These 5 Easy After School Snacks Are Perfect for Busy Parents
You pick your kiddos up from school and before you can ask, "How was your day?" they immediately announce, "I'M STARVING". If you're not careful they will come home and eat everything in sight. What you need are some quick and easy after school snacks that won't ruin dinner.
Simple After School Snack Ideas
Ok, here's the deal:
Kids are hungry after school.
It totally makes sense too. Some classes have "lunch" as early as 10:45am. Plus they have spent an entire day learning, playing and using all of their energy to be as good as they possibly can be.
So for sure they are going to arrive home with empty bellies that need to be filled.
In addition to just "being hungry," this is typically a time where you might see some bad attitudes, meltdowns, and tantrums start to happen.
Most times, this can be attributed to low blood sugar. By providing a healthy after school snack you can replenish their energy and prevent some of those bad behaviors.
In most cases the adult needs to provide the snack.
This is simply because if kids are allowed to choose their own they are going to fill up on cookies, ice cream, and anything else they can get their hands on. This is going to cause problems as well since too much sugar can make kids hyper and anxious.
At the same time, you want to make sure they don't eat too many snacks and then refuse to eat dinner.
So, what's the solution?
All you need are some easy after school snack ideas to keep your kiddos happy and healthy.
Healthy After School Snack Ideas for Kids
I know what you're thinking…
You are already preparing breakfast, lunch and dinner everyday.
Now you have to make snacks too?
I hear you…I have two children of my own and I am right in the trenches with you.
I promise that these recipes are quick and easy.
PLUS – if you aren't the "cooking type" you can scroll down to the section where I cover kids snacks that you can buy on Amazon.
Here is a list of recipes for after-school snacks that won't make you feel like your child's personal chef:
Apple Sandwiches - A Healthy Snack!
Photo Credit: thriftyjinxy.com
These snacks are full of good-for-you things like apples, raisins and peanut butter. If peanuts are a no-no in your house, feel free to use another spread of your choice.
Peanut Butter Dip
Photo Credit: www.frieddandelions.com
So, your kids will only eat veggies with dip? Mine too! Switch up the traditional "ranch" for this sweet and salty dip they will love.
No-Bake Monster Cookie Dough Energy Bites
Photo Credit: cookingwithcarlee.com
Monster cookies are my favorite, but I don't always feel like baking. These energy bites are just like eating monster cookie dough, without all the work and more healthful ingredients.
Applesauce Oatmeal Bars
Photo Credit: www.beyondthechickencoop.com
Oatmeal bars with an applesauce filling are simple to prepare and taste fantastic as a snack. Even the most finicky eater is certain to enjoy these! It's made with an oatmeal crust and oatmeal crumb topping. It's ideal served as a dessert or after-school snack!
Cinnamon Sugar Popcorn
Photo Credit: www.serenabakessimplyfromscratch.com
Yes, this recipe calls for sugar, but it isn't much. Plus cinnamon helps to regulate blood sugar so it's the perfect combo. If you want to make it dairy free you could just do a light spray of avocado oil to help the topping stick.
Delicious Snack Kebabs
Photo Credit: cutefetti.com
Bite-sized foods are super fun to eat no matter what age you are! You might just want to sneak one (or more) of these for yourself.
This prep-ahead kid-friendly kebab is so easy and nutritious.
Homemade Uncrustables
Photo Credit: simply-well-balanced.com
These DIY Uncrustables are perfect to store in the freezer for kids to grab when they get home from school. A small snack that won't fill them up before dinner.
No Bake Peanut Butter Oatmeal Bites
Photo Credit: bakingwithmom.com
These 5 ingredient no-bake bites are an easy and healthy snack option. Packed full of energy boosters, the kids will love how they taste and you will love how easy they are to make.
Raisin Sushi Roll Ups
Photo Credit: foodmeanderings.com
This Raisin Sushi is made with 6 wholesome ingredients like raisins, apples, carrots, cinnamon, cream cheese and whole wheat tortillas). They are even easy enough that kids could make it themselves as an after-school snack!
2 Ingredient Honey Popcorn Balls
Photo Credit: www.cravethegood.com
These sugar free popcorn balls are the perfect snack for kids to eat when they get home from school. Made with honey and popcorn, then let the kids choose their toppings: cinnamon, chocolate, etc.
Berry Yogurt Popsicles
Photo Credit: bunnyswarmoven.net
You can make this frozen after school treat with fresh or frozen berries. You could also swap out the sugar and try instant vanilla pudding instead of yogurt for another variation.
