Kid-Friendly Snacks for Traveling That Parents Will Love

You and your kids will forever treasure the memories you make on family vacations. From exploring amusement parks to visiting faraway family members, you’ll look back fondly at the times you spent together.

However, the “travel” part of traveling can come with some speed bumps — literally and figuratively. Young kids can get fussy when stuck in a car or plane for too long, and you’ll soon grow weary of the question, “Are we there yet?”

One way to keep the kids entertained while you travel is to pack a variety of yummy snacks. Kid and toddler snacks for travel should be fun and super tasty, and we have some ideas to keep you and your little ones relaxed throughout the journey.

The Importance of Nutritious Snacking While Traveling

Travel can be tedious for kids and adults alike. You’re stuck sitting in a small area, so it’s easy to grow impatient, especially for kids who don’t understand patience the way grown-ups do. Plus, for adults, there’s the added stress of leaving home on time, getting through airport security, experiencing delays that impact your layover or forgetting to get gas before you go.

Packing nutritious snacks is one simple step that can make travel that much smoother. If you’re going on a road trip, for example, you won’t have to make as many stops at convenience stores to pick up a bag of chips. You can also pack more substantial foods — like subs — to save the time and money you’d otherwise spend at a drive-thru restaurant. When you’re flying, you can be prepared during long layovers or delays while avoiding those hefty airport store costs.

The choice of snacks is also essential. Some snacks might hurt your child’s stomach, while others could cause a crumbly mess in your car. Choosing travel snacks for toddlers can be challenging, especially when your mind is consumed by boarding times and packed suitcases, so we’re breaking down some tasty travel snacks and meals for kids.

Nutritious Snacks for Kids on Long Car Journeys

You can maintain a healthy lifestyle and nutrition on travel days with the help of some tasty snacks. If you’re traveling by car, these road trip planning tips and snack ideas will make packing snacks easy peasy:

• Fruit and vegetable chips: These are an excellent option for picky eaters since they offer the appeal of chips with a healthier twist. You can purchase fruit and veggie chips at the store or make your own in the oven.
• Energy bites: Making this tasty treat is easy. Combine rolled oats, honey, unsweetened coconut flakes and nut butter, and then roll the mixture into small balls. Let them chill in the refrigerator for a few hours, and then pack them into a Tupperware for the car ride. If you want some sweetness, you can add dried fruit or chocolate chips to the mixture.
• Egg muffins: These are an excellent high-protein snack that kids might find yummier than hard-boiled eggs. Plus, they’re a great way to sneak some veggies in.
• Pasta salad: If you want a delicious and filling meal, pasta salads are the way to go. They are customizable and easy to throw together before hopping in the car.
• Granola bars: Like energy bites, homemade granola bars are pretty simple to make, and they require many of the same ingredients. However, there are also some yummy store-bought options available.
• Fruit and cheese: This snack option is easy and healthy — perfect for throwing in the lunchbox at the last minute. You can mix and match to create your kid’s new favorite combo.
• Crispy chickpeas: Season chickpeas with curry, salt, pepper, garlic powder or cinnamon, and throw them in the oven for a crunchy road trip finger food.
• Rice cakes: For a quick snack, choose rice cakes. There are lots of flavors, like cheddar and chocolate, and you can take them to the next level with toppings like deli turkey or peanut butter.
• Mini sandwiches: Here’s a classic option you can never go wrong with! There are endless options, from ham and cheese to PB&J.
• Juice boxes or chocolate milk: You can’t have snacks without something to drink! Bring along these options to keep your kids happy.

Smart Packing Strategies for Road Trips

Since you’ll be in one space for a long time without much room to move around, how you pack your snacks is important. Here are X tips for smart snack packing:

• Use resealable bags and bowls: The snacks you pack for your kids must be easy for them to open. Packing snacks in resealable bags or small bowls with covers is the best.
• Prevent messes: Kids might not mean to be messy, but they often are. To prevent messes, you can pack bite-sized foods that are easy to eat. You can also avoid foods like crackers that create lots of crumbs.
• Keep your snacks accessible: Place your snack box, lunchbox or cooler somewhere that’s easy to access. You don’t want it to end up underneath your luggage!
• Use reusable ice packs: If you’re packing food like cold sandwiches or fruit, place reusable ice packs in your cooler to keep them fresh.
• Pack cleaning supplies: Keep your car — and your hands — clean by packing paper towels, wipes and hand sanitizer.

Airplane Snacks and Ensuring a Happy Tummy on Flights

TSA lists food items that you’re allowed to bring on an airplane, so finding some good airplane snacks for toddlers and kids is pretty easy. Unopened solid food items can be transported in your carry-on bag for easy access during your flight. Here are some tasty and filling options that will keep your little one happy until you land:

• Beef jerky
• Cheese and crackers
• Nuts
• Popcorn
• Dried fruits
• Trail mix
• Granola or protein bars
• Muffins

Travel Snack Planning FAQ

We’re answering some common questions about packing car or plane snacks for toddlers and kids.

1. What Are Some Mess-Free Snacks for Travel?

Kids can be messy, so getting ahead of the issue is the best way to avoid having to clean up after them. While delicious, snacks like granola bars and muffins can create lots of crumbs and may not be ideal for the messy toddler. Some mess-free snacks you can pack instead include:

• Beef jerky.
• Nuts and dried fruits.
• Cheese cubes.
• Carrot sticks.
• Apple slices.
• Applesauce pouches.

You’ll also want to pack wet wipes, paper towels, napkins and hand sanitizer to clean up after eating.

2. How Can You Incorporate Vegetables Into Travel Snack Time?

Many children don’t love vegetables, but there are some fun ways to make them more appealing. You can pack hummus, ranch or peanut butter to make them more appetizing, or you can pair them alongside tastier snacks like pretzels and cheese. You can also create veggie kebabs by sliding grape tomatoes, cucumber slices, fresh peppers and baby carrots onto a stick.

3. Are There Foods You Should Avoid When Traveling?

Not necessarily! You can certainly pack snacks like candy or potato chips, but make sure to serve them alongside healthy and filling foods like mini wraps, cheese, fruit, nuts or fresh veggies.

4. What Snacks Can You Pack for Motion Sickness?

Motion sickness is a common problem when traveling. If your child’s stomach gets upset during long car rides or flights, snacks like ginger bites may help. Remaining hydrated also lessens the chances of motion sickness, so be sure you and your child both drink lots of water during your journey.

Take Care of Your Child’s Diet While You’re on the Move With Nurture Life

Finding the perfect family meals and recipes for travel can be a challenge with so many logistics already occupying your mind. Let travel meals and snacks be one less thing to worry about with Nurture Life.

Nurture Life provides freshly made meals, snacks, and crustless sandwiches that are made specifically for babies, toddlers and kids — and they’re delivered right to your door. Our hassle-free, nutritious meal options are travel-friendly and perfect for car trips or plane rides. Explore how it works, and choose your plan today!