It’s time to make the most out of the remaining summer days and nights. From beach day trips to movie night at the park, there is still plenty of summertime fun left to be had. Of course, all this fun is bound to work up some appetites! Picnics and BBQs are a great (and delicious) way to enjoy outdoor time with kids. Fresh air, healthy food and a beautiful setting are things the whole family can enjoy while being unplugged and joyfully disconnected from electronics and devices!
Parents are too busy to spend hours in the kitchen preparing for a picnic, so we’ve rounded up some of our favorite healthy picnic food for kids. All our picks are easy to prepare and pack, no fuss foods kids will love!
Healthy Picnic Food for Kids
Yogurt Parfait
Try layering your child’s favorite flavored yogurt with fresh summer fruit like peaches or berries for a healthy snack rich in protein, vitamins and antioxidants. Low-fat vanilla yogurt with mixed berries is a great way to take advantage of berry season before it’s gone and makes a simple snack or dessert. Worried about it getting too warm? Freeze yogurt into cubes before packing. Pack reusable spoons and skip the plastic!
Edamame
Steamed, unripe soybeans may not sound delicious to kids, but they are! A favorite appetizer at Japanese restaurants, you can purchase bags of salted or unsalted edamame to toss in the freezer and store for a 3-minute snack anytime. A few minutes in the microwave to thaw and you’ve got a high protein, low cal snack that’s rich in iron, magnesium and antioxidants. Kids will love sucking the soybeans out of the pod and eating with their fingers!
Peanut Butter and Apple Sandwiches
Protein-packed peanut butter spread between crisp apple slices makes for an easy, healthy snack. Core an apple, slice into rounds then add your fillings. For a little extra crunch, you can add a layer of granola or dry cereal to the peanut butter. Apples are high in fiber which is good for digestion and regularity. Two kid-favorite foods in one snack!
Popcorn
High in fiber and low in fat, popcorn makes a great snack any time of day. For the healthiest popcorn, use an air popper and skip the microwave bags. Popcorn’s delicate, nutty taste is perfect for pairing with creative flavored toppings, like ranch, truffle butter, parmesan, curry, Cajun, BBQ, cinnamon sugar, kettle corn and maple pecan, just to name a few. Popcorn is simple and inexpensive to make so pop some extra for your child to share with new friends!
Hummus and Veggies
Hummus is a delicious snack that comes in many flavors and is packed with plant-based protein. Not only is hummus a filling snack from the protein-rich chickpeas but it’s high in fiber for healthy digestion too. Add in your child’s favorite fresh vegetables and some pita chips for a hearty and healthy dish. We love sliced red peppers, cucumber, baby carrots, sliced apples, cauliflower, celery sticks and cherry tomatoes!
Picnic food for kids doesn’t have to take a lot of time or prep work. Simple, healthy dishes that parents can quickly pack to go are perfect for providing kids with plenty of energy and maximizing family time.
