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

Songs of the Spirit

Royal Festival Hall, London SE1 (0171-960 4242) today, 2.30pm, adults pounds 5, children pounds 4

This family concert of gospel, jazz, African and native American music will feature more than 120 different voices of all ages, including Highbury Young Singers and Orwell Park School Choir.

Board X

British Genius Site, Battersea Park, London SW11 (0171-729 8424) today and tomorrow, 10am-6pm, adults and children pounds 9, under-5s free

A "real snow" big air jump competition and a chance to have a free snowboarding lesson (first come, first served) are on offer at this huge snowboard and skateboard extravaganza this weekend. Other attractions range from demonstrations and merchandise, to video games and a video lounge.

Lord Mayor's Show

Gresham St, London EC1 (0171-332 1456)

today, 11am, free

This massive annual parade follows the traditional pattern. Events kick off at 11am, with bands, floats and a military procession through the city (plus a fair in Paternoster Square), followed by fireworks on the Thames at 5pm. Good viewing points for the pyrotechnics are Victoria Embankment, Blackfriars Bridge and Waterloo Bridge.

Nikki Spencer

RSPB Birdboat

Poole Quay, Poole Harbour (01202 666226) tomorrow, 11am, adults pounds 5.75, children pounds 3.50

If you don't know your avocet from your egret this could be a voyage of discovery. This beautiful harbour is home to an important population of waterbirds and waders and the two-hour trip, run by Brownsea Island Ferries, is accompanied by an experienced bird-watcher.

Guy Fawkes Carnival

Glastonbury (01458 832954) tonight, 6.45pm-9.45pm, free

This spectacular travelling carnival started in Bridgewater more than a week ago and visits nearly a dozen Somerset towns before ending in Weston-Super-Mare on Monday evening. Tonight it's Glastonbury's turn to welcome the procession of carnival floats, bands and entertainers.

Christmas at Hoo Farm

Hoo Farm Animal Kingdom, Hoo, Preston-on-the-Weald, Telford, Shropshire (01952 677917) today to 24 Dec, 10am-5pm, pounds 2.50

Sample the first mince-pie of the festive season in the delightfully named "Cowshed Tea Room", after seeing a Christmas nativity scene complete with a cow and calf, a donkey and even a llama. Other attractions at Hoo Farm's "Christmas World" include a snow scene, Father Christmas in his grotto (pounds 2.25 extra) and the chance to dig up your own Christmas tree. NS