We all know how much kids love to snack. In the summertime, especially, it’s easy to graze throughout the day. My oldest has half days at school right now due to finals. And it has me thinking more about how our summer routine will shift to prepare for the kids being at home and snacking more!
Even though our schedule is more lax once school’s out, I still like to have a plan so no one gets too hangry. For my family, this means simple summer snacks for kids to munch on anytime and easy summer dinners to fall back on.
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How to Prep Summer Snacks for Kids
Before you start buying or prepping snacks, stop to consider what your summer will look like. Here are some important things to keep in mind.
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Consider your schedule. If your kids are mostly at home for the summer, you’ll need to stock your pantry and fridge with more snacks and lunch options. If your kids are at camps for part of the day, you may want to make sure they have a more hearty breakfast before they go.
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Plan for summer activities. My kids often have swim practice in the mornings, so I like to have nutritious snacks on hand that will keep them fueled and hydrated. Before you pack your snacks, think about the type of activity your kids are doing, how far away from home you’ll be, and how long you’ll be out. This will help you figure out what kind of snacks to pack and how many snacks to bring.
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Keep snacks fresh and ready-to-go. Whether you’re taking kids to sports practice, the zoo, or the beach, you’ll want to pack some shelf-stable snacks and maybe a cooler to keep other snacks fresh. For short trips out, I like these freezable snack packs. If you’re planning a day trip, you’ll want to bring a bigger cooler.
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Offer a variety of (nutritious) options. Pre-packaged snacks are easy and convenient, especially when you’re on the go. However, doing a little bit of planning and prepping allows you to offer more balanced snack choices. A snack that combines carbs, protein, and fat will help them maintain their energy levels and keep them full for longer. Plus it supports their overall development.
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Get kids involved. Encouraging kids to make their own snacks is a great way for them to build their executive function skills and become more independent. Plus it can be a fun activity! Have them create their own trail mix, make fruit popsicles, or put together a sandwich. They can also help clean up when they’re done.
Snacks That Hold Up in the Heat
Living in Texas means we’re used to really hot summers. Although we try to stay home in the afternoons, it helps to be prepared with shelf-stable snacks that won’t spoil if you have to be out in the heat.
Here are some ideas for simple, nutritious snacks that you can toss in your bag for summer outings.
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Nuts and seeds
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Dried fruit
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Freeze-dried fruit
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Applesauce
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Pretzels
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Muffins (homemade or store-bought mini versions)
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Popcorn
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Rice cakes
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Granola bars
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Veggie straws
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Beef/turkey jerky
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Nut butter packets
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Coconut water
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Electrolyte drinks
Cold Snacks for Hot Days
Sometimes you need refreshing snacks for a hot day. While popsicles are an easy option, you may want a snack for your kids that’s more nutritious and filling. Some good options are fruits and veggies that are mostly made up of water.
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Raw veggies: cucumbers, celery, tomatoes, bell peppers, and carrots
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Fruit: watermelon, cantaloupe, oranges, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and grapes
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Frozen grapes: I'm serious! Pop a bunch of washed grapes in the freezer overnight and they turn into the most refreshing little bites.
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Cheese: String cheese or your kids' favorite kind
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Liquids: Popsicles, smoothies, and cold drinks
What to Pack in the Swim Practice Snack Bag
If your kids are anything like mine, they come off that pool deck absolutely starving. Swim practice burns a ton of energy, so the snacks matter here. You want something that refuels them fast without weighing them down. These snacks also work great for any summer activity!
Here's what I always pack for my girls:
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Apples & peanut butter: I slice the apples ahead of time and put peanut butter in small containers so they're grab-and-go the second practice ends. The carbs and protein combo is exactly what their bodies need to recover.
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Proper Hydration Boost Powder: This is my go-to for rehydrating after practice. It has electrolytes and trace minerals to help them bounce back fast, and the sugar content is low enough that I actually feel good about giving it to them. (Watermelon Berry is the current favorite in our house!)
Easy Summer Snacks for Kids to Enjoy at Home
You may want to offer your kids a more balanced or substantial snack once they’re home. This way, they’re not constantly snacking on something random or loading up on processed foods.
The trick? Pick one carb, one protein, and one fat, and you've got a snack that will actually keep them full. Here are some simple ideas that feel a little more filling — and refreshing, too. (And if you need even more inspo, my after-school snacks post has a ton of ideas that work just as well in summer!)
