Making summer snacks with the kiddos is a great way to keep your little ones cool and learn new skills in the kitchen. Summer is the time for some fun, yummy, and healthy ways of eating. Let’s see some tasty ideas that will help you keep these little ones cool and satisfied this hot summer.
Healthy Summer Snacks for Kids
From the realm of summer snacks, there’s a lot to keep your kid refreshed and healthy. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Frozen fruit pops: Blend fresh fruits like strawberries, mangoes, or watermelon with a bit of water or coconut water, pour it into popsicle molds, and freeze for a cool treat.
Yogurt parfaits: Take some Greek yogurt and layer it with fresh berries. Sprinkle a little granola for extra crunch and protein.
Veggie sticks with hummus: Chop up colorful veggies like carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers, served with homemade or store-bought hummus.
Frozen grapes: Just wash and freeze the grapes, and you have in your hands an excellent sweet, icy treat to cool your kids off during the hot days.
Fruit and cheese kabob: Just thread cheese cubes and a variety of fruits on skewers for an engaging and balanced snack.
Homemade trail mix: Mix nuts, seeds, and dried fruits with a few chips of chocolate for a satisfying and energetic snack.
Smoothie bowls: Blend frozen fruits in yogurt or milk topped with sliced fruits, nuts, and seeds for a nutrient-dense, colorful treat.
These summer snack recipes not only taste great but will also give your kids the key elements to get them moving and energized—both in terms of food and water—for their summer activities.
The Importance of Cooking with Kids
Getting kids into the kitchen is a wonderful way to teach them some really valuable life skills and a healthy relationship with food. Here’s why it’s so important:
Develop fine motor skills: Measuring, stirring, and pouring ingredients help develop hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
Encourages good eating: When they prepare their food, children are most likely to at least give new ingredients a try and enjoy healthier options.
Boost in confidence: Making a snack successfully gives children the feeling of completeness and pride in their abilities.
Math and science: It involves measuring, counting, and observing how ingredients change when combined or heated in cooking.
Family bonding: Preparing snacks creates quality time and allows meaningful conversations for a family.
Introduce food safety: Proper hand washing, handling of the food, and keeping the environment clean in the kitchen.
Creates creativity: Kids can express their creativity with different ingredients and flavor mixtures.
Getting your kids involved in preparing snacks can end up being so much more than yummy treats- it’ll help them form life-long skills and memories.
Here’s An Easy Snack To Make Together
Banana “Sushi Rolls” Recipe
This recipe is great for hot summer days since no cooking is required! It’s a playful take on a traditional sushi roll that kids will love to make and eat.
Ingredients
- 2 large bananas
- 1/4 cup peanut butter — or sunflower seed butter for nut-free
- 2 whole wheat tortillas
- Toppings: chopped strawberries, blueberries, granola, shredded coconut, mini chocolate chips
Step 1
Prepare the bananas by peeling them and then set aside the bananas.
Step 2
Place the tortillas and apply a thin layer of peanut butter on each of the tortillas.
Step 3
Place a banana at one end of each tortilla and carefully roll each of them tightly in the tortillas.
Step 4
Add your toppings by gently rolling the wrapped banana in the toppings.
Tip: If your toppings aren’t sticking you can add a little bit of of peanut butter and then add the toppings.
Step 5
Using a knife (adult supervision required), slice the rolled bananas into 1-inch thick pieces, to make them look like “sushi” rolls.
Step 6
Arrange on a plate and enjoy!
Benefits for Kids:
- They have the ability to choose topping options.
- Works on fine and gross motor skills.
- Creates a sense of independence.
Ready to Create Your own Summer Snacks?
Summer’s peak time for healthy, fun summer snacks and getting your kids into the kitchen to expose them to all of the great ingredients that can be added into their diets. When involving them in the kitchen and adding healthy ingredients, a foundation is made for lifelong, healthy eating. We believe that nurturing a child’s curiosity about food and cooking as a part of their primary years of education.
Keep in mind that what really works in summer snacks is having them simple, fresh, and fun. Experiment with pattern changes of fruit, vegetables, and whole-grain combinations to find out what your family’s faves are. By incorporating healthy snacking into your regular summer programming, you will help your kids stay energized, hydrated, and happy all season long.
So round up the little ones, get into the kitchen, and make some yummy, healthy summer snacks. Not only will you whip up tastes, but also create skills and form memories that truly last a lot longer than just the summer sun.
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