Easy and Healthy Snack Ideas for Fueling Summer Fun
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Time to Read: 9 min
Summer is here, and with it comes long days of play, sunshine, and endless opportunities for fun. As a parent, making sure your child stays energized and nourished is a high priority.
During these active months, children’s nutritional needs are heightened. Running, swimming, and playing in the sun require more energy and hydration. But instead of reaching for sugary treats or processed snacks, while don’t you give them something healthier?
Giving kids healthy snacks is a great way to provide the necessary vitamins and minerals that support their growth and development, keeping their bodies and minds in top shape. Healthy summer snacks are not just about filling their tummies. They support active play, enhance concentration, and boost mood, making those summer adventures even more enjoyable.
By making conscious choices about what we offer our kids, we set the foundation for lifelong healthy eating habits. Healthy summer snacks are a small but impactful way to show our love and care, fueling their summer fun with the best nature has to offer.
About Ahimsa
Founded by a pediatrician and mom of three
Stainless steel is the only kid-friendly material recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics
We are guided by a Scientific Advisory Council comprised of environmental and medical experts, guiding us in creating the safest products, following the latest science and promoting policy to protect human health and our planet
Want to know more? Check out our story and our products.
Encouraging Healthy Eating Habits
Keeping a variety of healthy snacks within easy reach at home is important, especially for kids who are still growing. When hunger strikes, make sure nutritious choices are the first they see.
As kids grow, it’s important that you act as a role model for healthy eating. When kids see you enjoying fruits, veggies, and other wholesome foods, they are more likely to do the same. Offer praise and encouragement when your children make healthy choices, so that they associate good feelings with nutritious eating.
Relating healthy eating to things they care about, like having the energy to play or growing strong, helps them understand. Involving your kids in shopping and cooking by letting them pick out fruits and vegetables at the store or help prepare their snacks makes them more interested in what they are eating.
By consistently offering healthy options, modeling good eating habits, and educating your children about the benefits of nutritious foods, you can help them develop a love for healthy snacks.
Snack Attack: Nutritious and Delicious Ideas for Healthy Summer Snacks
When the summer sun is shining and the kids are running around, having a stash of healthy summer snacks ready to go is a lifesaver. You need snacks that are quick and easy but also packed with nutrition to keep your little ones fueled for all their adventures.
Here are some of my favorite go-to snack ideas that are as delightful as they are nourishing.
Fresh Fruit Kebabs with Yogurt Dip
Fruit kebabs are a fun and colorful way to get kids excited about eating fruit. Simply skewer a variety of their favorite fruits like strawberries, pineapple, and grapes. Pair with a creamy yogurt dip for an extra boost of protein and calcium. It’s a snack that’s as playful as it is nutritious.
Mealtime Essentials
Veggie Sticks with Hummus
Crunchy veggie sticks are perfect for munching on the go. Slice up carrots, cucumbers, and bell peppers, and serve with a side of hummus. This combo provides a satisfying crunch along with fiber, vitamins, and healthy fats. It’s an easy way to sneak more veggies into their day.
Homemade Trail Mix
Trail mix is a versatile snack that you can customize to suit your child’s taste. Combine nuts, seeds, dried fruit, and a few dark chocolate chips for a treat that balances protein, fiber, and a touch of sweetness. Pack it in a stainless steel container for an eco-friendly and portable snack option.
Smoothie Bowls with Assorted Toppings
Smoothie bowls are a refreshing way to enjoy fruits and veggies. Blend together a mix of your favorite fruits, a handful of spinach, and a splash of almond milk. Pour into a bowl and let your kids top it with granola, chia seeds, and fresh berries. It’s a snack that’s as beautiful as it is healthy.
Whole Grain Crackers with Cheese and Apple Slices
Pair whole grain crackers with slices of cheese and apples for a balanced snack that combines complex carbs, protein, and fiber. This snack is not only delicious but also helps keep hunger at bay for longer, making it perfect for busy summer days.
These snacks are not only packed with nutrients but also easy to prepare and perfect for little hands. They keep your kids energized and ready for all their summer adventures. With a variety of flavors and textures, snack time becomes a fun and healthy part of your summer routine.
Grab-and-Go Healthy Summer Snacks for Busy Days
Summer days are filled with spontaneous adventures and outdoor fun, and having healthy snacks on hand is key to keeping everyone happy and fueled. Here are some easy and nutritious healthy summer snacks that are perfect for taking on the go.
Fruit and Nut Bars
- These homemade bars are packed with energy and nutrients. Mix together oats, dried fruits, nuts, and a bit of honey, then press into a baking dish and refrigerate until set.
- Cut into bars and wrap individually for a portable, mess-free snack that kids can enjoy anywhere.
Veggie Chips
- Slice sweet potatoes, beets, and zucchini thinly, toss with a little olive oil and sea salt, and bake until crispy.
- Store in airtight containers for a crunchy, healthy alternative to store-bought chips.
Cheese and Whole Grain Crackers
- Pair your child’s favorite cheese with whole grain crackers for a satisfying snack that’s easy to pack and doesn’t require refrigeration for a few hours.
- Add some grapes or apple slices for a balanced mini-meal on the go.
Frozen Yogurt Pops
- Blend yogurt with fresh fruits like berries or peaches, pour into molds, and freeze.
- These pops are a cool treat that’s perfect for hot summer days and can be kept in a cooler until it’s time to snack.
Hummus and Veggie Wraps
- Spread hummus on a whole grain tortilla, add thinly sliced veggies like cucumbers, bell peppers, and carrots, then roll up and slice into bite-sized pieces.
- Pack it in a sustainable to-go container for an easy-to-eat snack that’s packed with vitamins and protein.
