Easy After School Snacks for Kids

Now that we’ve got school lunch ideas covered, it’s time to talk about after school snacks for kids. Yes, we’re talking about food again! 

Before I became a parent, I didn’t realize just how much I would be thinking about food. With three daughters who are all involved in sports (two in swim and one in gymnastics), I feel like a seasoned pro at this point when it comes to having snacks on hand at all times. Even if your kids don’t play sports, life can feel busy — and I can guarantee we’ve all seen our kids hangry between meals!  

As much as we all try to prepare, there have probably been times where you didn’t pack a snack and your kid is melting down in the car. Or you didn’t make it to the grocery store to grab their favorite snacks. Or you’ve had a long day and are too tired to even think about snacks. 

Similar to packing a lunch, coming up with snack ideas can take a lot of time and energy! So, I want to help make this part of your life easier with a list of simple after school snacks for kids. This includes healthy after school snacks as well as easy snacks to make in 5 minutes. 

If you’re on the fence about all the snacking your kids do, let’s first get into why kids are always asking for snacks. From toddlers to teenagers, most kids love to snack. Though their stomachs may be smaller, they use a lot more energy than adults do — and they’re still growing. Being prepared with a variety of snacks that offer a balance of carbs, proteins, and fats will help keep their bodies running smoothly. 

Why After School Snacks are Important

Kids are often hungry after school for different reasons. Maybe they didn’t eat all of their lunch. Maybe they have after-school activities or are involved in sports, so they need to keep their energy up. Or maybe they’re just going through a growth spurt. Whatever it is, kids need those nutrients to continue functioning properly.

By offering after school snacks, you can help kids: 

• Sustain their energy throughout the day. School can be draining, which is why many kids can be tired and moody at pickup. A snack can perk them up and give them the boost of energy they need. 

• Support their physical and cognitive development. Kids need nutrients to grow, learn, and develop. Offering snacks gives kids more chances to get those important nutrients, which can be especially helpful if they didn’t eat much lunch or have a busy after-school schedule.

• Improve their focus and overall mood. It’s hard to think, concentrate, or do much of anything if you’re hungry. A snack after school can help kids focus on after-school activities and responsibilities — while also keeping them from getting cranky. 

How to Offer a Balance of Healthy After School Snacks for Kids

The key to afternoon snacks is timing and portion control. Offer snacks right after school and cut off snacking at least 2 hours before dinner. If it’s a tight squeeze between pickup and dinner, try offering a light snack that won’t interfere with the main meal.

Remember, after school snacks don’t need to be complicated! Just pick one item from each list here and switch them around. 

Carbs (Quick Energy)

Carbs give us energy, which kids need in order to function at school. This includes focusing while in class, playing during recess, or keeping up with after-school activities. 

Here are a few examples of carbs you can switch out in their snacks.

• Fruit (apples, oranges, bananas, pears, berries, etc.) 

• Bread (ideally, whole grain) 

• Tortillas

• Crackers

• Popcorn  

• Muffins (homemade or store-bought mini versions)

• Yogurt

• Milk 

Protein (Staying Power)

Similar to carbs, protein gives us energy and helps kids grow. It also supports their immune system, balances their blood sugar, and plays an important role in building healthy muscles and bones, producing hormones, and developing their brains. 

Here are some good sources of protein to include in their after school snacks. 

• Yogurt

• Cheese

• Nut butter (peanut, almond, cashew)

• Hummus

• Deli meat (turkey, ham, salami) 

• Beef sticks 

• Beans (green beans, snap peas)

• Eggs (make hardboiled in advance) 

Healthy Fats (Brain Food)

It’s important to choose healthy fats, like the ones listed here. Along with helping kids feel full, they’re essential for brain development, making hormones, and absorbing certain vitamins. 

Here’s a list of healthy fats to choose from — many of which can be mixed into other foods, like smoothies, yogurt, or granola.   

• Seeds (flax, pumpkin, chia, sunflower, hemp hearts) 

• Olives 

• Avocado 

• Yogurt (full-fat)

• Nut butter (peanut, almond, cashew)  

• Almonds 

• Walnuts 

• Edamame

Veggies (Immune Boosters)

We all know veggies are important! They’re loaded with vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and antioxidants that help boost your child's immune system — all of which help to build healthy bodies (and minds) and are especially important when they're around other kids all day at school. 

• Broccoli

• Carrots

• Cucumbers

• Peppers 

• Tomatoes

• Cauliflower

• Spinach

Ali’s Pro Tip: If your kids don’t love veggies, try offering them with dips, blending them into smoothies, or adding them to other types of food they do like. For example, you can blend spinach into a smoothie or shred carrots into a muffin mix. My kids love zucchini muffins, but won’t touch an actual zucchini! 

