School’s Almost Out! Smart Snacking Tips for Summer Adventures

School’s Almost Out! Smart Snacking Tips for Summer Adventures

Summer is right around the corner, which means it’s time for road trips, pool days, summer camps, and all the outdoor adventures that make the season so exciting. But with kids on the go, keeping them fueled with healthy, convenient snacks can be a challenge. Whether you’re heading on a long drive, packing a camp lunch, or spending the day at the beach, here are some smart snacking tips to keep your little ones energized all summer long.

1. Choose Nutrient-Dense, Portable Snacks

When kids are busy playing and exploring, they need fuel that lasts. Look for snacks packed with protein, fiber, and healthy fats to keep them satisfied and energized without the sugar crash. Our Amara Breakfast Oat Melts are a perfect choice—they offer fiber from oats and real fruit flavors, all in a single-serve, mess-free pack that’s easy to toss in your bag.

• When kids are busy playing and exploring, they need fuel that lasts. In addition to Amara's Breakfast Oat Melts, consider these wholesome options:

  • Mini Muffins: Bake a batch of Applesauce Mini Muffins or Banana Mini Muffins. They're easy to pack and perfect for little hands. 

  • Cheese and Crackers: Pair cheese sticks with whole-grain crackers for a satisfying protein and fiber combo.

  • Fruit and Nut-Free Energy Bites: Combine oats, sunflower seed butter, and dried fruit to make energy bites that are safe for nut-free environments.

  • Yogurt Pouches: Freeze yogurt tubes for a refreshing treat that helps keep other snacks cool in the lunchbox.

  • Sliced Apples with Sunflower Butter: A classic pairing that's both nutritious and delicious.

2. Keep It Cool

For beach days and outdoor adventures, pack a small cooler or insulated bag with ice packs to keep snacks fresh. 

• Fresh Fruit: Grapes, watermelon cubes, and orange segments are hydrating and refreshing.

• Cheese Sticks: Individually wrapped cheese sticks or slices are convenient and protein-rich.

• Veggie Sticks with Hummus: Pack sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, sugar snap peas, and carrots with individual hummus cups for dipping.

3. Avoid Added Sugars

Many packaged snacks marketed for kids are loaded with hidden sugars that lead to energy crashes. Instead, opt for naturally sweetened, clean-label options like Amara’s Organic Fruit Bites—they have no added sugar and are made with simple, organic ingredients, so you can feel good about every bite.

Trail Mix: Create a mix with whole-grain cereal, Amara smoothie melts or fruit bites, crackers or pretzels, nuts or seeds, freeze dried fruit. Have fun with it!

4. Think Single-Serve for Easy Travel

When you’re on the go, portion-controlled snacks make life easier. Our Amara Breakfast Oat Melts come in convenient single-serve packs that fit perfectly into lunchboxes, backpacks, and diaper bags. No crumbs, no mess, just real nutrition in every bite.

Other great single-serve options:

• Whole grain granola bars (with low sugar!)

• Trail mix (nut-free if needed)

• Individual hummus or guacamole packs with veggie sticks

5. Stay Hydrated

Dehydration can sneak up fast during hot summer days. Encourage kids to drink water by packing fun, reusable water bottles and adding fresh fruit slices for flavor. Avoid sugary drinks and opt for coconut water or infused water for a natural hydration boost.

• Using Fun, Reusable Water Bottles: Let kids choose bottles with their favorite characters or colors.

• Adding Fresh Fruit Slices: Infuse water with slices of lemon, cucumber, or berries for natural flavor.

• Offering Coconut Water: A natural source of electrolytes, it's a good alternative to sugary sports drinks.

• Herbal Tea: Some children will surprise you by enjoying the delicate flavor of a  lightly steepd iced tea. Opt for naturally sweet herbal blends like Hibiscus or Licorice.

6. Make It Fun!

Engage kids in the snacking process by letting them pick their own “snack packs” for the day. Create DIY snack boxes with a mix of fruits, whole grains, and proteins so they feel involved in making healthy choices.

• Snack Dinners: Assemble a variety of small portions—like cheese cubes, sliced veggies, crackers, and fruit—in a muffin tin or bento box for a fun, picnic-style meal. 

• Ants on a Log: Spread peanut butter on celery sticks and top with raisins for a classic, interactive snack.

• Fruit Kabobs: Let kids build their own skewers with pieces of melon, grapes, and berries.

• Mini Sandwiches: Use cookie cutters to make fun-shaped sandwiches that are more appealing to little ones.

Get Ready for a Summer of Healthy Snacking

From road trips to camp lunches, having nutritious, travel-friendly snacks on hand makes summer adventures smoother (and tastier!). Amara’s Breakfast Oat Melts, Organic Smoothie Melts, and Organic Fruit Bites are the perfect grab-and-go options to fuel your little ones—wherever the season takes you.

Stock up now and make this summer deliciously easy!