After School Snacks
Table of Contents
When I was a child, my grandpa would pick me up from school once a week with a plastic bag full of snacks.
He understood how hungry kids get after school, and I was always thankful for options to choose from. By the time I got home, I felt satisfied until dinner.
As parents, we want to provide our children with snacks that make them feel good, set them up for a healthy lifestyle, and don’t break the bank. With a little bit of planning, you can provide options that will keep your kids satisfied until dinner (without reaching for chips and candy).
Keep It Simple (The Basic Snacks)
The #1 rule for snacks is to keep it simple!
Keep ready-to-eat snacks like fruits, vegetables, popcorn, cheese, yogurt, and trail mix on hand. Have these at eye level, and keep the less healthy snacks out of reach to encourage kids to go for healthy options first.
Especially early in the school year, fresh Oklahoma produce is in full swing: watermelon, blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, and peaches are available at every farmers market in Oklahoma. Consider stocking these fruits for your kids to grab when they hop off the school bus!
Make-Ahead Snacks
You may not be off work when your kids get home from school, but you can make a few snacks ahead of time to set them up for success.
Cheesy Breakfast Muffins
Don’t be fooled by the name – these muffins can be eaten at any time of day! They are delicious, easy to prepare, and full of veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers.
Chunky Homemade Salsa
Everyone likes dip, and this easy homemade salsa only gets better the longer it is stored in the fridge. Pair with some no-salt-added tortilla chips for the perfect after-school snack!
Sweet Snacks
Sometimes kids come home craving something sweet, so give them something to look forward to!
Vanilla Blueberry Muffins
Whip up a batch (or two) of these muffins to last the kids all week. You may find yourself sneaking a couple as well.
Homemade FroYo
I heard FroYo is what all the kids call frozen yogurt these days… no matter what you call it, it’s the perfect sweet (and healthy) snack for the kids when they come home from a long day at school.
On-the-Go Snacks
Some families are always on the go, and if that’s you, don’t fear! We have options for you to easily bring in your car with you on the way to evening activities.
Cranberry Almond Snack Mix
This homemade trail mix comes together in exactly five minutes. Consider it your new favorite snack; perfect for the busy family.
PB & J Oat Bars
There is nothing easier than slipping this PB & J bar in your child’s backpack to eat on the school bus.
Turn this snack into protein bars by adding a couple of scoops of protein powder!
Kids in the Kitchen: Snacks They Can Help Prepare
It’s a fact proven in research – kids are more likely to eat foods they help to prepare. Allow them to get in the kitchen to help make their after-school snack this week.
Mini Pizzas
These English muffin mini pizzas can be made with any veggies they want (or are willing to try). Try using the toaster oven if you don’t want to mess with the regular oven!
Homemade Ranch Dip
This homemade ranch dip is perfect for a parent who wants to get the kids in the kitchen, but won’t be at home to supervise their kitchen activities.
Simply prepare some vegetables to dip into the ranch!
Conclusion
We have recipes for every after-school situation. Meal prep ideas for when the kids come home before you do, sweet snacks for kids who want a quick treat, and grab-and-go options for those times when you need to rush back out the door for extracurricular activities!
Did any of these recipes stick out to you? Try one this week and let us know how it goes!
