Easy & Healthy After School Snacks for Kids

Most days, it feels like a full-on mission just figuring out what snack ideas to feed my kids after school.

It’s not like their supper picky, but if it were up to them, they’d rotate between applesauce, Cheerios, and grilled cheese like it’s a gourmet menu.

And let’s be real, by the time I’ve picked up my kids from school, cleaned up the latest mess, and heard “Mommmmm” for the hundredth time, my energy is gone.

So yeah, some days I’ll throw them a yogurt tube and apple slices for some easy snacks for kids and go on my busy day.

But, I know I need to set some time out to make some easy healthy snack ideas for kids. It’s possible for sure!

Here are my go-to snack ideas for after school, for those lazy days or just for whenever!

  • Berry Smoothie: this is one of the easiest healthy snacks to whip up for kids, and it’s packed with fruity goodness they’ll actually want to drink. Just mix together frozen berries, a banana, a splash of milk or yogurt, and a little honey if you need it sweeter, blend until smooth and creamy!
  • Overnight Oates: These simple overnight oats with chia seeds and sliced strawberries make a quick and healthy snack or breakfast your kids will love. Just stir together rolled oats, milk, chia seeds, and a little honey in a jar, then top with fresh strawberry slices and let it sit in the fridge overnight.
  • Cut up veggies: Cut-up veggies like carrots, cucumbers, bell peppers, and even a few olives make an easy grab-and-go snack that’s actually good for your kids. Just wash, slice, and store them in small containers or snack bags, perfect for dipping in hummus or ranch when hunger hits.
  • Homemade Trail Mix: A fun and customizable snack you can throw together in minutes, and it’s perfect for kids. Mix cheese crackers, craisins or raisins, chocolate chips, dried banana or apple slices, and a handful of nuts (as long as your child isn’t allergic) into a container or snack bag for a sweet and salty combo they’ll snack on all day.
  • Mini banana muffins: Mini muffins are another kid-approved snack that’s great for mornings or lunchboxes. I make them ALL.THE.TIME. You can make a batch with mashed bananas, a little honey, and whole wheat flour—bake them in a mini muffin pan and store extras in the freezer for later!
  • Cottage Cheese Bowls: Cottage cheese with sliced fruit like banana is a simple, protein-packed snack that works great for kids. Just scoop some cottage cheese into a bowl and top it with fresh banana slices—or mix in peaches, berries, or whatever fruit your kid likes best.
  • Homemade Trail Mix: Mix together Wheat Chex, fresh raspberries, and popcorn makes a fun sensory snack that’s light, crunchy, and slightly sweet. The mix of textures—from the crispy Chex to the soft berries and fluffy popcorn—keeps snack time interesting and kid-friendly. Just toss it together right before serving so the raspberries stay fresh!
  • Cheese & Crackers with Humus: This healthy snack idea makes an easy snack plate that feels like a mini meal for kids. Just slice up their favorite cheese, add a handful of whole grain crackers, and a scoop of hummus for dipping—it’s balanced, filling, and fun to eat.
  • Egg Muffins: These are a protein-packed snack that’s perfect for busy days or lunchboxes. Just whisk together eggs, a splash of milk, shredded cheese, and any veggies your kids like—, hen pour into a muffin pan and bake until set. You can make a whole batch ahead of time and store them in the fridge for easy grab-and-go snacks.
  • 3-Ingredient Cinnamon Banana Pancakes: These are are a super easy and healthy snack you can make in minutes. All you need are bananas, an egg, and a dash of cinnamon—just mash, mix, and cook on a skillet until golden. It’s that simple, and chances are you already have everything on hand!
  • Mini Waffle Sandwiches: These are just a fun and tasty breakfast or snack kids will love. Just toast some whole-grain mini frozen waffles, spread on peanut butter, honey, Nutella, or almond butter, then add a few banana slices or raisins and press two waffles together to make a mini sandwich. Easy to make and perfect for little hands!
  • Pre-Made Smoothie Packs: Go-to pre-made smoothie packs are a lifesaver on those crazy, busy mornings when you need something quick and healthy. Just prep a few freezer bags with frozen fruits like bananas, berries, mango, or spinach—no ice needed. When you’re ready, dump a bag into the blender and add your base: yogurt, orange juice, milk, or even chilled tea. Blend and you’re out the door with breakfast in hand!
  • Morning Glory Muffins: These muffins are a hit in our home. They are packed with fruit, veggies, and just the right amount of sweetness. To make them, mix together shredded carrots, grated apple, mashed banana, eggs, whole wheat flour, and a little cinnamon—then scoop into muffin cups and bake until golden.
