Today we’re talking about easy summer snacks for kids to make as the temperatures rise. Summer vacation is the perfect time to get your little ones involved in the kitchen, teach them basic cooking skills and enjoy delicious treats. So, gather your mini chefs, and get your snack on!
What are good summer snacks for kids to make when it’s hot outside?
Almost all of our snack ideas below have fruits or veggies with a high water content, such as berries, watermelon, and cucumbers. These foods helps kids stay hydrated and feel refreshed on those scorching days.
- Fruit salad: Beat the heat with a refreshing fruit salad. Let your little ones pick their favorite fruits such as berries, bananas, or watermelon. Help them slice up the fruit into bite sized pieces. Mix gently. Spoon into cups or bowls and top with a dollop of whipped cream. They’ll love this quick and tasty summer treat.
- Veggie Wraps: Encourage your children to eat their veggies by making fun and colorful veggie wraps. Provide tortillas or lettuce leaves as the base and a variety of chopped veggies like carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Let your little chefs assemble their wraps, spreading a dollop of hummus or cream cheese before adding the veggies. Roll them up and secure with toothpicks for a nutritious snack they can proudly prepare themselves.
- Trail Mix: Kids can prep for summer adventures by making their very own DIY trail mix. Set out an assortment of ingredients such as nuts, dried fruits, pretzels, and cereal. Let your preschoolers mix and match their favorite combinations, using small bowls or bags to create individual portions. This snack is perfect when on-the-go or picnics in the park.
Click here to read our summer family bucket list ideas
- Yogurt Parfaits: wake up their taste buds with colorful yogurt parfaits. Provide small cups or mason jars and let your kids layer yogurt, fresh fruits (like berries or sliced peaches), and granola or cereal. Encourage them to create their own unique combinations. My children always loved the “fancy” look of the layers.
- Ants on a Log: Create a classic snack with ants on a log. Help your preschoolers spread peanut butter or cream cheese onto celery sticks and let them place raisins or dried cranberries on top. They’ll love the playful aspect of creating their own edible “ants.”
- Mini Fruit Pizzas: Bring a burst of color and flavor to snack time with mini fruit pizzas. Provide small whole wheat tortillas or your favorite toast as the base. Have your children spread a layer of cream cheese, yogurt, or even Nutella. Then, let them arrange their favorite sliced fruits like strawberries, kiwis, and blueberries on top. It’s a sweet treat that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
- Fruit Kabobs: Get creative with fruit kabobs that are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Provide kid safe skewers or popcicle sticks and a variety of bite-sized fruits such as melons, cut grapes, pineapples, and strawberries. Assist your little ones in threading the fruits onto the skewers, creating colorful patterns and designs. These kabobs are perfect for summer parties or a refreshing snack on a hot day.
- Apple Nachos: Put a twist on traditional nachos with a healthier and fruitier version. Help your preschoolers slice apples into thin rounds and arrange them on a plate. Let them drizzle natural nut butter or honey over the apples and sprinkle with toppings like shredded coconut, chopped nuts, or even mini chocolate chips. It’s a fun twist on a classic snack.
- No-Bake Energy Bites: Whip up some energy bites that are packed with wholesome ingredients and flavors. Combine oats, nut butter, honey or maple syrup, and mix-ins like chia seeds, mini chocolate chips, or dried fruits. Have your kids help shape the mixture into bite-sized balls. Refrigerate until firm, and these little bites will provide a boost of energy for your summer adventures.
- Watermelon Popsicles: Enjoy the refreshing sweetness of watermelon popsicles. Help your children scoop out watermelon flesh and blend it until smooth. Pour the watermelon juice into popsicle molds and insert sticks. Freeze until solid, and these homemade popsicles will cool them down on a hot summer day.
Click here for our summer watermelon handprint craft
These easy summer snacks for kids to make are not only delicious, but they also allow preschool and kindergarten age to take part in the preparation. Encourage them to wash fruits and vegetables, safely cut and measure ingredients, and practice safe kitchen techniques under your supervision. They’ll be so proud of their creations.
Happy snacking!
