55+ Simple to Pack and Healthy Road Trip Snacks for Kids

The best part of an epic road trip is the healthy snacks for the kids and the quick meal in a charming public park that you found spontaneously with your GPS.

There are many ways to stay healthy while on the road, starting with the foods that fuel your body.

Say no to the drive-through and the icky gas station grub and find a quiet, peaceful pet-friendly park. Take a walk with your pup and the kids to get the sillies out, eat a healthy light meal, and keep going.

If you have your snacks and meals planned out and packed, it’s easy.

After reading this, you have no excuse not to be prepared, as I am providing 100 healthy snacks and a few quick meals to prep and pack.

I would love to hear your ideas, too.

Affiliate Disclosure: There are affiliate links throughout this post. This means if you click on a link and purchase a product through that link, then I will receive a small commission for the referral. And that is kinda cool.

Tips for Packing Road Trip Snacks for Kids

• Get the kids involved in the entire process, from creating the menu, to grocery shopping, prepping, and packing.
• Freeze a few of your water bottles to use as ice initially for your cooler. And you can drink them when defrosted.
• Pack individually wrapped snacks to grab and go.
• Kids also love bright colored containers like these from NomBox.
• Pack reusable utensils. You’ll need them.
• Focus on non-messy snacks. But, know that there will be crumbs. Accept this and move on.
• Pack more food than you think you will need, maybe even some emergency backups.
• And pack plenty of water for hydration.

What You Will Need to Pack and Transport the Road Trip Snacks for Kids

• Cooler ~ I like this one, it’s big, but it will hold everything.
• Ice packs for the cooler.
• Freeze a few water bottles to use for ice and to drink when thawed.
• Reusable utensils.
• Ziplock bags, large and small.
• Colorful plastic containers (the kids love these).

Here is a thorough list of top tips for packing a cooler like a pro.

Savory Healthy Road Trip Snacks for Kids

• Beef Jerky ~ Many make this homemade, so if you find a simple recipe, go for it. And let me know your secret.
• Goldfish ~ A crowd favorite.
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Cheese sticks
• Crakers and cheese
• Hummus packs by Sabra a perfect dip for carrots, red peppers, Pita chips, or to spread on crackers.
• Rice cakes
• Olives

Sweet Road Trips Snacks for Kids

• Protein bars ~ Be careful when choosing your protein bars as many are full of sugar and ingredients that no one can pronounce. Make sure to select all-natural ingredients and a low amount of sugar when choosing protein bars. Lara Bars are minimally processed and are my favorite.
• Raisins
• Greek yogurt and berries
• Squeezable Gogurt
• Peanut butter ~ Dip apples, celery, or pretzels, rice cakes, or spread on crackers. Full of protein, filling for those little tummies, and delicious. But leave it off the menu if there are nut allergies in the family.
• Fig Newtons
• Yogurt smoothies
• Chocolate milk
• Protein Drinks (watch the sugar content).

Crunchy Road Trip Snacks for Kids

I add this as a category because my entire family loves to crunch. I don’t know if it’s soothing for them or what, but it is a thing. So, pack plenty of these if you’re a family of super crunchers.

• Pretzels
• Goldfish
• Crackers
• Wheat thins
• Plantain chips
• Animal Crackers
• Graham Crackers
• Veggie Straws
• Pringles
• Vanilla Wafers

Fruit Snacks for Kids

• Grapes ~ Ninja trick—freeze your grapes, then pack them in the cooler, they’re crisp and can serve as an ice pack until thawed enough to eat.
• Dried fruits ~ Careful with the sugar content. Purchase dried fruit with only fruit as the ingredient. Often you can find these in the produce department.
• Slices apples
• Apple Sauce
• Bananas
• Strawberries
• Apple or Banana chips
• Berries (blackberries, blueberries, raspberries)

Veggie Snacks for Kids

Veggie slices dipped in Ranch dressing or your homemade hummus. And celery pairs perfectly with almond butter.

• Carrots
• Celery
• Red pepper slices
• Edamame
• Cauliflower
• Broccoli
• Cucumber slices

Homemade Road Trip Snacks for Kids

Get the kids involved. Make a list a few days before, collect your ingredients, and make this part of the fun of packing for your family road trip.

• Chex Mix ~ Here is a quick treat the kids can make themselves. Combine Corn Chex, Rice Chex, Wheat Chex (add chocolate Chex if you want), nuts (optional), mini-pretzels, tiny bagel chips, Bugles, melted butter, and salt. Spread out on a roasting pan and cook on 250 for an hour.
• Rice Krispie Treats ~ The recipe is on the Rice Krispie Box, and it is so simple. The kids can prep this, too.
• Trail Mix ~ Nuts, seeds, dried fruit, dark chocolate chips. Maybe for fun, add M&Ms, marshmallows, or granola.
• Popcorn with a Twist ~ Melt butter and combine with a Hidden Valley Ranch packet. Mix it with your popped popcorn for a savory, crunchy snack. Fill up those baggies and pack away for when the cravings hit. Plus, popcorn provides fiber and a bonus carb boost.
• Brownies for a Treat ~ Here are a few tips on the best brownies ever, including the mix.
• Mini-muffins ~ Banana bread or pumpkin spice are the all-time favs in this family.
• Chocolate Chip Cookies ~ My favorite recipe is on the back of the Nestle Tollhouse chip bag here.
• Crispy Chickpeas ~ Combine one can of chickpeas with olive oil, sea salt, and your seasoning choices such as chili or taco spices, everything bagel spice, or maple syrup for a sweeter taste. Bake on 425 degrees for 30 minutes.
• Homemade Hummus ~ Full of protein and filling. Blend chickpeas, EVOO, salt, and garlic. Add roasted red peppers into the blend for a pop of color and taste.

Quick and Light Lunch Ideas

• Turkey and cheese rollups with spinach wrap.
• Ham and cheese or Pepperoni and cheese on Hawaiian rolls.
• Pita pocket sandwiches ~ Canned tuna, lettuce, and tomato. Or stuff with turkey, cheese, and your homemade hummus.
• Create your own Bento Box, or let the kids make their own.
• Bagels and cream cheese. Pack some Lox for something special.

HERE is a PDF Printable Packing List for Your Road Trip Snacks.

If you have your snacks and meals planned out and packed, it’s easy. No excuses now not to be prepared, as I’ve provided 55 healthy snacks and a few quick meals to prep and pack for your epic road trip with your kids.

What simple to prepare and easy-to-pack road trip snacks for kids would you add to this extensive list?