  • Breakfast Cereal Bars: Super easy, no-bake snack idea that kids can enjoy any time of day—and they’re packed with good-for-you ingredients. Just heat up a mix of honey, vanilla, salt, cinnamon, and almond butter on the stove, then pour it over a big bowl of crushed oatmeal squares, Rice Krispies, flaxseed, wheat germ, nuts, and dried fruit. Stir it all together, gently fold in some dark chocolate chips, press into a lined pan, chill until firm, and slice into bars!
  • Cream cheese & fruit rolls: Sweet, creamy, and refreshing snack idea that’s perfect for kids. Just spread softened cream cheese over a tortilla, sprinkle with chopped fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, or kiwi, then roll it up tight and slice into little pinwheels for a fun and easy treat!
  • Mini Chicken Pot Pies: These are a cozy, kid-friendly snack or lunch idea that’s super easy to prep ahead. Just fill muffin tins with pie dough or biscuit dough, then spoon in a creamy mixture of cooked chicken, veggies, and gravy. Top with a small piece of dough, press the edges, and bake until golden and bubbly!
  • Cheeseburger Tater Tot Cups: Bite-sized twist on a classic that kids will totally devour. Just press a few tater tots into each muffin cup and bake until crispy, then fill with cooked ground beef, shredded cheese, and any toppings you love—like pickles or ketchup—and pop them back in the oven until melty and golden.
  • Apple Chips: Sweet and crunchy snack that’s perfect for kids and super easy to make at home. Just slice apples thinly, sprinkle with a little cinnamon, and bake low and slow until they’re crisp—you can store them in an airtight container for a few days of snacking!
  • Yogurt Fruit Bark: Yogurt fruit bark with strawberries, blueberries, and oats is an easy delicious snack that’s perfect for kids after school. Just spread your favorite yogurt onto a baking sheet, sprinkle with fresh sliced strawberries, blueberries, and a handful of oats, then freeze until firm and break into pieces!
  • Frozen Chocolat Banana Pops: These frozen banana pops are a super easy treat that kids will love (and you’ll feel good about serving). Just slice bananas in half, stick them on popsicle sticks, dip them in melted chocolate, and roll in chopped nuts, sprinkles, or coconut—then freeze until solid!
  • Peanut Butter Bliss Balls: To make these yummy bliss balls, just mix together peanut butter, oats, honey, and a little vanilla, roll into bite-sized balls, and coat them in toasted coconut for that extra yummy crunch.
  • Banana Almond Milk Ice Cream: This is a dairy-free treat that’s healthy enough for snack time and sweet enough to feel like dessert. Blend frozen banana slices with a splash of almond milk until smooth and creamy, add a little vanilla or almond butter if you want to make it extra rich!
  • Energy Bites: A grab-and-go snack for kids that’s sweet, chewy, to keep them going. Mix rolled oats, nut butter, and honey in a bowl, then stir in mini chocolate chips, dried fruit, coconut, and chopped nuts. Roll into small balls, chill until firm, and keep them in the fridge for an easy snack all week long!
  • Peanut butter on rice cakes: This is a simple, crunchy snack that kids can enjoy anytime. Just spread a layer of peanut butter over a plain or lightly salted rice cake, and if you want to switch it up, add banana slices, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a few chocolate chips on top!
  • Pancake Mini Muffins: Pancake mini muffins are such a fun snack idea for kids. They’re soft, bite-sized, and easy to pack into lunchboxes or serve as an after-school treat. You can make a batch ahead of time and keep them in the fridge or freezer for busy mornings.
  • Rainbow Fruit Skewers with Yogurt Dip: These are easy to make and totally customizable with whatever fruit you have on hand. Just thread pieces of strawberries, oranges, pineapple, kiwi, blueberries, and grapes onto skewers in rainbow order. Pair them with a little cup of yogurt for dipping—plain, vanilla, or even strawberry yogurt works great.
  • Spinach Muffins: A sneaky and fun way to get more greens into your kid’s day. These little green muffins are great for breakfast, lunchboxes, or a grab-and-go snack. You can blend the spinach right into the batter so there are no leafy bits showing, and add a little banana or applesauce to keep them moist and naturally sweet.
  • Carrot Banana Muffins: Soft, moist, and packed with mashed banana and shredded carrot—kind of like a cross between banana bread and carrot cake, but way healthier. These muffins are perfect for breakfast, school snacks, or even as a little treat after dinner.
  • Strawberry Almond Butter Wrap: This is a super quick and tasty snack that feels like a treat but is actually pretty healthy. Spread almond butter on a tortilla, layer on fresh sliced strawberries, and roll it up tight.
  • Smashed Avocado Wrap: A smashed avocado wrap is such a simple, feel-good snack that’s perfect for little ones (and grown-ups too). Mash up a ripe avocado, spread it on a soft tortilla, and sprinkle in a little shredded cheese or sliced veggies if your kid’s into that. Roll it up and it’s ready to go.

