15 Best Picnic Snacks For Kids
Heading outdoors with the kiddos? Whether you’re planning a family park day, a beach adventure, or just some backyard fun, these easy picnic snacks are perfect for keeping little tummies happy. Each one is mess-free, portable, and packed with flavor — so you can skip the sugar crashes and focus on the fun. Let’s dive into the first batch of delicious, kid-approved bites!
1. PB&J Roll-Ups
Description:
A fun twist on the classic sandwich — these roll-ups are easy to hold, less messy to eat, and just as yummy as the original.
Ingredients:
- Soft white or wheat sandwich bread
- Peanut butter (or sunflower seed butter for allergy-friendly version)
- Jelly or jam of choice
Instructions:
- Trim the crusts off the bread slices.
- Flatten each slice gently with a rolling pin.
- Spread peanut butter and jelly on top.
- Roll up tightly, then slice into bite-sized rounds.
- Pack them in a lunchbox or container lined with parchment.
2. Cheese & Crackers Fun Packs
Description:
Skip the store-bought snack packs and make your own — full of fun shapes, bright colors, and kid-approved cheese!
Ingredients:
- Sliced cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- Whole-grain crackers
- Baby carrots or cucumber rounds
- Silicone muffin liners or small containers
Instructions:
- Use mini cookie cutters to cut cheese into fun shapes.
- Add crackers and sliced veggies into compartments or snack boxes.
- Chill and pack with an ice pack if needed.
3. Mini Fruit Skewers
Description:
Tiny hands love tiny fruit sticks! These mini fruit skewers are colorful, healthy, and just the right size for snacking.
Ingredients:
- Grapes
- Strawberries (halved)
- Banana slices
- Blueberries
- Mini wooden skewers or cocktail sticks
Instructions:
- Thread a mix of fruit pieces onto skewers.
- Keep them chilled in a lidded container.
- Optional: add a drizzle of yogurt or honey dip on the side.
4. Homemade Trail Mix Bags
Description:
This DIY trail mix lets you skip the candy and customize it with what your kids love — sweet, salty, crunchy perfection!
Ingredients:
- Cheerios or mini pretzels
- Raisins or dried cranberries
- Mini chocolate chips (optional)
- Pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds
- Popcorn
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a large bowl.
- Portion into snack-size bags or small containers.
- Seal and store at room temperature.
5. Turkey & Cheese Pinwheels
Description:
These roll-ups are bite-sized, mess-free, and packed with protein — perfect for little snackers who are always on the move.
Ingredients:
- Flour tortillas
- Sliced turkey
- Cream cheese or hummus
- Leafy greens (optional)
Instructions:
- Spread cream cheese or hummus on a tortilla.
- Layer turkey slices and greens.
- Roll up tightly and slice into 1-inch pinwheels.
- Chill and pack for the picnic.
6. Apple Sandwich Bites
Description:
Crisp apple rounds sandwiched with nut butter and granola — a sweet and crunchy snack that’s fun to eat and full of energy.
Ingredients:
- 1 large apple
- Peanut butter or almond butter
- Granola
Instructions:
- Slice apple crosswise into thin rounds.
- Remove seeds/core using a small cutter.
- Spread nut butter on one slice, sprinkle with granola, and top with another slice.
- Store in an airtight container with lemon juice to prevent browning.
7. Mini Muffins
Description:
Kid-sized muffins are a win for picnics — no crumbs, no utensils, just poppable goodness! Bonus: sneak in some veggies or fruit.
Ingredients:
- Your favorite mini muffin recipe (banana, blueberry, zucchini, etc.)
- Muffin liners
Instructions:
- Bake a batch of mini muffins ahead of time.
- Let them cool completely.
- Pack in snack bags or airtight containers for easy transport.
8. Yogurt Parfait Jars
Description:
These mini parfaits look like a treat but sneak in some protein and fruit—kids love layering them, and they travel well in jars!
Ingredients:
- Greek yogurt or regular yogurt
- Granola
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Honey or maple syrup (optional)
Instructions:
- In a small mason jar or lidded cup, layer yogurt, berries, and granola.
- Drizzle with a touch of honey if desired.
- Keep cold until serving.
9. DIY Snack Necklaces
Description:
Let kids wear their snack and nibble as they go! These edible necklaces are interactive and fun for hands-on snack time.
Ingredients:
- Round cereal (like Cheerios)
- Pretzel rings
- Dried fruit rings
- String or clean shoelaces
Instructions:
- String the snacks in a fun pattern, leaving space at the ends.
- Tie a knot to close the loop.
- Store in a resealable bag until ready.
10. Veggie Sticks & Ranch Cups
Description:
A picnic-friendly way to get kids to eat their veggies: make them dippable and colorful!
Ingredients:
- Baby carrots
- Cucumber sticks
- Bell pepper strips
- Celery sticks
- Ranch dressing or hummus
Instructions:
- Place ranch or dip in the bottom of small plastic cups.
- Stand veggie sticks upright in the dip.
- Cover with plastic wrap or lids for transport.
11. Cheese Cubes & Grapes
Description:
A classic combo that never fails! This no-cook snack is nutritious, filling, and naturally sweet.
Ingredients:
- Cheddar or Colby Jack cheese, cubed
- Red or green grapes
- Toothpicks or small skewers (optional)
Instructions:
- Alternate cheese cubes and grapes on skewers OR mix together in snack containers.
- Chill until ready to go.
12. Banana Oat Bites
Description:
Soft, chewy, and naturally sweet, these no-bake bites are a healthy treat with simple ingredients.
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe bananas
- 1 cup quick oats
- 1/4 cup chocolate chips or raisins
- Dash of cinnamon
Instructions:
- Mash bananas and mix in oats, cinnamon, and chips/raisins.
- Scoop into mini balls and flatten slightly.
- Chill until firm.
13. Popcorn Snack Mix
Description:
This crunchy mix is light, fun, and endlessly customizable. Make a big batch and portion it into bags.
Ingredients:
- Air-popped popcorn
- Pretzels
- Dried fruit (apples, banana chips)
- Mini marshmallows
- Chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
- Portion into snack bags or paper cones for easy serving.
14. Ham & Cheese Roll-Ups
Description:
A protein-rich finger food that’s simple, satisfying, and great for little lunchbox lovers.
Ingredients:
- Sliced deli ham
- Cheese sticks or slices
- Mustard or cream cheese (optional)
Instructions:
- Spread ham slices with a little mustard or cream cheese (if using).
- Wrap around cheese sticks or roll up with cheese slices.
- Slice into bite-sized rounds or serve whole.
15. Frozen Yogurt Bites
Description:
Cool, creamy, and just sweet enough — these bite-sized frozen yogurt treats are great for hot picnic days.
Ingredients:
- Greek yogurt
- Fresh fruit purée or chopped fruit
- Silicone mold or mini muffin tin
Instructions:
- Spoon yogurt into molds.
- Add fruit purée or small fruit pieces.
- Freeze until solid.
- Store in a cooler and serve as a refreshing treat.
