekend. Further draws are old-fashioned toys, stilt-walking and juggling.