50 of the BEST Kid’s Snack and Lunch Ideas!
50 of the BEST kids’ snack and lunch ideas…fun and healthy food choices to get kids excited about eating!
Fun and Healthy Foods for Kids
Growing up I remember feeling starved after a long day of school. I also remember feeling pure joy and excitement when I saw an afternoon snack waiting for me on the table! It gave me the energy I needed to finish my homework and kept my tummy full until dinner.
I have countless memories of finding a sweet treat in my lunch from my mother. She made things special for me and because of that, I felt so loved. School lunches don’t have to be expensive to be fun. Below are some school lunch ideas that kids can get excited about!
Snack Ideas for Kids
Here are some healthy and fun ideas that don’t take long to whip up and are delicious. Get ready to be the cool parent on the block when your kiddos see these yummy snacks!
Ants on a Log
A classic afternoon snack that kids love and is healthy. Anyone would have fun making this one!
Ants on a Log via I Heart Naptime
Homemade Popsicles
Nothing tastes better after a hot day at school than a fresh popsicle! This recipe offers a sweet and much more healthier popsicle option for kids.
EASY Homemade Popsicles via I Heart Naptime
Cereal Bars
Cereal bars are not only super simple to make, they taste amazing! This recipe is a keeper!
Cereal Bars via I Heart Naptime
Peanut Butter and Jelly Muffins
These muffins are simply delicious and everyone loves them. The classic and fan favorite pair of peanut butter and jelly has done it again!
Peanut Butter and Jelly Muffins via I Heart Naptime
Cookie Butter Popcorn
Looking for the perfect sweet afternoon snack? This Cookie Butter Popcorn is delicious and will give kiddos the energy they need to finish their homework.
Cookie Butter Popcorn via I Heart Naptime
Frozen Berry Yogurt Bites
Frozen berry yogurt bites make a wonderful snack for kids because they are bite size, refreshing, and fun! Not to mention, so cute!
Frozen Berry Yogurt Bites via I Heart Naptime
No Bake Energy Balls
These energy balls are not only extremely easy to make, with ingredients you probably already have laying around, they taste delicious and can be stored in the freezer!
No Bake Energy Balls via I Heart Naptime
How cute is this? Add a little craft time to snack time with this butterfly idea! The portions here are perfect for little kids.
Butterfly Snack Bags via Positively Splendid
Owl Rice Cakes
Looking for a healthier snack option? This is for you! Owl rice cakes give kids the energy they need and are so much fun to decorate.
Owl Rice Cakes via Super Healthy Kids
Kids Trail Mix
Who doesn’t love trail mix? This recipe includes a variety of kids’ favorite things and can be made in bulk!
Kids Trail Mix Recipe via I Heart Naptime
Apple Sandwiches
Here’s a fun twist to a traditional sandwich! Apple sandwiches are fast, easy, and tasty!
Apple Sandwiches via About a Mom
Beach Jello Cups
If you’re wanting to put a little more time and creativity into your afternoon snack, these jello cups are a great option! These could make a fun dessert too!
Beach Party Jello Cup Snacks via Dorky Doodles
Homemade Pizza Pockets
Pizza pockets have always been a kid favorite! These homemade pizza pockets are sure to be a hit!
Easy Cheesy Homemade Pizza Pockets via One Little Project
Strawberry Crumb Bars
One word. Delicious! These crumb bars will have your kids running home from school!
Strawberry Crumb Bars via I Heart Naptime
Homemade Fruit Roll-Ups
Here’s a healthier option to normal fruit roll-ups while still maintaining the sticky, peel away roll that kids love.
Homemade Fruit Roll-Ups via Joy Filled Life
Chia Seed Pudding Snacks
Why can’t healthy be delicious?! These pudding snacks are a great option for filling your kids’ tummies with healthy and delicious snacks.
Make Ahead Chia Seed Pudding Snacks via Scattered thoughts of a Crafty Mom
Muffin Tin snack Tray
Give kids a variety of healthy and scrumptious options with this muffin tin snack tray. It’s not only visually pleasing but it provides kids with much needed autonomy to choose!
