These healthy kid friendly snacks are perfect for summer days at the pool. Fuel your kiddos (and yourself!) well this year.
There's something about sun and water that brings on hunger like nothing else. Whether you're planning a beach day or just another jaunt to the neighborhood pool, we all know snacks are a major key to success.
And while there's nothing wrong with grabbing a handful of granola bars on the way out the door, if you're a regular at the pool, it's nice to have a few homemade healthy kid friendly snacks in your repertoire. And don't worry, I know you're busy this summer, I've kept these quite simple!
I've even included some of my favorite grab-and-go pool snack ideas in addition to the recipes for those super busy mamas who want to stock the pantry and be done with it.
Bonus – If you find some new favorites, these are also great items to pack in your child's lunchbox come fall!
One note – many of the below pool snack ideas will require a small cooler. If you don't already have one, these lunchboxes with built-in ice packs are super easy and not at all heavy.
Have a favorite healthy kid friendly snack I left off the list? I want to hear it! Message me on Facebook or on Instagram @prepdish.
Healthy Kid Friendly Snacks for the Pool
Orange Slices
I'd be remiss in leaving this classic snack choice off the list. Orange slices are not only easy and healthy, they are SO refreshing. If you want to make it even easier on yourself, choose easy-to-peel clementines.
Nuts
Full of healthy fats and plant-based protein, nuts are delicious, filling and easy to grab on your way out the door.
Sweet & Savory Rosemary Pecans
If you love nuts but want something a little more special, my sweet and savory rosemary pecans are a long time favorite. This was actually the very first recipe I ever posted on the blog!
Energy Bites
These sweet and tasty little bites are at the top of my list for healthy kid friendly snacks! You can stack them in the freezer and they'll be thawed enough to eat by the time you're ready for a snack at the pool.
These are fun to make alongside the kiddos as well!
Paleo Cherry Vanilla Granola
Whether you pack this with little yogurt cups or just eat it by the handful, this paleo cherry vanilla granola is SO tasty! And unlike most store-bought granola, it's made with healthy ingredients that will leave you feeling great.
Chicken Salad
If you're going to be at the beach or pool for hours and hours, you may want a heartier snack. This chicken salad is perfect. Enjoy it with crackers or simply with a spoon.
Homemade Popcorn Mixes
I have not one, but THREE, delicious homemade popcorn mixes for you here: spiced popcorn mix, cinnamon toast popcorn and popcorn with dried figs and pecans. This is perfect when you want a salty, crunchy snack that's a bit healthier than potato chips.
Guacamole Stuffed Mini Peppers
Summers here in Texas are HOT and something about cool, creamy guacamole really hits the spot. While I love guac stuffed into mini peppers, you can certainly just pack guacamole in a container and bring sliced veggies or tortilla chips for dipping if you prefer.
Very Berry Muffins
Made with almond butter, flax, coconut oil and plenty of berries, these muffins pack a seriously nutritious punch. I love batch cooking for muffins – make a big batch and freeze for easy summer snacks!
White Bean Hummus
This hummus is delicious with either crackers or raw veggies. It's cool and creamy, perfect for a poolside snack.
Strawberry Lemon Bars
Okay, these are more of a treat than a snack BUT they're so full of healthy ingredients, I think they can totally count as a healthy kid friendly snack anytime you want to put a big ole smile on your kiddo's face.
Steamed Sugar Snap Peas
I'm not sure any veggie is more snackable than sugar snap peas. You can of course enjoy them raw as well, but I find giving them a quick steam results in tender, tasty peas that everyone will be reaching for! Take it to the next level with my paleo ranch dressing.
Lemon Poppyseed Muffins
Gluten free, paleo, dairy free and nut free, these muffins are perfect when you're packing snacks for a crowd with mixed dietary needs. They're also simply delicious!
Minted Fruit Salad
Pack this in individual containers for each kiddo or pack a big container and dole it out at the pool. This fruit salad is the perfect healthy kid friendly snack for the pool because it's so cool and refreshing.
Chai Spiced Zucchini Muffins
If you have a garden overflowing with zucchini, these are for you! They freeze beautifully and always disappear quickly in my house. So make a big batch, freeze some, and have easy, healthy snacks at the ready all summer long.
Sunbutter Bites
If you have a nut-free kiddo, they will never feel deprived with these tasty little bites! These are perfect for easy summer snacks or a healthier dessert option.
Baba Ganoush
Sometimes all it takes to get the kids snacking on veggies is a stellar dip. This baba ganoush works double duty since its main ingredient is actually a veggie as well – eggplant. Tahini, lemon, garlic and spices also lend tons of flavor to this healthy dip.
Chicken Collard Wraps
When you want healthy kid friendly snacks that you'll love as well, these chicken collard wraps are perfect. They take a bit of prep time but they're 100% worth it when you want something a little bit special.
Peanut Butter Breakfast Cookies
If you can have cookies for breakfast, why not for a snack? In all seriousness, these feel like a treat but they are 100% sweetened by fruit and offer substantial nutrition.
Blueberry Chia Pudding
Pack this blueberry chia pudding in individual containers for each person and everyone will have a cool, creamy, satisfying pool snack at the ready.
More Summer Meal Prep Resources
I'm all about summer meal prep! Okay, well I'm actually all about all-year-long meal prep but I do view summer meal prep a little bit differently. First of all, I know summer is busy in a different way than the other seasons. It's a time to be out adventuring with your family, soaking up the sunshine and making memories. No one wants to be stuck in the kitchen while the rest of the family is at the pool. That means summer meal prep needs to be FAST.
In addition, I live in Texas where summer is hot, hot, hot. That means I try to minimize oven time in the summer months. It also means I don't always want to eat a hot meal, which influences the recipes I choose for the summer. All of that said, here are a few of my favorite summer meal prep resources.
16 Dinners for Hot Summer Nights
If you live somewhere hot like I do, you NEED these dinners in your life! They use minimal heat and are perfect when you don't want to heat up the house.
Teriyaki Chicken Salad w/ Pineapple Salad Dressing
This salad is definitely filling enough and special enough for a main dish. The salad dressing feels like a vacation!
The Best Homemade Burger Recipes
For many of us, summer is synonymous with grilling season. If you want to reach beyond a basic burger with ketchup and mustard, this roundup will stir up the creativity!
FAQ – Everything You Want to Know about Healthy Kid Friendly Snacks for the Pool
What are healthy snacks for kids who like sweets?
Fruit, chia seed pudding, breakfast cookies, energy bites and healthy muffins are all excellent healthy snacks for kids who like sweets.
How do I choose a healthy snack for my child?
Choose snacks that include protein, healthy fats and some sort of fruit or veggie for a satisfying, healthy snack for kids.
What foods keep kids full?
Protein, healthy fats and fiber keep kids full. Think things like veggies dipped in hummus, fruit dipped in nut butter and healthy energy bites.
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