Blog | 6 After-School Snacks That Are Healthy and Creative

Finding snacks for hangry kids that are both healthy and appetizing after a long day at school can be a challenge. To make your life easier, we’ve gathered six fun and nutritious snack ideas that’ll give your kiddos the energy boost they need to finish the day strong. These snacks are quick to prepare and packed with healthy ingredients, making them perfect for a busy afternoon!

 #1. Apple Cookies

Prep time: 10 minutes

This snack combines fresh, crunchy apples with creamy (or crunchy!) nut butter, plus a variety of toppings you can mix and match. Because they’re so easy to make, they’re a great way to get your kids involved in the kitchen!

Ingredients:

• 1 apple
• 2 Tbsp. peanut butter (or any nut butter)
• Assorted toppings: granola, mini chocolate chips, raisins, coconut flakes

Instructions:

1. Slice the apple into rounds that are about 1/4 inch thick.
2. Spread a thin layer of nut butter on each apple slice.
3. Sprinkle your choice of toppings over the nut butter.
4. Serve immediately.

#2. Animal Face & Flower Toast

Prep time: 15 minutes

This playful snack is as fun to make as it is to eat and invites your kids to use their imaginations to create cute, funny animal faces and flowers on their toast!

Ingredients:

• Whole wheat bread slices
• Various spreads: low fat cream cheese, peanut butter, almond butter
• Assorted fruits and veggies: bananas, strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, carrots

Instructions:

1. Toast the bread until golden brown.
2. Add your choice of spread to each slice of toast.
3. Create animal faces and/or flowers using your choice of fruits and veggies. For example, you can use banana slices for ears and blueberries for eyes.
4. Serve immediately.

#3. Parmesan Roasted Chickpeas

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

This flavorful and filling snack is a healthy alternative to traditional chips with an equally satisfying crunch.

Ingredients:

• 1 can chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp. ranch seasoning mix

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Toss chickpeas with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, Parmesan and ranch seasoning.
3. Spread chickpeas on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Roast for 25-30 minutes, shaking the pan occasionally, until chickpeas are crispy.
5. Let cool slightly before serving.

#4. Banana Sushi

Prep time: 5 minutes

This nutritious snack transforms a simple banana into a gourmet treat with endless possibilities for toppings!

Ingredients:

• 1 banana
• 2 Tbsp. dark chocolate (melted)
• Assorted toppings: sprinkles, rice cereal, chia seeds

Instructions:

1. Peel the banana and dip it in melted dark chocolate.
2. Roll it in your choice of toppings until fully coated.
3. Slice into bite-sized pieces that resemble sushi rolls.
4. Enjoy immediately.

#5. Mini Avocado & Hummus Quesadillas

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 5 minutes

These bite-sized, cheesy quesadillas are easy to prepare and customize with your kids’ favorite ingredients.

Ingredients:

• Small tortillas
• 1 avocado (mashed)
• 1/2 cup hummus
• Low fat shredded cheese

Instructions:

1. Spread a layer of mashed avocado on one half of each tortilla.
2. Add a layer of hummus on top of the avocado.
3. Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
4. Fold tortillas in half and cook in a preheated skillet for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are golden brown.
5. Cut into wedges and serve warm.

#6. Celery Critters

Prep time: 10 minutes

This fun snack turns ordinary celery sticks into extraordinary critters your kids can decorate and then devour!

Ingredients:

• Celery stalks, cut into 3-inch pieces
• Various spreads: peanut butter, cream cheese, hummus
• Assorted toppings: raisins, pretzel sticks, dark chocolate chips, sliced oranges, apples or cucumbers

Instructions:

1. Fill the celery sticks with your choice of spread.
2. Use the assorted toppings to create critter faces and legs.
3. Serve these cute and crunchy critters as a fun after-school snack.

These after-school snack ideas are not only healthy and filling to eat but also creative and fun to make! Involving your kids in the preparation process is also a great way to turn snack time into bonding time and make healthy eating enjoyable for everyone.

Want more kid-friendly recipes? We’ve got you!