9 Healthy Summer Snacks To Keep Your Kids Cool

Summer is officially here! You’ll want to have an arsenal of cool, healthy snacks on hand to keep the kids refreshed and energized during their active, outdoor days.

Here are some delicious, simple options that will cool the kids down, while filling them up, when hunger strikes!

1. Melon balls – Melons are incredibly refreshing on a warm summer day. Use a melon baller to make melon balls, which are perfect, bite-sized healthy snacks kids can enjoy without the mess of seeds and rinds. To enhance the melon’s flavor even more, add a small sprinkle of salt and a drizzle of honey.
2. Homemade fruit popsicles – Why waste your money on store-bought popsicles when you can make your own easy, healthy pops right at home? Use a small paper cup or popsicle mold to fill with coconut water and chopped fruit, put a popsicle stick in the middle and freeze 2-3 hours until firm.
3. Celery + guacamole – Celery is made up of nearly 95% water, making it a great choice to munch on in hot weather. But the veggie is also loaded with fiber, iron, potassium, magnesium and calcium. Dip celery sticks into creamy homemade guacamole, or just mashed avocados, for a filling, healthy snack.
4. Water with lime and mint – Quench your kids’ thirst with some ice-cold water with lime and mint. It’s one of the most refreshing drinks you’ll have all summer! A glass of lime water has lots of health benefits, while the mint helps keep your body temperature cool.
5. Frozen grapes – This is one of the simplest, tastiest summer snacks for kids. Remove green or red seedless grapes from the stem, wash and pat dry. Put them in a freezer-safe zip bag and lay flat, all in one level. If you’re making the snack for children under four years old, make sure to cut the grapes into halves before freezing.
6. Banana “ice cream” – Like grapes, bananas make excellent frozen treats. Peel and slice several medium-ripe bananas and place them in the freezer until solid. Remove and put in a blender or food processor until they become creamy like ice cream. For added healthy fat and protein benefits, sprinkle with chopped nuts or a spoonful of nut butter before serving.
7. Frozen yogurt bark – Spread your kids’ favorite flavor of Greek yogurt, about half an inch thick, on a baking sheet lined with parchment or waxed paper. Then top it with tasty chopped nuts, seeds, fruits or even chocolate chips. Put it in the freezer for 3-4 hours, then remove, cut into granola bar-sized pieces and enjoy!
8. Caprese skewers – Juicy, ripe tomatoes are perfect for summer eating, and they’re also chock full of vitamins and minerals. Thread cherry tomatoes and fresh mozzarella on skewers and drizzle with a little pesto for a delicious, satisfying afternoon nosh.
9. Sliced cucumber “sandwiches” – Cucumbers are delightfully refreshing in hot weather. Instead of a traditional bread sandwich, serve the kids cool cucumber sandwiches! Set out a combination of lunch meats and cheeses, and cut cucumbers into slices about ¼ inch thick to use as “bread.” Let the kids mix and match what to put between their mini sandwiches.