55 Kid-Approved After-School Snack Ideas

August 1, 2023
7 mins read
These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

I have been a parent for almost 19 years and of all the things I’ve learned, one remains true to this day: every child everywhere will want a snack the minute they get home from school!

Kids‘ bodies seem to innately know when the end of the school day is, which immediately signals the stomach growl. With the school year quickly approaching for so many, it is time to start thinking about all those snacks we need to have ready for the next 180 days. These best kid snacks are sure to please hungry tummies and bring smiles to little faces.

Related: 50 Easy Lunch Ideas For Kids

Best After-School Snacks For Kids

The snacks I love best are the ones I can either make earlier in the day and have waiting or ones their little hands can help make to have some fun in the kitchen. On go-to for me are fluff recipes, which fit both of those requirements! Banana SplitCookies and Cream and S’mores fluff can be sitting in the fridge waiting for the kiddos to get home.

The Crock Pot Chili’s Copycat Queso is another great make-ahead option. All kids have to do is grab some tortilla chips and dip. Plus, after they taste-test it, the rest can be used for a Taco Tuesday supper!

Related: 35 Quick and Easy Dinner Ideas For Kids

Healthy After-School Snacks For Kids

Looking for something nutritious to give the kids? My Fruit Salsa is always a huge hit and the Veggie Dip Cups are super cute and perfect for on-the-go snacking too! Air Fryer Zucchini Chips will give them that fry or potato chip feeling but with something green. The Strawberry Banana Smoothie will provide the energy they need to power through homework or after-school sports. And the Rainbow Fruit Kabobs are as pretty as they are tasty and perfect for when school days are still sweltering.

Related: 57 Healthy and Delicious Low-Calorie Snacks

Fun Snacks For Kids

Sometimes you want to take things up a notch, and that’s where these fun snacks some in. I can’t wait to try the Ocean Water Punch with my little guy and if you have huge Mandalorian fans in your house, the Baby Yoda Macaron Cookies are going to score you major mommy/daddy points! Oreo Dirt Cups are always a huge hit with kids because they come with a “yuck” factor that makes them laugh.

Related: 45 Best Lunchbox Ideas For Kids

I might not be ready for the school year to start, but I feel better knowing that these snack recipes will make sure I’ve got that part of back to school madness covered. Take a look and bookmark your favorite ones to try! 

Best After-School Snacks

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

Jessica Wrubel

This TikTok sensation combines two favorite sweet treats into one dynamo bite.

Get the recipe: Air Fryer S’mores Cookies

Related: 21 Best S’mores Dessert Recipes

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

Krista Marshall

Tastes just like the ice cream sundae favorite in every single spoonful.

Get the recipe: Banana Split Fluff

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

Parade

Feel good about giving kids one of their favorites because these are just as tasty as the store-bought but without artificial ingredients.

Get the recipe: Homemade Fruit Snacks

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

Krista Marshall

You think you have self-control until you start eating chips and salsa!

Get the recipe: Copycat Chili’s Salsa

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

Krista Marshall

You can make this sweet and salty snack all your own by adding your favorite things.

Get the recipe: Sweet ‘n’ Salty Trail Mix

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

Krista Marshall

Fresh fruit salad with a sweet and tangy dressing thanks to honey and lime juice.

Get the recipe: Honey Lime Fruit Salad

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

Krista Marshall

Who needs dough when you can make pizza crust out of mozzarella sticks?

Get the recipe: Cheese Stick Pizza

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

Krista Marshall

Bring the campfire fun inside any afternoon of the week with this chocolatey goodness.

Get the recipe: S’mores Fluff

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

Krista Marshall

The name might scare parents, but it will only make kids want to eat it more!

Get the recipe: Frog Eye Salad

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

Krista Marshall

Let the kids sample a little bit for a snack and then plan the rest for a Mexican night supper.

Get the recipe: Crock Pot Copycat Chili’s Queso

Related: 42 Best Mexican Crock Pot Recipes

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

Krista Marshall

Give the kids something refreshing to sip as they head outside to play on a hot day.

Get the recipe: Strawberry Lemonade

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

Krista Marshall

No need to hit the drive-thru after school when you can make these at home.

Get the recipe: Copycat Dunkin’ Donuts Carrot Muffins

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

Krista Marshall

Salty pretzels are taken to a whole new level with some Everything But The Bagel seasoning blend.

Get the recipe: Everything But The Bagel Pretzels

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

Krista Marshall

Keep a box of Texas toast-style garlic bread in the freezer so the kids can have a mini pizza party any day of the week.

Get the recipe: Garlic Bread Pizzas

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

Krista Marshall

Oreo fans will jump for joy at this creamy chocolatey sweet treat.

Get the recipe: Cookies and Cream Fluff

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

Theresa Greco

Kids will love this fun twist on a fry. Plus a yummy strawberry yogurt dipping sauce.

Get the recipe: Watermelon Fries

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

George Duran

Kids will love coming home to their own little party appetizer.

Get the recipe: Pigs-in-a-Blanket

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

Honeysuckle

This retro treat used to be in every freezer. Now you can easily make them at home.

Get the recipe: Fudgesicles

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

Krista Marshall

Grab some graham crackers or cinnamon sugar chips and jump in!

Get the recipe: Fruit Salsa

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

Krista Marshall

All the flavors from the beloved candy in a bite-sized muffin.

Get the recipe: Peanut Butter Cup Mini Muffins

Related: 32 Sweet and Savory Peanut Butter Recipes

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

Krista Marshall

If the kids love pickles, the dill flavor in these little crackers will be right up their alley.