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Mango salsa and tortilla chips: A fun way to use seasonal fruit
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Hummus with pita bread or crackers: Add some sliced cucumbers or bell peppers on the side
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Antipasto skewers: Salami, mozzarella, tomatoes, olives, and artichokes on a stick feel fancy but take two minutes
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Fruit salad: With or without a dressing, but my girls love fruit without dressing
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Yogurt parfait: Layer in nuts, granola, or fresh fruit; full-fat yogurt keeps them full longer
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Fruit-based or yogurt-based popsicles: Homemade = you control the ingredients
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Apple slices with peanut butter: Classic for a reason; the carb + protein combo is exactly what growing kids need
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Avocado toast with cherry tomatoes: Don't sleep on this one; even picky kids tend to go for it
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Sandwich wrap with leafy greens: Easy to customize and great for older kids to make themselves
Ali's Pro Tip: Set up a "snack station" in your fridge or pantry with pre-prepped options so kids can grab their own snack without asking you 47 times. Pre-cut fruit, individual hummus portions, and bagged popcorn all work great for this!
Easy Summer Smoothies for Kids
Smoothies make great summer snacks for kids! They’re refreshing and simple to blend up. And you can easily make them more nutritious by adding peanut butter, avocado, yogurt, spinach, or hemp seeds.
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Banana, peanut butter, and milk
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Frozen mango or pineapple, spinach, avocado, and milk
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Peaches, mango, and milk
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Watermelon and vanilla yogurt
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Strawberries, blueberries, milk, and yogurt
Simple Homemade Popsicles for Kids
Popsicles are one of the easiest summer snacks you can make. When you make them at home, you control exactly what goes in them. No mystery ingredients, no added dyes, just real fruit and a few simple add-ins.
All you need is a popsicle mold and a blender. Here are some of my family’s favorite combos:
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Strawberry banana: Blend strawberries, banana, and a splash of milk or coconut milk
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Watermelon mint: Watermelon blends so smoothly, it barely needs anything else
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Mango coconut: Frozen mango and coconut milk; tastes like a vacation
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Yogurt berry: Blend yogurt and mixed berries — creamy and filling
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Mango pineapple: My girls’ favorite combination. Mangos, pineapple, greek yogurt and a splash of vanilla!
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Peach honey: Fresh or frozen peaches with a little honey and vanilla yogurt
Ali's Pro Tip: Freeze overnight and run warm water over the mold for a few seconds to release them easily. Make a big batch on Sunday and you're set for the whole week!
Our Favorite Coolers & Containers for Summer Snacks
Whether you’re heading out to an activity or you just want to meal prep some snacks for your kids at home, it can help to have containers and coolers on hand to keep your food fresh.
Here are some of our favorites!
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Freezable Snack Bags: I send my kids to school with freezable snack bags so that their string cheese or applesauce stays cool until they need it, but these work fantastic for outdoor summer activities on the go.foo
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Small To Go Containers: These leakproof dressing containers are perfect for packing school or work lunches. No more worrying about spilled sauce staining your kiddo's lunch box. Great for dips, dressings, hummus and more
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Fridge Storage Bins and Pantry Storage Bins: I have set up snack stations in both the fridge and the pantry. It makes grabbing a healthy, mom-approved snack very easy for the kids!
FAQ: Summer Snacks for Families
What’s a good way to save money on snacks?
Snacks can be expensive! Some simple ways to make snacks more budget-friendly are meal planning and prepping for the week ahead, buying in bulk, freezing fruit before it goes bad and using it in smoothies, and preparing your own snacks.
How can I make my summer snacks for kids more nutritious?
Offering a mix of carbs, healthy fats, and protein is the best way to balance out your kids’ snacks. Plus they’re pretty easy to prepare. Some ideas are avocado toast, apples and string cheese, blueberries and almonds, and full-fat yogurt with berries and granola. Making your own smoothies is also a simple way for kids to enjoy a yummy and healthy snack.
Should my kids’ summer snacks be any different than their after-school snacks?
They don’t have to be! You’ll just need to consider how your kids’ summer schedules are different and plan accordingly. For example, my girls will be at home with me, so I know they will need more snack options. I also like to be prepared for summer activities by packing snacks that will keep my kids hydrated and energized. Lastly, I try to use seasonal produce as much as possible so we can enjoy it at its peak (and it’s cheaper, too!).
How do I keep my kids from constantly asking me for snacks?
If you figure it out, let me know (hah!). Jokes aside, offering a balanced snack should keep their bellies full for longer. If they’re eating a bunch of salty, sugary snacks, they’re more likely to crash and get hungry sooner. You can also set your kids up so they can get their own snacks — or pack them. This means making their snacks and any dishware they may need accessible to them. You can even prepare healthy snacks together and have them ready to go in containers — either in the pantry or the fridge.
What else should I think about when it comes to kids’ snacks for the summer?
You’ll want to make sure kids are well hydrated, so avoid sugary juices and sodas when possible. Aim for plenty of water, especially if you’re outside. And make it more appealing by adding lemon slices, cucumber, or berries. You can also offer water-based vegetables and fruits, smoothies, and frozen treats.
Fun Ideas for Summer Break
Need more ideas for what to do with kids over summer break? Check out these posts!
