After a long day at school, kids can't wait to unwind and enjoy an afternoon snack. After all, it's been hours since lunchtime—but it's still too early for dinner. While this hunger witching hour might seem like it'll make dinner a lost cause, the right after-school snack can serve as a nutritious and satisfying appetizer that'll help them power through homework and afternoon activities. We're sharing some of our favorite easy, quick, and delicious foods for your young ones to munch on; they'll make your afternoons simpler and theirs fuller.
From lip-smacking salty snacks to scrumptious sweet bites, you'll find the perfect after-school snack for your little ones here.
17 Quick Dinner Ideas for Kids That the Whole Family Will Love
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Homemade Guacamole
For a no-cook appetizer that's healthy to boot, you can't go wrong with homemade guacamole. Spread it on toast or serve with tortilla chips, sliced vegetables, or pita bread.
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Baked Sweet-Potato Chips
Made with just four ingredients, this crunchy snack will satisfy kids and adults like. Our version is flavored with salt and lime juice, but you can switch it up with other dried herbs and spices.
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English Muffin Pizza Snacks
Who says pizza can't be a snack? Our take on the beloved bagel-based classic starts with an English muffin instead. It's a snack that will handle their hunger—and yours!—until the homework's done.
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Ham-and-Apple Wraps With Dip
Here's a healthy, hearty, and satisfying snack your kids are sure to love. In 15 minutes, you can prepare these yummy wraps to appease any little ones scouring the pantry before dinner.
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Cucumber-Blueberry Smoothie
This antioxidant-packed smoothie will give your kids the boost they need after a long day of learning.
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Crunchy Caramel Popcorn
Indulge your kids' popcorn cravings—this extra-crunchy version (with some sweetness) will make them applaud after school. If you have some adventurous eaters at your table, try our Coconut-Caramel Popcorn.
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Cranberry-Oat Cereal Bars
Soothe after-school hunger with nutritious, easy, and delicious snacks your scholarly tykes are sure to savor. Kids will love these sweet oat treats.
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DIY Dried Fruit Granola Bites
Try these DIY granola bites for a healthy after school snack. They're made with whole ingredients and nothing artificial.
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Peanut-Butter Granola Balls
Made with honey and dried fruit, these afternoon treats sneak a little nutrition into homework time.
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Crispy Cereal Treats
Put a decadent spin on their favorite breakfast with these updated takes on classic cereal bars. We're sharing four rich recipes that will have everyone asking for seconds.
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Ants on a Log
Using assorted dried fruit adds a colorful twist to this kid-favorite snack.
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Maple-Nut Granola
The classic fall flavors of this granola make for a delicious and filling breakfast or afternoon treat.
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Chocolate-Coconut Graham Crackers
These cookies are incredibly easy to make; toasting the shredded coconut brings out its nutty flavor.
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Pear With Honey and Pecans
A single serving of this after-school meal offers up both fiber and healthy fats.
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Pita Nachos
Whip up these mini pizzas for your kids to enjoy during their homework session.
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Healthy Oatmeal Cookies
It takes just ten minutes to prepare the dough for these sweet, crunchy treats, and you can feel good about serving them to your kids since they're made with whole-wheat flour.
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Warm Fruit-and-Nut Snack
This healthy trail mix is a perfect nosh for kids while they're completing math homework or working on their art projects.
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Cheddar Carrot Balls
These cheddar-carrot balls are a snack that's fun for kids. They're so creamy and delicious, you'll want to make extra for yourself.
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Cinnamon Tostada
Kids (and grown-ups, too) will love this updated version of cinnamon toast.
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Yogurt Ranch Dipping Sauce
Made with mayonnaise and Greek yogurt, this dipping sauce makes for the perfect after-school snack when paired with crunchy carrots and fresh red peppers.
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Frozen Fruit Salad
Placing ordinary fruit in the freezer for an hour gives this classic snack a fun, new snap.
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Guacamole Hummus
This snack is a delicious combination of two favorites dips. With loads of avocado and chickpeas, this flavorful bite packs a punch. Serve it with tortilla chips for a crunchy taste that's sure to be a hit.
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Spicy-Sweet Maple Snack Mix
As the name of this snack entails, it's the perfect combination of spicy and sweet. It gets its kick from cayenne pepper and pepitas, while its sweetness comes from maple syrup.
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Pizza Crackers
You can use any of your favorite pizza toppings on these crackers. Try diced deli ham, chopped bell pepper, or pineapple chunks.
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Kettle Chip Nachos
Older kids will love this easy snack because it packs a kick. Featuring jalapeños, two types of cheese, and the perfect crunch from kettle chips, this twist on classic nachos will quickly become a new favorite.
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Peanut-Butter Granola Bars
These homemade versions of a favorite snack food are filled with healthy fruit and nuts and are very simple to make.
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Pull-Apart Pigs in a Blanket
This party favorite is sure to be a hit with your kids after school. Flaky dough is wrapped around bite-size hot dogs for a savory snack.
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Sushi Surprise
Offer an unexpected twist on an afternoon snack of raw vegetables—wrap them up in bread to look like sushi.
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Popcorn Balls
Try substituting other types of dried fruit and nuts for the raisins and peanuts for a fun twist on the classic popcorn ball.
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Cereal Mix With Parmesan
Our version of this classic mix features pretzels and wholesome cereals plus the grown-up flavors of olive oil and Parmesan.
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Tortilla Cups With Yogurt and Fresh Fruit
Give yogurt and fruit a special twist by serving them in these tortilla cups.
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White Bean Dip
Everyone will love this dip, so make some extra. It will keep, refrigerated, for three days.
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English Muffin With Apple and Cheddar
This delicious sandwich is a quick and satisfying meal for hungry kids just off the bus.
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Snowflake Quesadilla
With these snowflakes, only the cheese melts. Fold a flour tortilla in half, then in thirds. Snip out shapes, unfold, and use as the top of a quesadilla.
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Edamame Spread
This protein-packed spread is sure to delight, especially when paired with salty crackers.
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Watermelon-Strawberry Pops
Try this refreshing pop to energize your kids after a long day at school.
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Crunchy Roasted Chickpeas
This crunchy snack is so perfect, your kids will ask for it in their packed lunches, too.
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Tiny Tuna Melts
These mini sandwiches are the perfect kid-sized snack.
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Pineapple-Coconut Smoothie
From the school bus to a tropical island, the kids will love this fruity snack after a long day of school. Featuring pineapple, coconut oil, and chia seeds, it comes together in only five minutes but will tide them over for hours.
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Peanut Butter and Jam Crepe Roll
Use crepes to turn a classic sandwich into a specialty snack.
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Chocolate Banana Pops
These pops will quickly turn into warm-weather favorites.
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Creamy Zucchini and Ricotta Spread
This spread is the perfect match for chips and crackers, but it's also the perfect starting point for a great sandwich.
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Bird Haven Farm Applesauce
With only 15 minutes of prep, this sweet applesauce is just the snack to tide kids over until dinner is ready.
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Zucchini, Banana, and Flaxseed Muffins
The zucchini and banana help create a soft and tender muffin, while keeping it low in fat.
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Loaded Sweet-Potato Skins
These savory snacks are the perfect snack to keep your kids full until dinner.
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Granola With Pecans and Dried Fruit
Enjoy this granola with milk or yogurt, or just eat it plain.
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Toasts With Cream Cheese and Fruit
As it turns out, toast isn't just for breakfast. Transform this simple after-school snack into a fun activity by setting up a DIY toast bar.
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