Children: What To Do This Weekend In London

Blue Boys

Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, SW7 (0171-938 9123) today 10am- 5.50pm, tomorrow 11am-5.50pm, adults pounds 6, children pounds 3

In this rather surreal piece of theatre (part of the London international Mime Festival) head for the biology section of the museum, where you and the children can try and work out which of the "blue boys" behind the glass is real (above).

While you are in the museum, you might also bump into Charles Darwin, who will be wandering the building chatting with visitors between 11.30am and 1pm and 2pm until 3.30pm both days. If you only want a brief visit, it's free to get in between 5pm and 5.50pm.

Barbican Salsa

Barbican Centre, Silk Street, EC2 (0171-638 8891) tomorrow, 12.30-2.30pm, free

Most weekends the Barbican has free musical events on the ground floor which can sometimes be good for a bit of a bop. This Sunday should be pretty lively, as it's Siempre Caliente, a nine- piece salsa and Latin band.

While you're there, you can also check out the Kier Smith sculptures on display in the concourse (also free).

Art Workshops

Bethnal Green Museum of Childhood, Cambridge Heath Road, E2 (0181-983 5200) today 11.15am, 1.30pm, 3pm, free

Most Saturdays this wonderful museum (below) runs hour-long creative activities for children aged three and upwards. This week the theme is Eid ul-Fitr, the muslim festival for the end of Ramadan. Tickets are available 15 minutes before each workshop. Children under eight must be accompanied by an adult.

... AND BEYOND

Australian Breakfast

The Lawn Visitor Centre, Union Rd, Lincoln (01522 529828) tomorrow, 8am- 12noon, adults pounds 3, children pounds 1.50

If you spot surfers ambling around the streets of Lincoln on Sunday you're not mad - they're on their way to the city's annual Australian breakfast. Lincoln is twinned with Port Lincoln in South Australia and to celebrate Australia Day local celebs will be serving breakfast to residents who are asked to dress up for the occasion.

Holly Holy Day

Nantwich, Cheshire (01270 610983) today, 12-4pm, parade free; skirmish - adults pounds 1.50, children pounds 1

The Sealed Knot Society will be re-enacting a local battle of the English Civil War. The name stems from the custom of the besieged townsfolk wearing holly after their liberation. The event begins with a parade followed by the skirmish. NS