After School Snacks for Kids

Some snacks work better at home than they do in the car — and some days are busier than others. So I’ve got you covered for all possible snack situations! 

In this list, you’ll find my family’s favorite after school snacks, including simple grab-and-go options, budget-friendly choices, and healthy after school snacks that your kids will love. Depending on your kids’ ages, a lot of these options are also easy snacks for kids to make. 

Easy Snacks to Make in 5 Minutes

• Toast with peanut butter, banana slices, and cinnamon 

• Crackers, deli meat, cheese, and nuts

• Avocado toast, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella 

• Yogurt topped with berries, nuts, and chia seeds 

• Cheesy roll-ups, carrots, and hummus

• Apple slices with almond butter

Grab-and-Go After School Snacks (Perfect for in the Car on the Way to Sports Practice)

• Trail mix

• String cheese

• Homemade energy balls

• Snack bars (try “no sugar added” versions, like Larabars)

• Bananas, grapes, or apples

• Beef sticks or jerky

• Nut butter packets

Make-Ahead Snacks for Super Busy Days

• Overnight oats in mason jars (make 5 at once)

• Hardboiled eggs

• Homemade “lunchables” (use a Bento-style container)

• Pre-cut veggies with ranch or peanut butter (my kids love ants on a log)

• Homemade muffins (Simple Mills has the best box muffin mixes)

Budget-Friendly After School Snacks Under $5

• Popcorn + seasoning ($2-3 per batch)

• Banana + peanut butter ($1.50)

• Whole grain (or almond ) crackers + cheese ($3-4)

• Frozen fruit + yogurt ($2.50)

• Rice cakes (Under $1 for 2)

FAQ Moms Ask Most about After School Snacks

How many snacks should I offer my kids?

It really depends on your schedule and overall preference. The typical advice is to offer at least two snacks a day — between the two main meals of breakfast and lunch & lunch and dinner. Ideally, you want to offer them a balanced snack that keeps them going until their next meal, but doesn’t interfere with it. 

What types of snacks should I focus on?

Offering a variety of snacks is key, and that includes treats! Typically I focus on providing nutritious snacks that will help fuel their bodies. This includes whole grains, fruits and veggies, healthy fats, and protein.

Are there any snacks I should avoid?

It can help kids to develop a more positive relationship with food if we avoid labeling it as good or bad. Some foods are more nutritious than others and will help keep kids full and energized for longer. In general, I try to avoid sugary drinks and try to steer clear of processed snacks. 

How do I get my kids to eat more healthy snacks?

The easiest way is to fill your fridge or pantry with whole foods that don’t have added sugars, preservatives, or artificial ingredients. You can also offer them more nutritious alternatives. For example, if they want something sweet, try a fruit smoothie made with milk, avocado, and spinach instead. 

How do I get my kid to eat more veggies?

Try cutting veggies into fun shapes, using dips like ranch, or letting your kids be part of the planning and prep. You can also bake veggies, like shredded carrots or zucchini, into muffins. 

How do I keep snacks from ruining meal time?

Keep it consistent and make sure there’s a hard stop. For example, maybe you always offer snacks right after school and then cut off the snacking at least an hour or two out from dinner. If your schedule is tight, you could also offer a lighter snack to tide them over until dinner. 

Should my kids make their own snacks?

Absolutely! Bringing kids into the process of planning and preparing snacks at a young age gives them a sense of control and responsibility. Plus it may actually help them be more willing to try different foods. By six or seven, they may be able to take complete control of snack time. 

What are the best snacks for kids in sports?

For active kids, focus on easily digestible carbs 30-60 minutes before activity (banana, crackers) and protein + carbs within 30 minutes after (jerky stick, yogurt with granola) to help with recovery. Many of the same portable lunch containers work great for after-school sports snacks too!

Final Thoughts on After School Snacks

If you’re like me, you think about what to feed your kids all day long. My girls are always hungry! And now that we’re heading into a new school year, our schedules will be busier — so it helps to have a plan for after school snacks.

Remember, after school snacks for kids don’t need to be complicated! Offering balanced snacks at consistent times will help kids stay fueled, focused, and in better moods. This is especially important as routines change during the school year. 

My list of after school snacks for kids gives you simple, affordable, and healthy options, so you don’t have to stress about snack time — whether you’re at home or on the go. If you want more tips like this, check out my easy lunch ideas for kids. And let me know what your kids’ favorite snacks are in the comments!