20 More Super Easy After School Snacks for Your Kids

These after school snacks are quick to make, super kid-friendly, and just filling enough to hold them over until dinner.

Let’s make snack time simple and stress-free.

31. Apple Nachos

Slice up an apple, lay the slices out on a plate, and drizzle with peanut butter or almond butter. Sprinkle on granola, mini chocolate chips, or raisins for a fun twist.

32. Greek Yogurt and Frozen Berries

Spoon Greek yogurt into a bowl and top with frozen mixed berries. As the berries thaw, they add a natural sweetness and a little crunch.

33. Mini Turkey and Cheese Roll-Ups

Take a slice of turkey, roll it around a cheese stick or small slice of cheese, and you’ve got a protein-packed snack in seconds.

34. Whole Wheat English Muffin Pizzas

Toast half an English muffin, spread a little marinara sauce, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and warm it up until melty for a mini pizza treat.

35. Oatmeal Energy Bites

Mix oats, peanut butter, honey, and a few mini chocolate chips, then roll into small balls and chill—perfect for a grab-and-go bite.

36. Cottage Cheese with Pineapple

Scoop some cottage cheese into a bowl and add pineapple chunks or crushed pineapple on top for a sweet and creamy combo.

37. Hard-Boiled Eggs and Crackers

Slice a hard-boiled egg and pair it with whole grain crackers for a filling and balanced snack.

38. Hummus with Bell Pepper Strips

Cut up some colorful bell peppers and serve them with a scoop of hummus for dipping—crunchy, tasty, and full of veggies.

39. Frozen Banana Bites

Slice a banana, spread peanut butter between two slices to make a mini sandwich, dip in melted chocolate if you want, and freeze.

40. Cucumber Sandwiches

Peel and slice a cucumber, then layer with cream cheese or hummus between two slices like a tiny sandwich—refreshing and fun to eat.

41. Celery with Cream Cheese and Raisins

Spread cream cheese on celery sticks and top with a few raisins for that classic “ants on a log” snack your kids will actually eat.

42. Avocado Rice Cakes

Top plain rice cakes with smashed avocado and a sprinkle of salt or shredded cheese for a light, crunchy snack.

43. Sweet Potato Toast

Slice sweet potato thin, toast it until soft, then top with almond butter and cinnamon or a dollop of Greek yogurt and berries.

44. DIY Trail Mix

Mix together a handful of pretzels, dried fruit, cereal, and a few chocolate chips for a homemade snack mix your kids can help make.

45. Cheese Quesadilla Triangles

Heat a whole wheat tortilla with a sprinkle of cheese, fold it in half, and cut into little triangles—easy, warm, and always a win.

46. Smoothie Popsicles

Blend up a fruit smoothie and pour into popsicle molds to freeze—perfect for warm afternoons and packed with vitamins.

47. Banana Oat Cookies

Mash bananas with oats and bake in small spoonfuls for quick, soft cookies that feel like a treat without any added sugar.

48. Whole Grain Cereal with Milk

Sometimes a small bowl of whole grain cereal with milk is all it takes to keep your kid happy and fueled until dinner.

49. Edamame with Sea Salt

Steam edamame and sprinkle a little sea salt on top—it’s fun to pop them out of the pod and packed with plant-based protein.

50. Mini Bagel with Nut Butter

Spread peanut butter or almond butter on half a mini bagel for a filling and tasty bite-sized snack that’s great on busy afternoons.

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Hey all! Most days you’ll find me juggling dance, softball, football and hockey practice between bouts of furious typing. Life with twins keeps me on my toes! When I’m not chasing kiddos or creating content, I’m probably buried under a pile of coffee mugs scheming up my next writing project. Connect with me on Pinterest where I stockpile all my latest mom hacks and sanity-saving tips! 💕

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