Travel snack ideas for kids shouldn’t add to your pre-trip stress!
Whether you’re facing a long flight or a road trip with toddlers, bringing snacks is completely necessary.
As a mom of two, I know how important it is to keep those little tummies full and avoid hangry meltdowns.
That’s why I’m sharing my favorite easy, travel-friendly snacks that will keep your kids happy and give you one less thing to worry about.
Table of Contents
Water: The Ultimate Travel Essential
Staying hydrated is super important for everyone, but especially for kids! Before we even get to snacks, let’s talk about water.
Pack refillable water bottles for the whole family and remind your little ones to take sips regularly.
Tip: If your kids aren’t big water fans, add fresh fruit for a natural flavor boost. Think sliced strawberries, lemon wedges, or even a few cucumber slices!
PinTips for Packing Snacks for Kids
Are you bringing a cooler with you?
If you’re going on a road trip, chances are you’ll probably bring a cooler with you. However, if you are flying, you need to bring snacks that are not required to be refrigerated.
Snacks That Travel Well – No Cooler Needed
I like to keep things simple with fruits, veggies, and whole grains when we’re going cooler-free.
Bananas are a great option, crackers are always a hit, and who doesn’t love a classic PB&J? Just grab a no-stir peanut butter to keep things tidy!
Trail mix is a great way to mix things up. Toss in your kiddo’s favorite cereal, raisins, and maybe a few chocolate chips.
PinRemember to check the ingredient labels for allergies, though.
Cooler = More Snack Options!
Got a cooler? Great! Then, you have more options to choose from!
You can bring cheese, yogurt, and hard-boiled eggs!
Cut-up fruits and veggies with a dip like hummus are always a great choice for my kids.
And sometimes, a thermos of warm soup is the perfect travel treat.
My kids love string cheese and yogurt tubes. Bonus: If you bring frozen yogurt tubes, they can help keep everything else in the cooler nice and cold.
Snacking on the go doesn’t have to be a worry. With some planning, your kiddos will be fueled up and happy all trip long!
Portability and ease: No Mess, No Fuss!
We all know that traveling with kids means you have to be ready for anything!
That’s why I always pick snacks that are healthy and tough enough to handle a bumpy ride (or being forgotten at the bottom of the backpack for a little while).
Bananas are perfect snacks, but they don’t always love backpacks!
We pack those on top and give them to the kids first so they don’t become a mushy mess.
Apples, on the other hand, are great travel snacks. They can handle some jostling without any problems.
Veggies like carrots and snap peas are also a win. They’re super portable and give that satisfying crunch.
Need something to please a sweet tooth? Granola bars are my go-to. Look for ones with whole grains and less sugar. We love oat and honey bars – they’re chewy, yummy, and perfect for little hands.
My top rule for travel snacks:
They’ve gotta be:
- easy to pack,
- won’t go bad quickly,
- make minimal mess,
- and my kids love to eat them!
I think my best tip is to bring snacks that they already love! Whether you’re going on a road trip or a long flight, it’s not the time to experiment with new food.
Just stick with what you know they enjoy, so you can be sure they will eat it.
Special Diets and Allergies
Traveling with kids who have allergies or need special foods can be a little tricky, but don’t worry! There are tons of yummy and safe snack choices out there.
Allergies: No Fun, But Snacks Can Be!
Did you know that about 1 in 13 kids have food allergies? That’s like two kids in every classroom!
It’s super important to keep those allergies in mind when packing snacks.
The most common are peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, and wheat. Ticky allergens can hide in many places, so you need to read the ingredient labels.
Gluten-Free Snacks
Think rice crackers, popcorn, fruits and veggies, and even some special gluten-free cookies. Lots of brands make great gluten-free snacks. Check ’em out before your trip!
Nut-Free Snacks
Nut allergies are very common, but that doesn’t mean boring car snacks! Instead of peanut butter, try sandwiches with sunflower seed butter. Fruits, yogurt, cheese sticks, and hummus with veggies are awesome nut-free choices, too.