Trail Mix Packs
- Mix together nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and a few dark chocolate chips. Divide into small, portable containers.
- This mix provides a perfect balance of sweet and salty, and it’s packed with energy to keep your kids going strong.
These healthy summer snacks are easy to prepare and perfect for taking along on your family’s summer adventures. You can pack these snacks in durable, reusable containers so you don’t have to worry about anything breaking or creating a mess. As an added tip, keep a pack of reusable utensils in the car, so you don’t need to search for cheap, wasteful plastic forks and knives while out and about.
Whether you’re heading to the park, the beach, or just out for a walk, having these nutritious options on hand ensures that your kids stay energized and satisfied.
Savor the Summer
Summer is a time of endless play, outdoor adventures, and making memories with our children. Keeping them fueled with healthy summer snacks is key to making sure that they have the energy to enjoy every moment of their summertime fun.
As we savor the sunny days, let’s celebrate the small moments with snacks that nourish and delight. With a touch of creativity and the right tools, snack time can become a cherished part of your summer routine. Here’s to a season filled with laughter, exploration, and healthy snacks that keep our children happy and thriving. Enjoy every bite, every smile, and every sunny day.
Dr. Manasa Mantravadi is a board-certified pediatrician whose dedication to children’s health drove her to launch Ahimsa, the world's first colorful stainless steel dishes for kids. She was motivated by the American Academy of Pediatrics’ findings on harmful chemicals in plastic affecting children's well-being. Ahimsa has gained widespread recognition and been featured in media outlets such as Parents Magazine, the Today Show, The Oprah Magazine, and more.
Dr. Mantravadi received the esteemed “Physician Mentor of the Year” award at Indiana University School of Medicine in 2019. She was also named a Forbes Next 1000 Entrepreneur in 2021, with her inspiring story showcased on Good Morning America. She serves on the Council for Environmental Health and Climate Change and the Council for School Health at The American Academy of Pediatrics. She represents Ahimsa as a U.S. industry stakeholder on the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) for the Global Plastics Treaty, led by the United Nations Environment Program. Dr. Mantravadi leads Ahimsa's social impact program, The Conscious Cafeteria Project, to reduce carbon emissions and safeguard student health as part of a national pilot of the Clinton Global Initiative.
She is dedicated to educating and empowering people to make healthier, more environmentally friendly choices at mealtime. Her mission remains to advocate for the health of all children and the one planet we will leave behind for them through real policy change within our food system.
Dr. Manasa Mantravadi
Dr. Manasa Mantravadi is a board-certified pediatrician whose dedication to children’s health drove her to launch Ahimsa, the world's first colorful stainless steel dishes for kids. She was motivated by the American Academy of Pediatrics’ findings on harmful chemicals in plastic affecting children's well-being. Ahimsa has gained widespread recognition and been featured in media outlets such as Parents Magazine, the Today Show, The Oprah Magazine, and more.
Dr. Mantravadi received the esteemed “Physician Mentor of the Year” award at Indiana University School of Medicine in 2019. She was also named a Forbes Next 1000 Entrepreneur in 2021, with her inspiring story showcased on Good Morning America. She serves on the Council for Environmental Health and Climate Change and the Council for School Health at The American Academy of Pediatrics. She represents Ahimsa as a U.S. industry stakeholder on the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) for the Global Plastics Treaty, led by the United Nations Environment Program. Dr. Mantravadi leads Ahimsa's social impact program, The Conscious Cafeteria Project, to reduce carbon emissions and safeguard student health as part of a national pilot of the Clinton Global Initiative.
She is dedicated to educating and empowering people to make healthier, more environmentally friendly choices at mealtime. Her mission remains to advocate for the health of all children and the one planet we will leave behind for them through real policy change within our food system.
More Mealtime Essentials
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I use stainless steel instead of plastic? Is stainless steel better for health?
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released a report in July 2018 suggesting ways that families can limit exposure to certain chemicals at mealtime, including “the use of alternatives to plastic, such as glass or stainless steel, when possible.” The report explained that “…some additives are put directly in foods, while “indirect” additives may include chemicals from plastic, glues, dyes, paper, cardboard”. Further, “Children are more sensitive to chemical exposures because they eat and drink more, relative to body weight, than adults do, and are still growing and developing.” While stainless steel items meet the recommendation to avoid plastic products in children, Ahimsa® products have the obvious advantage of not breaking like glass.
Is stainless steel better for the environment than plastic?
According to the Steel Recycling Institute, steel can be recycled over and over and over again without losing its integrity and requires less energy to recycle than to make anew. Most plastic unfortunately ends up in landfills and it is estimated to take 700 years to decompose. Our special coloring process that allows Ahimsa® products to be fully metal is environmentally friendly, so it does not produce toxic run-off into the ecosystem.
Will Ahimsa products break or peel?
No. Our steel is durable, so it won’t break or shatter with everyday use, like glass. And it won’t peel, like other colored stainless steel products you’ve seen. We use a special process that allows the colors to naturally occur in the metal.
Which Ahimsa products are best for my little one(s)?
Our products are meant to last, you can use Ahimsa at ages 1, 8 and 18! We thoughtfully design our products to be safe for little ones and our planet while reducing consumption. Once your child outgrows the Starting Solids Set and can use regular cups and utensils, the training cup is the perfect size rinse cup in the bathroom, the infant spoon doubles as a tea stirrer and the bowl is great for snacks or as an additional compartment to our modular divided plate. Our plates are great for any age as they encourage choosing a variety of healthy foods at each meal and help visualize portion sizes easily. It’s the lasting beauty of stainless steel - grows with your child and reduces waste.
