Easy And Fun After School Snacks

Sometimes it seems like our kids are just trying to make it to the next snack time, right? We’ve all picked up our kids from school and immediately heard them beg for a snack or to hit up a drive-thru, all before they’ve even got in the car.

Dealing with “hangry” kids is always challenging; it’s easy to run out of healthy snack ideas (and patience), and it’s overwhelming to see elaborate snack trays all over the internet. But we’ve got you! We’ve found five super simple after-school snacks you and your kids can make together, plus a few hacks to make snack time even better!

Ants On A Log:

A classic! As kids, we probably remember munching on a celery stick filled with peanut butter and raisins. But the best thing about ants on a log is how easy they are to customize and get creative. Even the pickiest eaters can find a combo they love. For example, try using a chocolate hazelnut spread or switching out your celery for sliced apples. Our favorite combos: sliced apples with almond butter and coconut shreds and celery with strawberry cream cheese and blueberries! Check out this link for even more ideas! Plus, you can make these ahead of time and keep them fresh in the fridge for the next day.

Homemade Popsicles:

The best thing about popsicles as a snack is they’re messy enough to send the kids outside for snack time! They can get a little extra sunshine, and you can get a quiet couple of minutes. These four ingredient yogurt and fruit popsicles are sure to be a winner with every kid (and we bet even parents will love them too)! And if these feel just a little too complicated, try freezing juice with chunks of fruit for an even easier option. As summer weather lingers, these are sure to be the perfect snack.

Chocolate Chip Cookies:

Okay, are they the healthiest? No. But can you think of anyone who doesn’t love a good chocolate chip cookie? That’s what we thought. But there’s something about homemade cookies that are just better. Dip them in a glass of milk, or make ice cream sandwiches; there’s no wrong way to eat a chocolate chip cookie! Three cookie tips we recommend: 1. Brown your butter for a rich, caramel flavor, 2. Add flaky sea salt on the top right when they come out of the oven, 3. Make a double batch, bake one, roll the rest into balls, and freeze. Now you’ve got them ready the next time you’re craving cookies (or just need a little cookie dough bite). Your future self will thank you!

Ranch Pretzels:

Pretzels are the perfect combination of salty and crunchy and are a staple of snack time for many of us. But what if you could elevate your pretzels? Try these super simple Ranch Pretzels. These are bound to become a crowd favorite. And once you’ve tried these, you’ll probably want to experiment with other pretzel combos. We recommend dusting them with ground mustard and a drizzle of honey before you bake them for a tangy honey-mustard version. Or melt chocolate with a bit of coconut oil, dip, and go crazy with the sprinkles for a chocolaty treat.

Kid’s Charcuterie:

It sounds pretty fancy, but let’s be honest, a charcuterie board is just a grown-up lunchable! The great thing about kids’ charcuteries is that they make eating healthier options fun. And you don’t have to go crazy with these! A simple spread of berries and mandarins, lunch meat, and cheese sticks are a great way to start your kids’ charcuterie. But there are so many fun ways to create a snack board your kids will love. For example, add mini PB&J sandwiches, some grapes or nuts, or even a yogurt or caramel dip for strawberries or sliced apples. No matter how simple or elaborate you get, your kids will love this pint-size charcuterie!

It can be exhausting keeping up with our kids’ growing appetites or picky tastes, and we hope these ideas help make your snacktime a lot less dramatic. And know this, mom and dad, no matter what, you’re doing a fantastic job taking care of your kiddos (even when they’re hangry)!