Dairy-Free Snacks
Think fruit cups, dairy-free yogurt, vegan cheese with crackers, or even rice cakes with a little hummus.
These are all easy options for delicious and safe snacking.
Doctor’s Advice is Golden
Before you go, check with your kid’s doctor. They can help ensure you have all the right travel snacks to keep your little one healthy and happy on the road!
Age-Appropriate Snacks
Little kids have different snack needs than bigger ones! Consider your child’s age when choosing which snacks to pack, especially if they’re still transitioning to solid food.
Tasty Toddler Treats
Toddlers love finger foods that are easy to munch. Chopped fruits, veggies, little cheese cubes, or tiny muffins are perfect for small hands. Remember to cut everything into safe pieces and keep in mind food choking risks.
Protein and healthy fats are also super important for growing toddlers.
Snacks for Bigger Kids
Older kids can handle a wider variety of travel food. Think whole fruits, granola bars, hummus with veggies, or even a sandwich with their favorite stuff inside! They’ll need lots of energy to power all those travel adventures.
Snacks are Part of the Fun
Yes, healthy snacks are important, but don’t forget… it’s vacation! A special treat here and there makes the trip even more exciting for kids.
But hey! Your family, your rules! I know every family is different, and what works for one maybe doesn’t work for another.
Categorized Travel Snack Ideas for Kids
Fruits
- Grapes (cut in half lengthwise)
- Banana
- Apple slices
- Mandarin orange segments
- Dried fruit (raisins, mango, apricots)
- Applesauce pouches
- Berries (raspberries, strawberries, blueberries – cut as needed)
- Kiwi (scoop out the flesh and serve in a container)
- Melon chunks (cantaloupe, watermelon, honeydew)
- Fruit leather (look for options with minimal added sugar)
PinVegetables
- Steamed broccoli/cauliflower florets
- Carrot sticks
- Cherry tomatoes (halved)
- Cucumber slices
- Mini bell peppers
- Sugar snap peas
- Celery sticks
- Edamame
- Grape or cherry tomatoes (halved or quartered)
- Avocado slices (sprinkle with a bit of lemon juice to prevent browning)
Protein Power
- Cheese cubes or string cheese
- Hard-boiled eggs (quartered)
- Plain yogurt tubes (can be frozen)
- Hummus with pita bread strips
- Mini meatballs (meat, chicken or turkey)
- Sunflower seed butter (in single-serve packets or a small container, great for nut allergies!)
- Individual packs of tuna or salmon (with whole-grain crackers)
- Black bean dip (with tortilla chips or carrot sticks)
Crunchy & Fun
- Dry cereal
- Whole grain crackers
- Rice cakes
- Freeze-dried fruit/veggie snacks
- Granola bars (look for low-sugar options)
- Whole-wheat pretzels
- Veggie Straws
- Trail mix (with toddler-safe ingredients like dried cereal, raisins, sunflower seeds)
- Mini whole-wheat bagels (with a thin spread of cream cheese)
Occasional Treats
- Animal crackers
- Mini muffins
- Popcorn (for older toddlers, supervise closely)
- Small cookies (look for whole-grain or naturally sweetened options)
- Mini pancakes or waffles (can be made ahead and served cold)
- Yogurt-covered raisins or pretzels
- Fruit and veggie pouches (choose unsweetened versions whenever possible)
Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Does it Really Matter?
Let’s be honest – we’ve got a LOT on our plates! Sometimes, making every single snack from scratch just isn’t possible.
But that doesn’t mean we care any less about our babies! We all want the best for them, whether it’s a lovingly packed lunchbox or a quick grab-and-go snack.
The good news is that there are tons of healthy and yummy store-bought options out there! We can buy whole-grain crackers, fruit pouches, and granola bars with good ingredients.
And hey, if you’ve got the time and energy, making homemade snacks is fantastic, too. It’s all about finding what works for you and your family.