Get the recipe: Lemon Dill Snack Crackers

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

Parade

Make the cups early in the day and then let the kids fill them when they get home for a fun interactive snack.

Get the recipe: Granola Cups with Yogurt

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

Georgeann Bell

How can you make popcorn better? Add cheese and bacon, of course!

Get the recipe: Cheddar Bacon Popcorn

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

Smartfood

The perfect sweet and salty caramel-flavored snack.

Get the recipe: S’more Popcorn Bars

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

Spend With Pennies

Running short only time? This quick dip is something you can throw together last minute.

Get the recipe: 5-Minute Taco Dip

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

The Country Cook

Any Star Wars fans will flip for these adorable, yummy cookies.

Get the recipe: Baby Yoda Macaron Cookies

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

South Your Mouth

These aren’t your grandma’s RKT. They have double the butter, extra marshmallows and vanilla!

Get the recipe: Best Ever Rice Krispie Treats

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

Spend With Pennies

Chewy coconut cookies with candy eggs, or in the spring use a marshmallow chick!

Get the recipe: Birds Nest Cookies

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

Plain Chicken

Put a little kick into your afternoon snack routine with this five-ingredient recipe.

Get the recipe: Buffalo Ranch Crackers

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

Plain Chicken

Kids are such fans of anything ranch flavored, you know these will be a hit.

Get the recipe: Cheesy Ranch Crackers

Related: 14 Ranch Recipes For The Ranch-Obsessed

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

Southern Bite

If you have peanut butter lovers in your house, they will run to the front door knowing these are waiting on them.

Get the recipe: Chewy Peanut Butter Cookie Bars

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

Julia’s Simply Southern

Nachos made from apples with delicious toppings. Let the kids make their own!

Get the recipe: Chocolate Dipped Apple Nachos

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

Plain Chicken

The perfect savory and sweet bite. These are great for game day and tailgating too.

Get the recipe: Funnel Cake Dogs

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

Spend With Pennies

Who doesn’t love an ooey gooey mozzarella stick? These can be fried or baked!

Get the recipe: Gooey Cheese Sticks

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

The Country Cook

An easy no-bake treat with a creamy filling made from whipped topping and instant pudding.

Get the recipe: Graham Cracker Goodies

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

The Country Cook

Grab a tall glass of milk because you will need it with these peanut butter bars covered in chocolate.

Get the recipe: Grandma’s Peanut Butter Bars

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

Plain Chicken

Keep an extra can of biscuits in the fridge for when the kids are craving a pizza-inspired snack.

Get the recipe: Hasselback Pizza Biscuits

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

Spend With Pennies

Making caramel corn at home is almost as easy as bringing home a box from the store.

Get the recipe: Homemade Caramel Corn

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

Spend With Pennies

Most kids today haven’t had homemade pudding. Surprise them with this old-fashioned treat!

Get the recipe: Homemade Chocolate Pudding

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

The Country Cook

Take the kids on a little staycation any afternoon of the week.

Get the recipe: Ocean Water Punch

Related: 30 Best Bridal Shower Punch Recipes

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

Spend With Pennies

Kids always get grossed out with this dessert, but love it all the same.

Get the recipe: Oreo Dirt Cups

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

Plain Chicken

The key to this fun snack is a spaghetti sauce packet!

Get the recipe: Pizza Pretzel Nuggets

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

Spend With Pennies

Only 20 minutes from start to finish these can be customized for each person.

Get the recipe: Quick and Easy Bagel Pizzas

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

Spend With Pennies

With that rainbow of colors, you know these will taste great while being healthy too.

Get the recipe: Rainbow Fruit Kabobs

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

Plain Chicken

Yes, you can make Chex Mix in your slow cooker, making it so easy!

Get the recipe: Slow Cooker Chex Mix

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

Spend With Pennies

Look what you can do with a box of Jello and grapes!

Get the recipe: Sour Patch Grapes

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

Spend With Pennies

This smoothie will give the littles the energy they need to power through homework hour.

Get the recipe: Strawberry Banana Smoothie

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

Spend With Pennies

In only three minutes with three ingredients, you can be dipping cookies in a funfetti frosting.

Get the recipe: Dunkaroo Dip

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

The Country Cook

Muffins are such a great make-ahead snack. Have them waiting for the troops as soon as they get home.

Get the recipe: Milk Chocolate Chip Muffins

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

South Your Mouth

No oven is required for these peanut butter cookies with quick-cooking oats topped with chocolate chips and M&Ms.

Get the recipe: No-Bake Monster Cookies

Related: 27 Best No-Bake Desserts and Treats

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

Plain Chicken

The perfect mix of sweet and salty in every single bite.

Get the recipe: Praline Popcorn

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

Spend With Pennies

So tasty the kids won’t even notice they are eating their vegetables.

Get the recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini Chips

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

Plain Chicken

You only need four ingredients and 10 minutes to have this flavorful snack ready to go.

Get the recipe: BBQ Ranch Popcorn

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

The Country Cook

Perfect if you need the kids to grab a snack and get in the car onto the next activity.

Get the recipe: Veggie Dip Cups

These snacks will make you the coolest parent on the block.

The Best Ideas For Kids

Greek yogurt, pureed fruit and honey are all you need for these poppable snacks.

Get the recipe: Frozen Yogurt Bites

Related: 30 Best Greek Yogurt Dip Recipes

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