Food & Drink

30+ Tasty, Creative & Healthy After-School Snacks for Kids

written by KATHERINE BALLESTA-ROSEN & PATTY SCHEPEL
healthy after-school snacks for kids"
healthy after-school snacks for kids
Source: Julie's Eats and Treats
Source: Julie's Eats and Treats

Move over bags of chips, packages of cookies, and the like! When it comes to serving healthy after-school snacks to your kiddos, it can be tough to replace pre-packaged options with homemade and nutritious ones. Of course, sometimes the route of no-preparation—like handing out those Chewy granola bars or mini bags of Doritos—is inevitable and the easiest way to go. While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, finding windows to make healthy alternatives can create a fulfilling balance. And we promise, putting that little bit of extra effort into your kids’ after-school snack session will be worth the fun and wellness benefits.

We all know things like variety, familiar flavors, and inviting appearances matter to kids when they’re faced with the decision of what to eat as an after-school snack (or any meal, for that matter). Keeping that in mind, we’ve brought together healthy choices that offer creative and colorful appearances, a spectrum of sweet and savory items, and twists on usual favorites. What’s more, it can be your chance to squeeze in that extra serving of fruit, veggies, whole grains, or protein for your littles. 

Don’t forget, you don’t have to be the only one whipping up the snack d’jour; these are definitely recipes that lend themselves well to your kiddos’ helping hands, too!  Without further ado, check out more than 30 healthy after-school snacks for your kids that they’ll be asking to mix into their current lineup of faves. 

1. Banana Sushi Rolls

This take on sushi rolls is a fun assembly activity for the whole family. Chocolate chips, coconut flakes, chia seeds—the topping choices are endless. There’s variety and creativity in every bite!

healthy after-school snacks banana sushi rolls
Source: rachLmansfield

2. Donut-Shaped Apple Snacks

Consider this their apple of the day that keeps the doctor away. Besides a serving of fresh fruit, you can decorate your ‘donuts’ with exciting toppings to the point your kids may not even remember that ‘real’ donuts exist. While this recipe showcases green apples, any and all types of apples are welcome!

healthy after school snacks for kids
Source: Skinnytaste

3. Homemade Goldfish Crackers

My family goes through a whole box of goldfish before the week is even over. But these homemade crackers are more fluffy and so cheesy. Come to think of it, this snack dupe might not last as long as I thought!

healthy after-school snacks goldfish
Source: Girl Versus Dough

4. Watermelon Chocolate Pops

Chocolate on watermelon is genius. I love the thought of making an actual watermelon slice into a popsicle. The creativity with this snack will have you and your family in awe over such simple ingredients.

healthy after-school snacks chocolate watermelon popsicles
Source: Food by Maria

5. Easy Homemade Soft Pretzels

Skip the processed pretzels and try these instead! Easier on the digestive system and entertaining to create, they’re tasty and nourishing as-is, but you can pair them with any favorite dips or spreads, too. 

healthy after school snacks for kids
Source: Sally’s Baking Recipes

A snack that has chocolate and protein? Your kids will be doing a double take because they’ll be questioning if it’s OK to have dessert before dinner. We’re happy to report these protein bites are gluten-free, vegan, refined sugar-free, and no-bake—they’re simple and easy to make!

healthy after-school snacks chocolate protein bites
Source: Lexi’s Clean Kitchen

7. Fruit Dip

The act of dropping any type of snack into a dip is my toddler’s favorite pastime. This fruit dip is a special treat in my household. I won’t be surprised if your kids ask to put it on everything because it calls for cream cheese and marshmallows.

healthy after-school snacks fruit dip
Source: Cooking Classy

8. Strawberry Banana or Chocolate PB Banana Smoothies

“Why can’t I just have a milkshake?” Sometimes the concept of a smoothie takes getting used to, but these are relatively simple recipes that are naturally sweet, and offer your kids some of their calcium, fruit, nut, and protein servings for the day. 

healthy after school snacks for kids
Source: Savory Nothings

9. Coconut Almond Chex Mix

Time with kids often dwindles during the school year, but having this snack ready to go is a game changer. It calls for three different types of cereal and takes only 20 minutes to make.

healthy after-school snacks chex mix
Source: Lovely Little Kitchen

10. Homemade Fruit Pops

Homemade popsicles are fresh and an easy way to get fruit intake in one sitting. There’s no fuss because popsicles are a special treat. I often overlook buying popsicles at the store, but I’ll definitely have these stored in my fridge all school year long.

