11 Playground Break Snacks That Fuel Active Back-to-School Days

28

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Editorial Policy | Disclosure Policy

Fresh Fruit Skewers

Fresh fruit skewers are a fun, colorful, and nutritious snack that can be enjoyed at school or during playground breaks. Perfect for providing a quick energy boost, these skewers feature a mix of seasonal fruits, making them not only healthy but also visually appealing and tasty. Easy to assemble, they can be customized with whichever fruits you have on hand and are sure to please kids and adults alike.

Cooking Steps:

1. Wash all the fruits thoroughly and pat dry with a paper towel.
2. Cut the strawberries into halves, pineapple into bite-sized cubes, and melon into small pieces.
3. Slice the banana into rounds.
4. Take a skewer and thread a piece of each fruit onto it, alternating for variety.
5. Once all fruits are skewered, place them on a plate and serve immediately or refrigerate until serving.

Yogurt Parfaits

Yogurt parfaits are a delightful and nutritious treat perfect for school days, providing a quick and satisfying fuel for students during their busy schedules. Layers of creamy yogurt, fresh fruits, and crunchy granola come together to create a delicious snack that’s not only tasty but also packed with essential nutrients. These parfaits are easy to make, customizable, and can be prepared in advance for a convenient grab-and-go option.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a clear glass or bowl, start by adding a layer of yogurt at the bottom.
2. Add a layer of fresh berries on top of the yogurt.
3. Sprinkle granola over the berries.
4. Repeat the layers until the glass is filled, finishing with a layer of yogurt.
5. Drizzle honey on top if desired and sprinkle with chia seeds for added crunch.
6. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for later consumption.

Veggie Sticks With Hummus

Veggie sticks with hummus are a healthy and crunchy snack option that provides students with essential vitamins and energy for school days. This simple dish features an assortment of fresh, colorful vegetables paired with creamy hummus for dipping, making it both a nutritious and fun snack that can be easily packed for lunch or enjoyed during break times.

Cooking Steps:

1. Wash all the vegetables thoroughly under cold water.
2. Peel the carrots, then cut them into sticks about 3 inches long.
3. Slice the celery into sticks, maintaining a similar length to the carrots.
4. Cut the cucumber into sticks or rounds, depending on preference.
5. Remove the seeds from the bell pepper and cut it into strips.
6. Arrange all the vegetable sticks on a plate or in a container.
7. Serve with a side of hummus for dipping. Enjoy!

Trail Mix

Trail mix is a versatile and energy-boosting snack that is perfect for school days. It combines a variety of nuts, seeds, dried fruits, and sometimes a sprinkle of chocolate or other fun ingredients to create a delicious blend that provides essential nutrients and sustained energy for busy students. Trail mix is easy to pack and can be enjoyed during lunch or as a quick pick-me-up during breaks.

Cooking Steps:

1. Measure and prepare all ingredients by placing them in a large mixing bowl.
2. Mix the nuts, dried fruits, seeds, and chocolate chips together until evenly distributed.
3. If desired, add coconut flakes and mix again.
4. Store the trail mix in an airtight container or portion into snack bags for easy grabbing on school days. Enjoy!

Whole Grain Mini Wraps

Whole grain mini wraps are a nutritious and fun option for school lunches or snacks. These wraps are made with whole grain tortillas filled with lean proteins, fresh vegetables, and flavorful spreads, making them easy to customize to suit any taste while providing sustained energy for busy days.

Cooking Steps:

1. Spread a thin layer of hummus over each whole grain tortilla.
2. Layer sliced turkey or chicken evenly over the hummus.
3. Add spinach leaves, shredded carrots, cucumber slices, and bell pepper slices.
4. Drizzle with light ranch dressing, if desired.
5. Roll the tortilla tightly, slice in half, and secure with toothpicks if needed. Pack for school lunches or snacks. Enjoy!

Cheese and Whole Grain Crackers

Cheese and whole grain crackers make for a quick and satisfying snack or lunch option for school days. This nutritious combination provides protein and fiber, keeping kids fueled and energized throughout their busy schedules. You can mix and match different cheeses and crackers to create a variety of flavors, enhancing the taste while ensuring a wholesome snack.

