Summertime is one of my favorite times of the year. It’s full of outdoor fun, playtime, summer camps, arts and crafts, and sports! We may enjoy taking care of our gardens, going to the pool, or even just trying to keep our kiddos entertained to avoid the inevitable, “Mom, I’m bored! There’s nothing to do!” With all the fun that summer brings, I often get busy and completely forget to plan out lunches and snacks. Then 2 o’clock rolls around, my kids are complaining of severe hunger, and I have no idea what to feed them. If this sounds like you, I’ve compiled a list of some of my favorite easy lunch and snack ideas to make life a bit simpler this summer!
Easy Meal Ideas:
Pigs in a Blanket: My all time favorite lunch to make with my grandma as a kid was pigs in a blanket! It makes hot dogs a bit more exciting for kiddos.
Delish Pigs in a Blanket Recipe
Quesadillas: Quesadillas are one of my daughter’s favorite lunches. You can cut them in strips or triangles, or even pull out some cookies cutters for a little variety. Add shredded chicken to provide a little protein.
America’s Test Kitchen Cheese Quesadilla Recipe
Shape Sandwiches: Sometimes all I have time for is a quick peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Make it more exciting and fun by pulling out the cooking cutters! You could make kids the same sandwich every day, but if you use a different cutter, our kids see it as unique and new.
Eating on a Dime Cookie Cutter Sandwiches
Bagel Pizzas: My kids love pizza, but I don’t always like making a whole pizza just for lunch. Mini bagel pizzas are the perfect alternative. Plus, kids can personalize them with whatever toppings they prefer!
The Comfort of Cooking Mini Bagel Pizzas
Toothpick Kabobs: For slightly older kiddos, pull out veggies, fruit, ham and cheese and cut it all into little cubes. Then let your kids make their own little kabobs for lunch!
Blogghetti Cheese and Meat Lunch Kabobs
Wraps: Wraps are super easy, delicious, and healthy! Plus, there’s so many different types you can make for your kiddos to introduce some variety and ensure they’re eating veggies and meat.
Super Healthy Kids Lunch Wraps
Bow Tie Pasta: When my daughter went through a slightly picky phase, we found that she’d only eat pasta if it was shaped like a bow. Whatever shape you use, pasta is super quick and easy to cook up. Add some pre-made pasta sauce, or simply melt a bit of butter over the top.
Food Network Buttered Pasta for Children
Homemade Chicken Nuggets: Kids love chicken nuggets. However, I don’t personally love a lot of the frozen varieties. I love to whip up these super easy baked nuggets at home for a healthier alternative than store-bought. (Although, store-bought nuggets are quick and easy as well!)
Mini Pancakes: My kids love anything if it’s tiny! And they love pancakes! Grab your favorite pancake mix, or prepare some batter ahead of time. Add blueberries or chocolate chips to the batter to make them even better!
Marcellina Incucina Mini Pancakes
Banana Muffins: I always overbuy bananas at our house. My daughter gets excited when she sees that the bananas are starting to turn brown because that means muffins! These make a great lunch, snack, or breakfast item! My favorite recipe to use is this one from Natasha’s Kitchen!
Natasha’s Kitchen Banana Muffins
Macaroni and Cheese: Easily throw this recipe into your crockpot and store in your fridge for several days worth of lunch or dinner for your kids! Who can resist some delicious mac and cheese, right?
ifoodreal Instant Pot Mac and Cheese Recipe
Drinks
Water is so important, especially in the summertime! We can all get dehydrated way faster than we realize! So make sure to fill water bottles often. However, sometimes my kids get sick of water! Here are some fun drinks you can easily throw together and include with your kid’s lunch, or even just for a middle of the day rehydration snack!
Fruit Smoothie: I love making my own smoothies. I’ve found that to make the best smoothie, you just need a good blender and a few simple ingredients: your favorite fruit juice, frozen fruit, and yogurt! I keep these ingredients on hand so I can whip up a smoothie whenever we want. If you prefer to follow a recipe, there are tons of great fruit smoothie recipes online!
Evolving Table How to Make a Fruit Smoothie
Orange Creamsicle Smoothie: A fun variation on an orange creamsicle, these are great for hot summer afternoons or for a sweet dessert alternative.
Erin Lives Whole Orange Creamsicle Smoothie
Strawberry Banana Milkshake: One of my favorite summer fruits is strawberries! They’re so sweet and delicious! Add them to this quick milkshake recipe to cool down after a day at the pool!
Baking Mischief Strawberry Milkshake
Fresh Squeezed Lemonade: When I think of summer I think of lemonade! Take a trip to the grocery store, pick out some fresh lemons, and let your kiddos help you make some delicious lemonade!
Sugar Spun Run Best Homemade Lemonade
Snack Time!
We probably all run into the same dilemma when it comes to providing healthy and energy-rich snacks for our kids throughout the day. Here are some things you can keep handy in your fridge or pantry when your kiddos need a little something between meals!
Grab and Go Snacks:
- Hard boiled eggs
- Cheese sticks
- Fruit leather
- Go-gurt/yogurt pouches
- Applesauce cups/pouches
- Granola bars
Snacks to Make Together:
- Jello jigglers
- Parfaits
- Protein Bites
- Ants on a Log
Healthy Little Foodies Ants on a Log