Muffin Tin Snack Tray via I Heart Naptime
Peanut Butter & Jelly Roll-Ups
Simply changing the design an average PB&J makes all the difference for kiddos. This twist is so much fun and will be gobbled away!
Peanut Butter & Jelly Roll-Ups via Kleinworth & Co
Zucchini Muffins
Zucchini in muffins and bread is so delicious! After trying these muffins your kiddos will all say zucchini is their favorite vegetable.
Zucchini Muffins via I Heart Naptime
Strawberry Banana Smoothie
Smoothies make great afternoon snacks because they are filling, healthy, and yummy! Plus, there are so many combinations you can make including this delicious strawberry banana smoothie!
Strawberry Banana Smoothie via I Heart Naptime
Apple Cookies
Who know there were so many fun things you can make with an apple? These apple cookies are healthy, look amazing, and will have your kids coming back for more.
Apple Cookies via Rachel Schultz
Baked Honey Lime Chicken Taquitos
This healthy baked snack has delicious flavor and can be made in bulk to feed a household of hungry kids! This is definitely a winner.
Baked Honey Lime Chicken Taquitos via Dessert Now Dinner Later
Pizza Dough Soft Pretzel
This snack is easy, fast, and oh so delicious! You can even add cinnamon sugar if your kids are craving a bit of sugar.
Frozen Pizza Dough Soft Pretzel via Faithful Provisions
Pan Fried Cinnamon Bananas
Cinnamon and bananas are a wonderful flavor combination that kids love, making this the perfect after school snack! Plus, it’s so fast to make that you can whip this up just before the kids get home!
Pan Fried Cinnamon Bananas via Dizzy Busy & hungry
Avocado & Hummus Tortilla
Feeling bored from making regular cheese tortillas? These avocado and hummus tortillas are for you! This healthy and filling snack is a great option for hungry kids.
Mini Avocado & Hummus Quesadilla via Cookin’ Canuck
Lunch Ideas for Kids
Below you will find some creative lunch ideas that are both healthy and delicious! Kids will love any one of these yummy combinations.
Teddy Bear Lunchbox
This teddy bear lunchbox is so much fun for kids! They will love the sweet message written to them on the orange.
Teddy Bear Lunchbox via Morgan Manages Mommyhood
School Bus Lunchbox
Help kids get excited about school with this yummy lunch option. This is a great idea for the first day of school.
School Bus Lunchbox via Morgan Manages Mommyhood
Cheesy Pigs in a Blanket
These delicious pigs in a blanket are a great lunch option and kids will absolutely love them! The fruits and veggies pair well with this mouthwatering lunch.
Cheesy Pigs in a Blanket via the best ideas for kids
Italian Awesome
The title of this lunch is very fitting. This idea is indeed awesome! Kids will have so much fun putting together their own Italian lunch crackers.
Italian Awesome via Lauren Greutman
Hummus Turkey Roll-Up
This lunch checks all the boxes! It’s healthy, delicious, and easy to make. You can substitute your child’s favorite fruits, veggies, and chips to customize it!
Hummus Turkey Roll-up via the best ideas for kids
Bagel Beast
This lunch is high in protein and scrumptious! Kids will absolutely love getting a bagel in their lunch.
Bagel Beast via Lauren Greutman
Breakfast for Lunch- Steel Cut Oats
Who doesn’t love breakfast?! These Steel cut oats and waffles are a great idea for kids who crave something sweet after class.
10 Easy + Healthy School Lunch Ideas via Baby Foode
Spinach Pesto Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is perfect for kids are want to take a break from eating sandwiches. This lunch also has avocado chocolate pudding that kids will love!
10 Easy + Healthy School Lunch Ideas via Baby Foode
Mini Bagel Pizzas
Pizza! These mini bagel pizzas make the perfect lunch for kiddos who work so hard. Boiled eggs are also a wonderful and filling addition to any lunch!
