It's easy and cheap to make healthy kid snacks children will enjoy. Here are some ideas and recipes:
DIY trail mix recipe
Make a DIY trail mix ahead of time. It stores well, and is great in a pinch. What's nice is it has a great mix of protein and carbohydrates, so this should keep the kids from having the sugar crash many snacks bring.
In a mixing bowl or large bag, combine the basics - peanuts, raisins and M&M candies - and shake. Some other fun additions: dried cranberries, Reese's Pieces, banana chips, cashews, almonds, pretzels, Cheerios and granola.
Chex Mix recipes
Chex Mix is another great snack food, and you can make it as healthy or fun as you'd like. I would stay away from getting too crazy with salts, spices and sweets, but you can find a slew of recipes on the Chex site, including this recipe for Chex School Fuel.
Cheese and grapes
A fun and fresh snack food is to mix cheese and grapes together. Get funky, and cut sliced cheddar into fun shapes with a cookie cutter (save the edges for recipes calling for cheese).
You can also include crackers, although I would put them in a separate bag. Just keep in mind this snack needs to keep cool. You can invent variations, such as cubes of Monterrey Jack with strawberries or gouda and blueberries, and so on.
DIY chips
You don't have to give in with greasy, salty potato chips. Make your own. Take some pitas, soft flour tortillas or vegetables. Slice them as thin as possible. Spray them with an olive oil based cooking spray, sprinkle with salt and pepper and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20 minutes. Voila! A healthy snack they will enjoy!
Celery and peanut butter
Clean and cut up small pieces of celery. Put peanut butter into a resealable small container. Throw it all together in a Ziplock bag, and you're all set. If this isn't your kid's taste, play with the idea. Try cucumbers and ranch dip, carrots with apple butter, or some other combination of veggie with a fun dip.
Use your imagination
Don't limit yourself to these healthy snack ideas for kids, either. Consider what your kids like to eat and ways to reinvent it yourself and make it healthier. If your child loves popsicles, for instance, try giving frozen grapes. With a few of these choices packed, your travels will be healthier and cheaper.
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Kelby Carr - Kelby Hartson Carr is an Asheville, N.C. mother of three, a seasoned travel writer, and has extensive experience traveling with children. ...
