After-school snacks are an important ritual for any kid's daily routine, so it's important that you show up with some tasty ideas. But instead of giving them unhealthy, sugary treats, why not combine fun and nutrition together to create the most delicious but healthy snacks? Here are 30 fun but healthy after-school snack ideas that will have your kids running home for a bite.
1. Fruit Kabobs
Colorful and fun, fruit kabobs are a hit with kids. Skewer together chunks of their favorite fruits like strawberries, grapes, and melon. It’s a refreshing and hydrating snack that's also fun to eat.
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2. Veggie Sticks with Hummus
Crunchy veggie sticks like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers served with a side of creamy hummus make a nutritious and satisfying snack. The hummus adds a protein punch that keeps kids full until dinner.
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3. Greek Yogurt and Berries
A bowl of Greek yogurt topped with a mix of berries offers a perfect balance of protein and natural sweetness. It’s creamy, delicious, and packed with nutrients.
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4. Whole Grain Crackers with Cheese
Pair whole grain crackers with slices of cheese for a snack that’s rich in fiber and calcium. It's a simple yet satisfying combination that kids love.
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5. Air-Popped Popcorn
Air-popped popcorn is a light and healthy snack. Season it with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese or a dash of cinnamon for an extra flavor kick.
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6. Peanut Butter and Banana Slices
Spread peanut butter on banana slices for a snack that's rich in protein and potassium. It’s a classic combination that's always a hit.
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7. Homemade Trail Mix
Mix together nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and a few dark chocolate chips for a homemade trail mix. It's a great energy-boosting snack that’s full of texture and flavor.
8. Apple Slices with Almond Butter
Apple slices dipped in almond butter offer a satisfying crunch with a nutty twist. It’s a great way to get a serving of fruit and healthy fats.
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9. Mini Rice Cake Sandwiches
Spread cream cheese or peanut butter between two mini rice cakes and add a slice of cucumber or strawberry. These mini sandwiches are fun and perfect for little hands.
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10. Frozen Yogurt Bites
Drop spoonfuls of flavored yogurt onto a baking sheet and freeze. These frozen yogurt bites are a cool treat that’s healthier than ice cream.
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11. Oatmeal Energy Balls
Combine rolled oats, honey, peanut butter, and mini chocolate chips to make no-bake oatmeal energy balls. They're a sweet treat that's also filling.
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12. Cucumber Roll-Ups
Thinly slice cucumbers and roll them up with cream cheese and turkey or ham. These cucumber roll-ups are a crunchy and protein-packed snack.
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13. Whole Wheat Pita with Avocado Dip
Pair whole wheat pita bread with a homemade avocado dip for a dose of healthy fats and fiber. It’s a creamy and satisfying snack.
14. Cherry Tomatoes with Mozzarella
Skewer cherry tomatoes and mozzarella balls for a mini Caprese-style snack. Drizzle with a bit of balsamic glaze for added flavor.
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15. Smoothie Bowls
Blend up a colorful smoothie bowl with fruits like mangoes, bananas, and a splash of almond milk. Top with granola and coconut flakes for a snack that's both nutritious and fun to eat.
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16. Roasted Chickpeas
Oven-roasted chickpeas seasoned with your choice of spices (like paprika or garlic powder) make a crunchy, protein-rich snack. They're a great alternative to chips and super easy to make.
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17. Frozen Grape Skewers
Thread grapes onto skewers and freeze them for a frosty, sweet treat. They’re like natural popsicles and are incredibly refreshing, especially on warm days.
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18. Cheese and Whole Wheat Tortilla Roll-Ups
Spread a whole wheat tortilla with cream cheese, add a slice of turkey or ham, roll it up, and cut into bite-sized pieces. These roll-ups are fun to eat and provide a good balance of carbs and protein.
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19. Baked Sweet Potato Fries
Cut sweet potatoes into fries, toss with a little olive oil and bake. They’re a vitamin-packed alternative to regular fries and taste great with a yogurt-based dip.
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20. Zucchini Chips
Thinly slice zucchini, season, and bake until crispy. These chips are a sneaky way to get in some veggies and are deliciously crunchy.
Photo by Louis Hansel on Unsplash
21. Mini Veggie and Cheese Quesadillas
Use whole wheat tortillas and fill them with cheese and finely chopped veggies. Grill until the cheese melts for a quick and tasty snack.
Photo by Lottie Griffiths on Unsplash
22. Sunflower Seed Butter and Celery Sticks
Fill celery sticks with sunflower seed butter and raisins for a fun and crunchy snack. It's a nut-free option that's perfect for school environments.
Papathanasiouk on Wikimedia Commons
23. Chia Seed Pudding
Mix chia seeds with milk and a bit of honey, then let it sit overnight. Top with fresh fruit for a snack that’s full of fiber and omega-3 fatty acids.
Photo by Ash Edmonds on Unsplash
24. Mini Veggie Muffins
Bake muffins loaded with grated carrots, zucchini, and a hint of cinnamon. These mini muffins are a great way to sneak in some veggies while still tasting like a treat.
Photo by Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 on Unsplash
25. Whole Grain Pretzels with Mustard Dip
Pair whole grain pretzels with a honey mustard dip for a snack that’s both savory and satisfying. It’s a great way to encourage kids to enjoy whole grains.
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26. Cottage Cheese and Pineapple
A bowl of cottage cheese topped with chunks of pineapple offers a mix of protein and sweetness. It’s a creamy, refreshing snack that’s also filling.
Photo by Lena Kudryavtseva on Unsplash
27. Avocado Toast Bites
Spread avocado on whole grain bread, top with a sprinkle of cheese, and cut into bite-sized pieces. These mini toasts are trendy and full of healthy fats.
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28. Edamame Pods
Steam edamame pods and sprinkle with a bit of sea salt for a fun, interactive, and protein-packed snack. Kids love popping the beans out of the pods!
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29. Pear Slices with Ricotta Cheese
Top pear slices with a dollop of ricotta cheese and a drizzle of honey. This snack is a delightful combination of sweetness and creaminess.
Photo by Tata Zaremba on Unsplash
30. Banana and Almond Butter Wraps
Spread almond butter on a whole wheat tortilla, place a banana on top, roll it up and slice into rounds. These wraps are nutritious, delicious, and easy to hold.
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