Bottom line: Whether it comes from your kitchen or the grocery store shelf, a snack that makes your kid smile is a win! Don’t stress about homemade vs. store-bought. Just be selective with store-bought snacks and choose a healthy option.
Our favorite Homemade Snack Recipes
Air Fryer Crispy Chickpeas
Ingredients
- 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika powder
Instructions
- Prep the Chickpeas: Drain and rinse your chickpeas. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove as much moisture as possible.
- Spice it Up: In a bowl, toss the chickpeas with olive oil, salt, garlic powder, and paprika. Make sure they’re evenly coated.
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 200 degrees Celsius (400 degrees Fahrenheit) and let it preheat.
- Air Fry Time! Spread the seasoned chickpeas in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 15 minutes, shaking the basket a couple of times for even crisping.
- Enjoy! Let the chickpeas cool slightly before munching – they’ll get even crispier!
Tips
- Experiment with other spices! Try cumin, chili powder, or even a sprinkle of parmesan cheese.
- For extra crispy chickpeas, increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
Yummy Banana and Carrot Mini Pancakes
Ingredients
- 1 ripe banana (for extra sweetness)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup milk (any kind you like)
- 1 medium carrot, peeled and grated
- A dash of vanilla extract
- Butter, for cooking
Instructions
- Blend it up: Throw all the ingredients (banana, egg, oats, milk, grated carrot, and vanilla) into a blender. Buzz it for about a minute, or until you have a smooth batter.
- Get the pan ready: Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Melt a little pat of butter to grease the surface.
- Cook those pancakes! Scoop the batter onto the hot pan, making small pancakes. (Think silver dollar size!) Cook until golden brown on the bottom, then carefully flip and cook the other side.
- Serve and enjoy! Stack those mini pancakes warm and top them with your favorites – fresh fruit, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a dollop of yogurt!
Tips
- Let the batter rest for 5 minutes before cooking for even fluffier pancakes.
- Get creative! Add a sprinkle of cinnamon, a handful of chopped nuts, or a few chocolate chips to the batter.
Top Store-Bought Travel Snacks
- Dry cereal (low sugar)
- Cheerios
- Rice Chex
- Fruit Loops
- Raisins
- Applesauce pouches
- Fruit snacks / Fruit leather
- Veggie Chips
- Crackers
- Nuts
- Peanuts
- Almonds
- Pistachios
- Cashews
- Granola Bars
- Pretzels
Packing Essentials & Mess Control
Containers
To keep things organized and tidy, you must pack your snacks correctly. Here’s a quick guide to help you select the right container for your travel snack:
Food Storage Containers
Glass food storage containers with airtight lids are ideal for foods like cut vegetables and fruits. The glass keeps the food’s taste intact, and the solid construction prevents squishing. Just remember, glass can be a bit heavy!
PinReusable Storage Bags
Reusable storage bags are environmentally friendly and perfect for dry snacks. Made of silicon, they are light and easy to clean and pack. We love the stasher brand, which has different sizes.
Insulated Food Jars
If you pack dairy-free yogurt or a hard-boiled egg, an insulated food jar is your best bet. It keeps cold and hot food, helping maintain taste and texture until snack time.
Remember, snack time cleanup is essential.
A few small items make a big difference. Include wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and small trash bags in your travel kit to quickly clean up spills, crumbs, and sticky fingers.
If you’re traveling with a toddler, here are some posts that you should check out as well:
TRAVEL RESOURCES
✈️ Buy flight tickets in advance
Always buy flight tickets in advance! The place to find the best prices for flight tickets is Skyscanner.com
🏠 Book your accommodation
Booking.com is easy to use and has many options and filters you can use to book in advance and check availability.
🚙 Renting a Car
I recommend Discover Cars because they always have the best rates and great customer service.
🎡 Plan tours and activities
Viator is an excellent place to start looking for activities. They provide a huge selection and great prices.
