Here are 40 ideas that will keep your little ones energized and happy all summer long.
1. Fresh Fruit Kabobs
Thread chunks of watermelon, cantaloupe, grapes, and strawberries onto skewers for a fun and colorful snack.
2. Veggie Sticks with Hummus
Cut carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers into sticks and serve with a side of hummus for dipping.
3. Frozen Yogurt Bites
Spoon small dollops of Greek yogurt onto a baking sheet, top with fresh berries, and freeze.
4. Apple Sandwiches
Core an apple and slice into rounds, then sandwich nut butter and raisins between two slices.
5. Homemade Trail Mix
Mix together nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and a few dark chocolate chips for a quick and easy snack.
6. Smoothie Popsicles
Blend your favorite fruits with a splash of juice or milk, pour into popsicle molds, and freeze.
7. Cucumber Boats
Halve a cucumber lengthwise, scoop out some seeds, and fill with tuna salad or cottage cheese.
8. Sweet Potato Chips
Slice sweet potatoes thinly, toss with olive oil, and bake until crispy for a healthy chip alternative.
9. Energy Balls
Combine oats, nut butter, honey, and mini chocolate chips, roll into balls, and refrigerate.
10. Avocado Toast
Spread mashed avocado on whole-grain toast and top with cherry tomatoes or a sprinkle of salt.
11. Cheese and Fruit Platter
Pair slices of cheese with apple or pear slices for a tasty and balanced snack.
12. Celery with Nut Butter aka Anys in a Log
Fill celery sticks with almond or peanut butter and sprinkle with raisins.
13. Mini Caprese Skewers
Thread cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil leaves onto toothpicks and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
14. Greek Yogurt with Honey
Serve a bowl of plain Greek yogurt drizzled with honey and topped with fresh fruit.
15. DIY Fruit Roll-Ups
Blend fruit until smooth, spread on a baking sheet, and bake at a low temperature until leathery.
16. Popcorn with Nutritional Yeast
Air-pop popcorn and sprinkle with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the cheese.
17. Banana Sushi
Spread a whole-wheat tortilla with nut butter, place a banana on top, roll up, and slice into rounds.
18. Veggie Muffins
Bake muffins with grated zucchini and carrots for a sneaky way to add more veggies to their diet.
19. Chia Pudding
Mix chia seeds with almond milk and a touch of honey, refrigerate overnight, and top with fresh fruit.
20. Frozen Grapes
Freeze a bunch of grapes for a refreshing and bite-sized treat. Cut appropriately for the age of child.
21. Edamame
Boil edamame and sprinkle with sea salt for a protein-packed snack.
22. Watermelon Slushies
Blend watermelon chunks with a squeeze of lime juice and ice for a hydrating drink. Add in some electrolytes and bring to the sports field! Win Win!
23. No-Bake Granola Bars
Mix oats, nut butter, honey, and dried fruit, press into a pan, and refrigerate until firm.
24. Baked Apple Chips
Slice apples thinly, sprinkle with cinnamon, and bake until crispy.
25. Cottage Cheese and Pineapple
Top a bowl of cottage cheese with pineapple chunks for a sweet and savory combo.
26. Zucchini Fries
Cut zucchini into sticks, coat with egg and breadcrumbs, and bake until golden.
27. Berry Parfait
Layer Greek yogurt, granola, and mixed berries in a glass for a nutritious parfait. My kids love this and I make it into a little bar set up so they have fun making their own!
28. Mango Salsa
Dice mango, red bell pepper, and red onion, and mix with lime juice and cilantro for a tropical snack.
29. Almond Butter and Banana Rice Cakes
Spread almond butter on rice cakes and top with banana slices.
30. Spinach Smoothies
Blend spinach with banana, mango, and a splash of almond milk for a green smoothie kids will love.
31. Carrot Cake Bites
Combine grated carrots, oats, dates, and a pinch of cinnamon, roll into balls, and refrigerate.
32. Bell Pepper Nachos
Top bell pepper slices with black beans, cheese, and a dollop of Greek yogurt.
33. Fruit Sorbet
Blend frozen fruit with a little water until smooth for a homemade sorbet. If you haven’t heard of the Ninja Creamy, it’s def a must have!
34. Cottage Cheese Stuffed Peppers
Fill mini bell peppers with cottage cheese and sprinkle with chopped chives.
35. Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups
Roll slices of turkey and cheese together for a simple and protein-rich snack.
36. Green Apple Nachos
Top green apple slices with almond butter, granola, and a drizzle of honey.
37. Kale Chips
Toss kale leaves with olive oil and salt, bake until crispy for a crunchy and nutritious snack.
38. Cherry Tomatoes with Mozzarella
Serve cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls on a skewer with a sprinkle of basil.
39. Frozen Banana Bites
Dip banana slices in yogurt, roll in crushed nuts, and freeze.
40. Rice Cake Pizzas
Top rice cakes with marinara sauce, cheese, and any favorite toppings, then broil until the cheese melts.
These clean and healthy snack ideas are perfect for keeping kids satisfied and nourished during the summer. Not only are they easy to prepare, but they also incorporate a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, making snack time both fun and nutritious!
xoxox
Casey