Top 5 children's events

Christmas may have been and gone but that doesn't mean the fun has to end.

A SPELL OF COLD WEATHER Get into the spirit of the season with this winter's tale. Bob and Betty are the most miserable farmers in the world - and hate the icy winter. But a snowstorm has conjured up a mischievous fairy who loves playing practical jokes. Can city girl Holly help defrost this icy couple? Puppets, live action and lots of fun. Redbridge Drama Centre, Churchfields, South Woodford, E18 (020-8504 5451). Sat 17 Jan, 12.30pm, 2pm, £3.

HANDS ON OUR MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS This hands-on session involves plundering instruments from the collection and learning how different people make music in different parts of the world. Then there's a chance to pick up an instrument and make some noise of your own. Horniman Museum, London Road, SE23 (020-8699 1872). Sat

THE LORD OF THE RINGS - THE EXHIBITION If you've just seen The Return Of The King and wondered what to do for an encore, here's your answer. You have until Saturday to see behind the scenes of the trilogy. Hundreds of props and costumes make essential viewing for Middle Earth fans. Fascinating and fun. The Science Museum, Exhibition Road, SW7 10 Jan, 2.30pm-3.15pm, 3.45pm-4.30pm, free.(0870 870 4868). Ends Sat 11 Jan, Mon-Sun 10am-6pm, £9.95-£11.95, concs £6.95-£8.95.

CABARET MECHANICAL FESTIVAL Explore an extravaganza of automata at Oxo Tower Wharf. Fresh from its tour of the USA and Europe, these gob-smacking moving sculptures include old favourites, such as the man in the bath of spaghetti, as well as 'The Council Counsellor' by Paul Spooner. There's also the chance to create your own automata. The.gallery@oxo, Oxo Tower
Wharf, Bargehouse Street, SE1 (020-7401 2255). Ends Sun 11 Jan, 11am-6pm, free.

THE SECRET GARDEN The Little Angel's adaptation of the Frances Hodgson Burnett classic is a gem. Using a set that reveals the inner workings of stately home Misselthwaite Manor, half a dozen performers bring Mary Lennox's tale to life as she strives to find a little patch to call her own. There's warmth, humour and a finale with enough blooms to satisfy your local Interflora inspector. The Little Angel Theatre, Dagmar Passage, N1 (020-7226 1787). Ends Sun 1 Feb, £8.50, child £4, Fri 9, Thur 15 Jan (pay-what-you-can shows), various times, phone for details.