Fill those hungry tummies with these fun and delicious after school snacks for kids. Simple for mom to make and scrumptious for kids to eat!
What is it about after school and food? Growing up I always had a snack as soon as I got home from school or I would be eating a snack while doing homework.
My favorite after school snacks were tortilla chips and salsa or raw ramen noodles. Not the healthiest choices for a growing body. Do you remember your favorite after school snacks growing up?
What should kids eat after school?
After school snacks for kids need to be healthy and filling but not so filling that kids don’t want to eat dinner.
Try to have a snack with protein power. Peanut butter or almond butter are great options for a healthy and filling snack option. 3 of the snack recipes below contain peanut butter.
Make a healthier peanut butter choice by choosing a peanut butter without added sugars. Most stores have a generic brand of natural peanut butter. Read the label. Even some peanut butters that say “all natural” will contain added sugars.
Fruits are a great choice for a quick energy boost. Plus they offer a sweet taste that’s not processed.
1) Chunky Monkey Bowl
The name of this snack alone screams “fun”!
I really like to have my son eat this snack before going to football practice. It gives him fuel for the workout without feeding him a whole meal.
Chunky Monkey Bowl
Ingredients:
- 1 banana, sliced
- 2 Tbsp peanut butter
- 1 Tbsp mini chocolate chips
- 1 Tbsp unsweetened coconut flakes
Directions:
Place all ingredients in a bowl and enjoy!
2) Apple Smiles
“Say Cheese!”
Kids can help make this silly snack. It’s the perfect opportunity for a photo shoot.
You’ll have everyone giggling after school in no time with this fun treat.
Apple Smiles
Ingredients:
- 1 apple, sliced
- Mini marshmallows
- Peanut or almond butter
Directions:
Slice apple into 10 slices. Spread nut butter on apple slice. Place 6-7 marshmallows along nut butter. Top with additional apple slice spread with nut butter. Smile!
3) Paper Bag Popcorn
This popcorn recipe is so simple you will wonder how you didn’t think of this snack idea before.
All you need is a brown paper lunch sack and popcorn kernels. You can serve the popcorn plain or add your favorite toppings.
This snack can be prepared by anyone who knows how to use a microwave.
Paper Bag Popcorn
Ingredients:
- 1 brown paper lunch sack
- ¼ cup popcorn kernels
- Optional toppings: melted butter, salt, cinnamon & sugar mix
Directions:
Place popcorn kernels into paper sack. Fold sack over twice. Place upright into microwave. Cook on High for 1 minute 45 seconds to 2 minutes.
Listen for kernels to stop popping.
Remove from microwave. Carefully open up sack.
Add desired toppings.
4) Fruit With Yogurt Dip
Take a simple fruit snack and dress it up with a yummy yogurt dip.
The yogurt dip is easy to prepare and only requires 3 ingredients. Mix it up the night before school or right when you need it.
Put the dip in a bowl and place fruit around it on a platter or plate.
Fruit with Yogurt Dip
Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole milk plain yogurt or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 Tbsp 100% maple syrup or honey
- Sprinkle of cinnamon
- Fruit of your choice for dipping
Directions:
Mix yogurt, maple syrup and cinnamon together. Serve dip with sliced apples, strawberries, pineapple, kiwi and bananas.
Related: Pumpkin Spice Energy Bites
5) Energy Bites
Energy Bites are the perfect snack to prep ahead of time. Have them ready and in the refrigerator for kids to grab after school or before sports practice.
The name says it all! These bites are packed with energizing and healthy ingredients.
Energy Bites
Ingredients:
- 1 & ½ cups old fashioned oats
- ½ cup sugar free creamy peanut butter
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 Tbsp chia seeds
- ½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup mini chocolate chips
Directions:
Mix all ingredients completely. Place covered in refrigerator for 10 minutes. Remove from fridge and use a 1 inch scoop and make mixture into balls. Can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
These after school snacks are sure to please kids and parents alike. Grab the printable snack recipe list in the Freebie Library by filling in the form below and also pin these snack ideas for later!
