To maintain your child’s peace and your sanity this school holidays, here are some ideas for activities that are cheap, technology-free and fun

1. Have a crafter-noon with mindfulness colouring

Mindfulness colouring books are available at most news-agencies. Kids will love the challenge of keeping between the lines of the intricate mandalas – and what’s best is that you can get involved too. Mindfulness colouring has been proven to reduce stress and anxiety in adults. So grab the Derwent pencils, put on your chill playlist, make a cup of chai and begin to cultivate the zen.

2. Bake some healthy treats

See the recipe for our favourite Ayurvedic Ginger Shortbread Cookies. Baking requires kids to use their mathematics skills, patience and creativity. Plus there is a pretty good reward at the end of it. Happy tummies.

3. Go for a bush walk

Spring holidays, it’s the perfect time to get outdoors and let the kids run wild. Pack a picnic blanket and some healthy treats and then reward yourselves with a picnic once you get to your destination. You don’t need to go far from Melbourne to find some beautiful scenery. Some of favourite kid-friendly walks include Emerald – Cockatoo recreational trail, any of the trails in the Dandenong Ranges and the trails of Werribee Gorge State Park.

4. Hit the beach

It is not quite swimming weather but it also is not quite sun burn weather, so it’s an amazing time to set up on the beach for a day. Build sand castles, explore rock pools and play cricket without that fierce summer sun forcing you into the shade of your beach tent.

5. Get into the garden

Spring is the best time to plant seeds for an abundant harvest this summer. Have fun experimenting with different crop varieties. If you don’t have a garden, try using some old pots. If you’re really keen you can paint and decorate the pots beforehand. Growing food will give your kids a long-term responsibility, connect them to where their food comes from and teach them healthy habits and skills for the future.