Top 5 for fun

There are plenty of things going on this weekend and next week to keep the littl'uns entertained.

At Hampton Court, though, there will be an ice rink at the West Front of Henry VIII's red-brick palace in Surrey. Get your skates on and take to the ice, and chill out afterwards at the Frost Fayre Cafe. There are 10 one-hour sessions every day and you can book your slot in advance on the net at www.hamptoncourticerink.co.uk. Hampton Court Palace, East Molesey, Surrey (08700 601778). Sat 6 Dec-Sun 18 Jan, 10am-9.45pm, £8.50, child £6.50, family £26.

STILGOE FAMILY CONCERTS How do you introduce kids to classical music without boring them to tears? The answer is right here on the South Bank.

These family concerts, presented by Richard Stilgoe, have been specially devised to capture children's imaginations and demystify the concert-hall experience without dumbing it down.

It kicks off with Rossini's William Tell Overture to get everyone in the mood, followed by Mars And Jupiter, the second movement of Olympic Triathlon, a specially commissioned piece by outstanding young British composer Alasdair Reid, plus Kleinsinger's Tubby The Tuba and Pachelbel's Canon. Exhilarating and inspiring. Royal Festival Hall, South Bank SE1 (020-7960 4242). Sat 6 Dec, 3.30pm, £4.50-£12.

WHY THE WHALES CAME The Scilly Isles have been a rich source of inspiration for Children's Laureate Michael Morpurgo for more than 30 years.

This absorbing adventure, set on Bryher, is an intelligent and entertaining antidote to some of the frothier Christmas fodder. Gracie and Daniel are warned off Samson Island by the Birdman, but when the intrepid pair are stranded there by fog, they find themselves unravelling the secrets of the spooky place. A spellbinding tale. Comedy Theatre, Panton Street, SW1 (08700 606622).
Previewing Wed 10 Dec , first night Thur 11 Dec, Mon-Sat 7.15pm, mats 2.30pm, ends Wed 7 Jan, £ 15- £28, child £15, family £68.

SANTA VS THE SNOWMAN There aren't that many seasonal 3-D movies around (let's be honest, this is the only one) but it's a barrowload of fun - hot chocolate squirt guns anyone? - so what better excuse to don your 3-D specs?

A lonely snowman is wowed by the wonder of Santa's village, but decides to wage war on Father C when the green-eyed monster kicks in. From the team behind Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius, it rocks. London IMAX Cinema, Charlie Chaplin Walk, South Bank, SE1 (020-7902 1234). www.bfi.org.uk/imax. Mon 8 Dec-Sun 11 Jan, phone for times, £7.50, concs £6.20, child £4.95.

FEAST YOUR EYES Theatrical etiquette goes out of the window with this ground-breaking new show developed for younger kids.

The audience plays a vital part in the story of a grand feast with a greedy queen who isn't in to sharing. There's also a hungry giant on the rampage - and he's quite partial to snacking on the odd child. It's messy, funny and very different. Kids will love it. BAC, Lavender Hill, SW11 (020-7223 2223). £8.75, child £6.50-£8.75, family £30.