Packing Snacks for the Playground

Playground playdates are a staple of warmer months. Since kids seem to need a snack every five minutes(!), some park-ready snacks will give kids the energy to spend on playtime and focus less on their bellies.

First, get your pantry ready for the possibility of a playdate with prepackaged snacks. You don’t want to spend too much time in the kitchen when you could be outdoors. Littlemore puffs are a perfect choice for your playground adventures! They are easy to grab, won’t go yucky in hot weather and are filling and delicious. We also love a trail mix full of seeds, nuts, and dried fruit to provide healthy, sustainable energy. Just make sure the nuts are chopped up small enough depending on how old your little one is. Our favorite bars are Lara bars for their simple ingredients and they are a good source of carbohydrates and protein. 

If you want to be prepared for any time the playground mood hits, we recommend keeping some bottled water,  your favorite bars, and of course puffs in the car. Stash an old blanket in the trunk so everyone can spread out and rest at the park. We also also have an old towel in the car in case you end up at the beach or a splash pad!

Bananas and oranges are perfect for bringing along because they’re so portable and peel easily. Sugar snap peas and baby carrots are a sweet, crunchy way to get a serving of daily vegetables and provide sustained energy. Grapes, cherries, and their tomato counterparts are also fruits that can travel well. Melons- honeydew, watermelon, and cantaloupe- are a sweet way to help keep little ones hydrated when it’s hot out. If it’s hot and you are going to be out and about for a while, we recommend packing fruit in a cooler to keep it nice and refreshing! 

And, if there’s an ice cream truck nearby, remember that sometimes it’s ok to offer a sweet treat. In fact, we encourage it! In our minds, no foods are “forbidden” and we love allowing our little ones these indulgences every once and a while. 

Happy playground snacking!