Mini Bagel Pizzas via the best ideas for kids
Curry Chicken Salad
Got a child with a mature taste buds? This curry chicken salad is great for kiddos who love flavor!
10 Easy + Healthy School Lunch Ideas via Baby Foode
Winnie the Pooh Bento Lunch
Create your child’s favorite Disney character with this Winnie the pooh Bento lunch! Paired with bear crackers and chobani yogurt, this lunch is so much fun!
Winnie the Pooh Bento Lunch with Chobani via Kitchen Fun with my 3 Sons
Easter Bunny Bento Lunch
This Easter Bunny lunch is perfect for spring time. Kids will love all of the cute details in this one!
Easter Bunny Butt Bento Lunch via Kitchen Fun with my 3 Sons
Cheese Quesadilla
The classic cheese quesadilla is an all time kid favorite lunch. This one includes yummy dipping sauces!
Cheese Quesadilla via Eat This, Not That
Jungle Themed Bento Box
Surprise your child with a fun jungle themed lunch! This lunch is both healthy and sweet!
Jungle Themed Bento Box via Mom Unleashed
Thermos Mac & Cheese
Give kids a lunch you know they will love! Using a thermos allows parents to send kiddos with lunches that need to be kept warm. This same post. talks about how to keep chicken nuggets warm, yum!
Thermos School Lunch Ideas via Natasha’s Kitchen
Cheese & Turkey Kabobs
This lunch is not only super healthy, it’s so much fun! Kids will love eating their lunch off of a stick!
Cheese & Turkey Kabobs via Yummy Healthy Easy
Meatballs and Veggies
This special lunch box keeps food warm so kids can enjoy delicious foods like meatballs! This is an all around great meal.
Meatballs and Veggies via One Lovely Life
Breakfast for Lunch-Waffles
Here is another great breakfast for lunch option. Kids will be so excited to open up their lunch and see Mickey Mouse waffles!
Waffles or Pancakes via One Lovely Life
Pasta Salad
This pasta salad lunch combination will have your kids’ mouths watering! Don’t forget a fork!
Pasta Salad via One Lovely Life
Healthy Halloween School Lunch
Nothing screams happy halloween like some ghosts, some pumpkins, and a monster! Your kiddos will feel so special receiving a spooky lunch like this.
Healthy Halloween School Lunch via Pickled Plum
Mini Sandwiches
Instead of 1 big sandwich, try 3 mini ones! This delicious lunch idea is the perfect amount for kiddos.
Mini Sandwich Lunchbox Ideas via Family Fresh Meals
Healthier Egg “Salad” Sandwich
This lunch combination gives kids lots of yummy options. It’s also a healthier version of an Egg salad Sandwich which is always a plus!
Healthier Egg “Salad” Sandwich via Life Made Sweeter
Creamy Turkey Pinwheels
This lunchbox has really got everything! From cheese to yogurt to fruit, your kids will be in heaven!
Creamy Turkey Pinwheels via Yummy Healthy Easy
Italian Pasta Salad
Italian pasta salad is a wonderful option to mix things up. The addition of the water bottle is a great way to ensure kids are hydrated throughout the day.
Italian Pasta Salad via Crafting Chicks
Nachos with Lots of Dips
Nachos are so much fun for kids! They are are also extremely easy to put together and affordable.
Nachos with Lots of Dips via Crafting Chicks
Love this round up! Thank you for including my no bake granola bars in the round-up!
hi need recipe for bars NOW
great round up – thanks for including my PB&J smoothie.
Great ideas, a nice suprise to see our house lunch included. Thanks 🙂
Thanks so much for including our pizza roll-ups! Can’t wait to try some of these other yummy ideas.
Me encantan las ideas de comida para niños.
I really want to try your Healthy Chocolate Chip cookies but the link takes me to the strawberry Greek Popsicles. Can you please post or email me the recipe?
Thanks
Elaine
Hi Elaine! Here is the recipe for the healthy chocoalte chip cookies: http://www.iheartnaptime.net/healthy-oatmeal-chocolate-chip-cookies/
thanks, great ideas!