9 Kid-Friendly Snacks for Your Next Road Trip

Make those long car rides run even smoother with these kid-proof snack ideas.

By: Farima Alavi

Related To:

Summer road trips are fun, but they can also be chaotic and messy with little ones in tow. Make your road trip a breeze with our snack ideas, so you can get the most out of all the spots you explore.

Ice-Cube Food Tray

Ice Cube Tray Food Holder

An ice cube tray makes a mess-free food holder for toddlers and small children.

Fill an ice cube tray with small snack foods like pretzels, berries, crackers and cheese cubes to keep all your kid's favorite foods in one spot. Well, mostly.

Mini Bagel Pizzas

Healthy Snack for Kids: Mini Personal Bagel Pizzas

Skip the frozen bagel pizza bites and let your children customize their own mini pizzas using healthier ingredients. Set up a pizza bar with mini whole wheat bagel halves, marinara sauce and toppings like chopped vegetables, ground beef, diced ham, pepperoni, shredded mozzarella cheese and feta cheese crumbles. Once your child creates his own personal pizza snack, bake for around 10 minutes or until the cheese has melted.

Photo by: Jacob Blount; Styling By: Callie Blount

Jacob Blount; Styling By: Callie Blount

Pizza isn't easy to eat in the car, but sometimes that's all your tastebuds want. For an easier way to eat it, top a toasted bagel with your favorite toppings.

Breakfast Cookies

Healthy Make-Ahead Breakfast: Super Easy Breakfast Cookie

Cookies for breakfast? Indeed! There’s nothing easier or more exciting for little ones than a nutritious (and equally tasty) cookie for breakfast in the morning. This quick stir-together-and-bake cookie gives you everything you want in a breakfast without the extra sugar and junk you don’t. Get the recipe >>

Photo by: Gretchen Brown, RD

Gretchen Brown, RD

Are you getting a super early start on your road trip? Make these breakfast cookies the night before, so you can grab and go as soon as you wake up.

Make This: Easy Breakfast Cookies

Sushi Sandwich

Healthy Snack for Kids: Chicken Salad Sushi

No special equipment or ingredients required to make these fun chicken salad sushi roll ups at home. Simply press out a piece of soft white bread (or let the kids smash it with their hands) on a large Swiss chard leaf, then top the bread with chicken salad, cucumber sticks and carrot sticks. Roll the “sushi” and slice into 1-inch pieces. These little sushi rolls are adorable for snack time, a picnic or packed in a lunchbox.

Photo by: Jacob Blount; Styling By: Callie Blount

Jacob Blount; Styling By: Callie Blount

Eating a sandwich can get messy real quick, so make a bite-sized version. Simply press out a piece of soft, white bread (or let the kids smash it with their hands) on a large Swiss chard leaf, then top with chicken salad, cucumber sticks and carrot sticks. Roll the “sushi” and slice into 1-inch pieces.

Sausage Pancake Muffins

Photo by: Savour Imagery LLC

Savour Imagery LLC

Your kids can still have their favorite breakfast even if you're on the road. These are so good, you'll want one (or two) muffins for yourself.

Make This: Sausage-Filled Pancake Muffins

Cheese Straws

Cheese Straws For Cold-Weather Entertaining

No fall or winter party is complete without the classic cheese straw. A savory combination of butter and cheese gets an added kick from cayenne pepper, making them a crowd-pleasing appetizer or hearty snack.

With more protein than French fries, your kids will stay full longer. Plus, they're fun to eat!

Make This: Cheese Straws

Dressed Potato Chips

Easy and Mobile

In addition to keeping the seasonings and topping contained, strawberry baskets make it easy for guests to walk around while continuing to eat.

From: Brian Patrick Flynn

Photo by: Flynnside Out Productions

Flynnside Out Productions

Top regular or kettle potato chips with cheese and spices, and place in disposable berry baskets for an easy way to eat and control portions.

Water Bottle Snack Holder

Camping Hacks

Keep snack bags to a minimum by filling water bottles with candies and crackers. You can place the bottles in your car's cup holders for easy access.

Veggie Nuggets

Easy, Healthy Dinner: Veggie Nuggets

Need help getting your kids to eat vegetables? Try making these easy veggie nuggets that highlight things that kids love: nuggets, dipping and finger food. They can be served as a snack, as a meal or even tucked into lunch boxes. Get the recipe >>

Photo by: Sally Kuzemchak, MS, RD

Sally Kuzemchak, MS, RD

Sneak some vegetables into your kid's diet even while on the road. These nuggets are made with carrots and broccoli, and they taste great warm or cold.

Make This: Veggie Nuggets

Dressed-Up Popcorn

White Chocolate Peppermint Popcorn Recipe

If Santa left a sleigh full of candy canes at your house this year, and you're wondering what to do with them all, here is an easy peppermint flavored recipe that is guaranteed to please!