healthy after-school snacks popsicles
Source: Tastes Better From Scratch

11. Homemade Granola Bars

We love a unique granola bar that doesn’t involve any additives, and the base of rolled oats in this option is a heart-healthy staple. This recipe includes eight variations, allowing you and your kids to select your own add-ins like a choose-your-own adventure! From tropical to PB pretzel, there is plenty of delicious inspiration. 

healthy after school snacks for kids
Source: Bless This Mess

12. Homemade Popcorn Snack Mixes

This recipe teaches you an easy way to make your own popcorn, and then tops it off with festive topping combinations like “chunky monkey,” “chocolate berry,” “trail mix,” and more. And while popcorn may seem without nutrients (OK, it’s not a fruit salad or medley of vegetables), it does provide a good dose of fiber and whole grains. 

healthy after school snacks for kids
Source: One Lovely Life

13. Strawberry Fruit Leather

No need to stop at the store to buy the classic fruit roll-ups we grew up on as kids. Make your own homemade strawberry fruit leathers with only two ingredients. You’ll be making strawberry puree, so this recipe is a fresh one! A fun idea for the kids—use cookie cutters to make them into all sorts of shapes.

healthy after-school snacks fruit leather
Source: Lexi’s Clean Kitchen

14. Peanut Butter Greek Yogurt Dip

A nutritious, sweet, and tangy dip that not only packs protein thanks to the yogurt, but suggests using peanut flour rather than regular PB to cut back on the dip’s fat content. While you can choose to dip in whatever your kiddo likes, you can also try a play on ants on a log by spreading the dip over a piece of celery, and sprinkling some mini chocolate chips on top as the ants!

healthy after school snacks for kids
Source: Fit Foodie Finds

15. Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

Anything in the air fryer is not only easy, but I know it will give some grace to my little ones’ bellies since we’re omitting the fried oil. Air-fryer zucchini chips are a low-carb option. You won’t have to worry about the extra dip in energy after a full day of learning at school.

healthy after-school snacks zucchini chips
Source: The Movement Menu

16. Ants on a Log

Speaking of ants on a log, here are an abundance of new ways to approach this traditional snack. Besides celery, you can include bananas or apple slices as the base, and try other creamy spreads in addition to peanut butter (like yogurt) on top. Then, finish them off with all kinds of ants—from raisins and chocolate chips, to bits of carrot and blueberries!

healthy after school snacks for kids
Source: Julie’s Eats & Treats

17. Muffin Tin Snack Trays

Turn a muffin tray into an exciting spread of snacks that can be as simple, delicious, and nutritious as you want them to be. Essentially, you use each cup of a muffin tin to house various items your kids will enjoy, kind of like a kid-friendly charcuterie board! This recipe includes tons of great ideas for balancing fruits and veggies, proteins and healthy fats, sweet and savory, and crunchy and soft combos. 

healthy after school snacks for kids
Source: One Lovely Life

18. Easy Avocado Hummus Recipe

Combine the healthy benefits of protein-filled chickpeas and healthy fats with this creamy hummus recipe. Kids love the bright green color (you can leave the chickpeas and spices off the top), and you can present them with versatile foods they enjoy for dipping. 

healthy after school snacks for kids
Source: A Sweet Pea Chef

19. Rainbow Fruit Kabobs

Build an edible, juicy rainbow that will provide multiple servings of fruits, while creating something colorful and memorable. While this recipe uses raspberries, orange, pineapple, kiwi, and grape, you can substitute whatever fruits work best for you, and design your own rainbow!

healthy after school snacks for kids
Source: Ambitious Kitchen

20. Wonton Pizza Cups

OK, while this one may be a little less healthy than the rest, we couldn’t resist the creative approach to mini pizza bites! Fill wonton wrappers with your favorite pizza ingredients, and voilà, you have cute little personal pizzas to snack on. For a healthier version, opt for low-fat shredded mozzarella.  

healthy after school snacks for kids
Source: Peas and Crayons

21. Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding

I’m quick to save any recipe that calls for a little mason jar. This little cup has five grams of protein, and it’s an option to increase fiber in the diet. Save yourself some time and whisk this up for the whole week.

