Things to do with the kids at home this weekend: 4-6 April, 2020

The event to attend: Now Play This at Home from Somerset House

This weekend, Somerset House's experimental gaming festival, Now Play This, is still on. Only now, you can attend in your PJs. The virtual fest is a packed weekend of streamed talks, workshops and interactive tours of popular games, and it's all free from home.

We're particularly excited to watch Leap Then Look artists Bill Leslie and Lucy Cran's workshop on how to make art using found materials from around the home (Sat 4 April, 2pm) and the virtual tour of stunning game No Man's Sky (Sun 5 April, 8pm).

The thing to do: Jump around with these fun online active classes

Sticking to a routine is crucial for every parent and child's sanity, so we're going to keep our activity levels up through the weekend - even if we're indoors. From toddler gym and music classes to ballet lessons with New York City Ballet's top principal dancers, we've compiled a selection of online workouts kids of all ages will love. This Sunday, we'll be tuning in to a Funky Moves Kitchen Disco live stream to perfect our street style moves...

The screen-free thing to do: Discover a new podcast

From bedtime stories to meditation to debating current issues (like how to get through this pandemic together), there's a podcast to suit every child's personality and listening needs. Check out some of our favourites below.

The order to place: New books for the kids

The best homeschooling we can hope for is getting the kids to love reading. With libraries closed, ordering some new books can help ignite an interest or encourage a child to discover a new author (we've noticed an uptick in popularity with both Cressida Cowell and David Walliams in our homes as a result of their live stream reading sessions).

Support some of London's loveliest independent bookstores by placing an order from Dulwich Books (delivering locally to southeast London residents) and Children's Bookshop (which offers free delivery to north London postcodes).

If it's toys you're after - and you happen to live near SW11 - QT Toys has launched a home delivery service for customers living within a 10-minute drive of the Northcote Road shop, and have placed an order over £30. From Lego to toy buggies, stickers to books, there's plenty for anyone whose toy cupboard needs a reboot.

The tutorial to try: Draw with Rob

Rob Biddulph, award-winning author of Blown Away, Odd Dog Out and many others, is hosting #DrawWithRob sessions online every Tuesday and Thursday at 10am GMT - the videos stay up on his site so you can do the drawing sessions at your leisure.

We're obsessed, and have proudly learned how to draw the dinosaur Gregosaurus and a sausage dog - in less than 30 mins.

The book to read: Give your child the gift of Harry Potter - for free

Good news, parents: Harry Potter at Home, a hub for all things magical, from Hogwarts-themed quizzes to video crafts, is now at our fingertips, essential for any parent with a Harry Potter fiend at home. More good news: kids who haven't yet had their HP fix can listen to Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, free on Audible.