Cooking Steps:

1. Arrange whole grain crackers on a clean surface or plate.
2. Place a slice of cheese on each cracker.
3. If desired, spread a thin layer of hummus on the crackers before adding cheese.
4. Add optional sliced deli meat on top of the cheese for extra protein.
5. Serve with sliced apples or cucumbers on the side for added freshness. Enjoy!

Nut Butter and Banana Sandwiches

Nut Butter and Banana Sandwiches are a delicious and nutritious option for school days, providing a perfect blend of energy-boosting carbohydrates, healthy fats, and natural sweetness. They are simple to prepare and can be made in advance, making them an ideal choice for busy mornings or snack time.

Cooking Steps:

1. Spread nut butter evenly on one slice of whole grain bread.
2. Peel and slice the banana, then layer the banana slices over the nut butter.
3. Drizzle honey and sprinkle cinnamon over the bananas, if desired.
4. Top with the second slice of bread and gently press down.
5. Cut the sandwich in half and serve, or wrap for school lunches. Enjoy!

Hard-Boiled Eggs

Hard-Boiled Eggs are a classic, protein-packed snack that is perfect for school days. They are easy to prepare, portable, and can be made in advance, making them an excellent addition to lunchboxes or as a quick energy boost during playground breaks. Additionally, hard-boiled eggs are versatile and can be enjoyed on their own, seasoned with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, or added to salads and sandwiches.

Cooking Steps:

1. Place eggs in a single layer in a saucepan and cover them with water.
2. Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Once boiling, cover the saucepan, remove it from heat, and let it sit for 9-12 minutes.
4. Prepare an ice bath in a bowl with cold water and ice.
5. Transfer the eggs to the ice bath for about 5 minutes to cool.
6. Peel the eggs and enjoy, or store in the refrigerator for later use.

Energy Bites

Energy Bites are nutritious, bite-sized snacks that are perfect for providing a quick energy boost during school days or after playground breaks. These little treats are easy to make and can be customized with your favorite ingredients, making them a fun and healthy option for kids and adults alike. Packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, Energy Bites can keep you fueled and satisfied throughout the day.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a large bowl, mix together rolled oats, nut butter, honey or maple syrup, chia seeds, mini chocolate chips, vanilla extract, and salt until well combined.
2. Once combined, refrigerate the mixture for about 30 minutes to help it firm up.
3. After chilling, use your hands to roll the mixture into small bite-sized balls.
4. Store the Energy Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Enjoy them as a snack whenever you need a quick energy boost!

Popcorn

Popcorn is a light and versatile snack that can be customized to fit any taste preference, making it a perfect choice for refueling after a busy day of school or play. It’s not only fun to eat, but it’s also a whole grain that’s high in fiber, offering a satisfying crunch that kids and adults alike enjoy. Whether you opt for a sweet, savory, or cheesy flavor, popcorn is an easy treat to whip up in minutes.

Cooking Steps:

1. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Add three popcorn kernels and cover the pot.
2. Once the kernels pop, add the remaining popcorn kernels in an even layer and cover the pot.
3. Shake the pot occasionally as the popcorn pops, continuing until the popping slows to about 2 seconds between pops.
4. Remove the pot from heat and pour the popcorn into a large bowl. Sprinkle with salt and any additional seasonings you like. Enjoy!

Smoothie Packs

Smoothie packs are an excellent way to prepare quick and nutritious snacks for busy school days. By prepping these packs in advance, you can guarantee that your kids have a delicious and healthy option ready to go for after-school fuel. These smoothie packs can be made with a variety of fruits, vegetables, and add-ins to cater to different tastes, making them a versatile choice for any palate.

Cooking Steps:

1. In each smoothie pack, place the frozen fruit, spinach or kale, yogurt, and any optional add-ins.
2. Seal the packs tightly and label them with the date.
3. When ready to blend, pour the contents of one smoothie pack into a blender.
4. Add the almond milk or coconut water and blend until smooth.
5. Pour into a cup and enjoy!