Mini Apple Pizzas
Photo Credit: veggiedesserts.com
Apple pizzas are a delicious and nutritious treat. They're perfect for breakfast, lunch, dessert or snack time. And because they're so customisable, children will always be excited to help out in the kitchen.
Homemade Yogurt Bites Recipe
Photo Credit: www.thismamacooks.com
These frozen treats are perfect for a hot afternoon. You can also make a bunch ahead of time and eat them for breakfast too.
Dairy-free "DORITO" Popcorn--{an easy healthy snack!}
Photo Credit: wholenewmom.com
My kids love Doritos. In fact, they have been known to come home and eat an entire bag…then refuse to eat dinner. Now I will replace the bag of chips with this gluten-free, vegan, healthier option.
Turkey Cheese Apple Sandwiches
Photo Credit: wereparents.com
This creative snack is delicious and gluten-free! Packed with tons of protein and a serving of fruit you will get a gold star!
Homemade Chocolate Granola Bars
Photo Credit: www.runningtothekitchen.com
Looking for a healthy after school snack option the kids will love? These chocolate granola bars are perfect! Made with oats and no added sugar, they can be customized with your favorite add-ins to make them even tastier. And they're gluten-free!
Miss K's Chunky Monkey Oatmeal Balls
Photo Credit: cookingwithcarlee.com
If you're looking for a new way to use ripe bananas, these chunky monkey oatmeal balls are perfect! They're full of peanut butter, oatmeal, banana and honey - making them a delicious snack for kids and grown-ups alike.
Air Fryer Banana Chips
Photo Credit: recipesfromapantry.com
These Air Fryer banana chips are cooked to crispy perfection for a quick healthy snack that the whole family will love! Great for eating on the go and serving with dip when the kids get home from school.
Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats
Photo Credit: thehonoursystem.com
These Peanut Butter Rice Krispie Treats are a fan favorite when it comes to healthy after school snacks. They are sweet, chewy, and peanut-buttery. They're simple to make and don't require any baking.
Air Fryer Apple Chips
Photo Credit: thebellyrulesthemind.net
These air fryer apple chips make a great healthy snack to replace a sweet treat. Plus they're a great way to consume a form of seasonal fruit instead of the not-so-healthy options.
Peanut Butter & Jam Banana Sandwich
Photo Credit: thegreenloot.com
These Peanut Butter & Jam Banana Bites are the healthiest snack ever! Totally kid friendly and ready in just 2 minutes they are the perfect afterschool treat.
Peanut Butter Banana Roll Ups
Photo Credit: www.happyfoodstube.com
Peanut Butter Banana Roll Ups are a fantastic kid-friendly snack that adults will enjoy as well. Ideal for a fast breakfast, school lunches, or an afternoon bite. A fun finger food that you can customize or modify for any nut or food allergies.
Waffle Bowl with Fruit & Yogurt
Photo Credit: www.savvysavingcouple.net
Serve your kids their favorite fruit and yogurt in an edible waffle bowl. A healthy snack, with no clean up required.
Apple Graham Cracker Snack Nachos
Photo Credit: www.theleangreenbean.com
If you are looking for a fun and unique after-school snack, these Apple Graham Cracker Snack Nachos are the perfect option! Made with familiar and new foods, they're sure to be a hit with even the pickiest eaters. Superfoods like chia and flax are combined with other kid friendly foods, so they won't even notice.
Avocado Toast for Kids
Photo Credit: www.createkidsclub.com
Let your kids mash up the avocado and make their own avocado toast! Use their favorite bread for an after school snack that is full of healthy fats.
But what if you are short on time…or you just really don't like making snacks?
What do you do then?
You buy snacks like these:
After School Snacks you Can Buy on Amazon
Let's keep it real here: I don't make a homemade snack for my kids after school every day.
Desperate times call for quick and easy after school snacks…like the ones that come out of a package.
Here are some of our family's favorite kids' snacks that we order from Amazon to stock the pantry in case of an after school emergency 😉
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There you have it mama! I hope your kiddos enjoy these snack ideas as much as mine do. Be sure to comment below and share your children's favorite snacks to eat after school.
Other Snack Ideas:
St. Patrick's Day Snacks for Kids
Patriotic Snacks that Anyone can Make
Easy after-school snack ideas for Kids
Source: https://simply-well-balanced.com/easy-after-school-snacks-kids/
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