After School Snacks for Kids

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Overview

Your child throws the backpack to the side and runs straight to the fridge. Does this sound familiar? After a long day of back-to-back classes, you can't blame your kids for their rumbling tummies and desire to grab anything — and everything — in sight. Instead of letting them carelessly choose the same old processed snack, opt for these fun (and easy) ideas that will put an end to their midday hunger.

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M&M Ritz Crackers

Does your child have a sweet tooth? Make a quick and easy M&M Ritz Cracker snack. Using circular salted Ritz crackers, apply an even and thin layer of peanut butter on top of them. After, place 3-4 multicolored milk chocolate M&Ms for a quick bite-size treat.

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Pizza Bagels

Pizza is a forever favorite amongst kids of many ages. Try a new spin to the typical pizza item: instead of using pizza dough, apply the toppings on a bagel. First, heat the oven to about 375 degrees F. Split a regular-sized bagel in half and then apply pizza/tomato sauce. After, sprinkle cheddar cheese on top of both sides of the bagel. Allow to bake for 9-11 minutes until the cheese is melted onto the toasted bagel. Let it cool for 2-5 minutes.

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Carrots & Ranch Dressing

In a rush? No need to worry! When time is tight and you're in need of an easy snack, bring out the vegetables. Wash and clean baby sized carrots (or broccoli) and bring out a bowl of ranch dressing as dip for a quick snack.

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Pita & Hummus

Apply a thin layer of hummus onto the inside of the pita bread to make a hummus sandwich. Add in some cucumber for some extra flavor. If you aren't craving a sandwich per se, just get a bowl of hummus to dip the pita in.

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"Ants on a Log"

A smart and healthy snack, "ants on a log" is quick and fun to make. There are only three ingredients as well: celery sticks, raisins, and peanut butter. First, wash the celery sticks. Second, apply a thick and equal amount of peanut butter on the stick. And finally, sprinkle two or three raisins on top to create a quick and fun snack.

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Granola Bars

While store bought granola bars are convenient, why not try making the nutritious snack as an after school activity?

Related: A step by step video on how to create your very own homemade granola bar.)

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Apples & Peanut Butter

Just as easy as the carrots and ranch dressing combo, apples and peanut butter serve to give kids the same quality and enriching taste. Use sliced apples and warm up a cup of peanut butter for dipping to add some different texture.

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Trail Mix

Instead of trying the traditional peanuts, M&Ms, and raisins trail mix option, opt for a unique blend of dry fruits and nuts. Throw in some dates, salted mini pretzels, chocolate covered raisins, popcorn, and cashews. Try this alternative to the simple and ordinary trail mix to create a nutritious blend of fruits and chocolate.

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Smoothies

While there are a variety of smoothies on the market, there are some classics out there that fill you up right away. From yogurt smoothies to raspberry iced smoothies, it's easy to get creative with a blender and a fridge full of sweet fruits.

Related: Divulge in an assortment of smoothies.

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Baked Chips & Salsa

Most chips are drowned in saturated fat and sodium. Instead of this unhealthy choice, opt to trade them out for a baked version (i.e. Baked Barbeque Lays).

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Oatmeal Cookies

Chocolate chip cookies are a timeless favorite amongst children of all ages. But why not try spicing it up with different ingredients? For example, oatmeal cookies! Their moist texture, topped with sweet raisins and nuts, creates a perfect and nutritious blend.

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