healthy after-school snacks chia pudding
Source: Detoxinista

22. Air-Fryer Apples

Apples can get monotonous as an after school snack, but I love how this recipe doesn’t make it so boring. It has butter and cinnamon—just as sweet as your kids will be after they get these in their bellies.

healthy after-school snacks air fryer apples
Source: Plated Cravings

23. Frozen Yogurt and Granola Banana Pops

A delightful way to glam up some bananas, while integrating calcium, protein, and grains. Plus, it’s so easy; all you need are bananas, yogurt, granola, and popsicle sticks. Kids might enjoy dipping the bananas into the yogurt and then swirling them around in granola before popping them into the freezer—it’s kind of like working in a candy shop!

healthy after school snacks for kids
Source: Oh Sweet Basil

24. Green Apple Monsters

Another fruit-forward apple snack—we’re headed into apple season, after all! Create crazy, spooky faces by combining green apples for the face, peanut butter to fill the mouth (for a nut-free version, you can replace the PB with any creamy filling that pairs well with apples), sunflower and pumpkin seeds for teeth, and cheese for a tongue. While this recipe calls for candy eyes, you can also make them by using whatever you have on hand. 

healthy after school snacks for kids
Source: This Healthy Table

25. Chunky Monkey Zucchini Banana Muffins

A muffin bursting with flavor that seems to have it all! Fruits and veggies, healthy fat, a bit of calcium, and whole grains come together into a muffin so delicious that your kids won’t even realize they’re eating vegetables. 

healthy after school snacks for kids
Source: Ambitious Kitchen

26. The Chipotle Guacamole

I love a good copycat recipe! There are so many versions of guacamole out there, I’m constantly taste-testing to see which ones are the best. Just because Chipotle is located all throughout the country doesn’t mean you can’t make a delicious dupe of their guac right at home.

healthy after-school snacks for kids - guacamole
Source: 40 Aprons

27. Eggplant Pizzas

On a day where your kids need a pick-me-up from a long day at school, surprise them with this little pizza appetizer. Skip the dough and use eggplant for the base. It’s quick, easy, and it won’t leave your kids wanting to skip out on dinner.

healthy after-school snacks eggplant pizzas
Source: Closet Cooking

28. Creamy Peanut Butter Yogurt Dip

I grew up eating apples with peanut butter, but this recipe takes it up a notch. Whip this five-ingredient recipe in just five minutes. From the time your kids put their backpacks away to setting their shoes at the door, they’ll be wondering how you got this snack so quickly on the table.

healthy after-school snacks peanut dip
Source: Family Food on the Table

29. Cheesy Chicken Kabobs

Rather than handing over a plate of chicken nuggets, take it up a notch or two in the direction of healthy by skewering the chicken nuggets (or veggie nuggets) as kabobs! Pair them with pieces of whole grain bread, crisp bell pepper, and soft cubes of cheese—or any preferred substitutes—for a fun, nutrient-dense creation.

healthy after school snacks
Source: My Suburban Kitchen

30. Edamame Three Ways

Prep a little brain food for your kids to snack on while they work on homework. Edamame promotes a lot of health benefits like cardiovascular health and bone health. Plus, the little extra work to get the pods out will keep your family a little busy. 

healthy after-school snacks edamame
Source: Superman Cooks

31. Quinoa Broccoli Tots

I’m always looking for a way to get more veggies in our diet. Why not turn broccoli into a version of tots? There’s a lot of flavor in such a little bite. I don’t know why I didn’t think of trying this recipe sooner!

healthy after-school snacks broccoli tots
Source: Simply Quinoa
patty schepel the everymom editorial intern
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Patty Schepel, Editorial Intern

As the editorial intern, Patty works with The Everymom’s team on pitches, creating original articles, updating existing content, photo sourcing, writing shopping product descriptions, inputting freelance articles, and more. When she’s not working, you can find her spending time with her family, training for half marathons—she ran one 16 weeks pregnant—traveling, cooking, reading a rom-com, and keeping her sourdough starter, Rose, alive.

katherine ballesta-rosen
ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Katherine Ballesta-Rosen, Former Editorial Intern

Besides being an avid reader and writer since girlhood, Katherine decided to kick her literacy-laden background up a notch by receiving her Master’s in teaching, and went on to teach English Language Arts to high schoolers for several years. As a former intern at The Everymom, Katherine wrote about topics such as maternal wellness, sex and relationships, and more.