School Holiday Lunches: Picnic Prepping and Snacking Tips

The school holidays are upon us, and as we look forward to six weeks of quality time with our children, the question of what to give them for their lunch will be a hot topic in the family home.

Whether you're packing for a day trip or an afternoon in the park or maybe having a chilled day in the house, parents want to make sure that their kids are well-fed and nourished. And, in the current climate, the cost of doing so is a big concern for families across the UK.

With a few hints and tips, you can create delicious and nutritious lunches that will have your kids excited for their next meal during the school holidays.

Makers of the popular school drink SUSO bring you some of the best hacks for picnic prepping and other top tips to make school holiday lunches fun, easy, and healthy.

Practising Perfect Picnic Prep

When it comes to picnics, preparation is key. If you are heading out early then try to pack food the night before, and make sure to have everything you need ready to go.

To avoid any potential mess, separate each food item using reusable containers. It’s also a good idea to freeze some cool blocks to put in your cool bag to keep your food at the right temperature.

Make sure to pack a picnic blanket and some reusable plates, cutlery and cups to make your picnic more comfortable.

And don’t forget kitchen roll or biodegradable wipes to deal with any sticky fingers!

How to Make Healthy Lunches More Fun and Appealing for Kids

If your kids don’t always reach for the healthy snacks, you could try putting stickers on your kids’ fruit or healthy foods to encourage kids to pick those items first out of the lunchbox.

If they see their favourite cartoon character, they may have more positive feelings towards something they wouldn’t normally choose.

Add some creativity to their lunch boxes by using cookie cutters to cut fruits, vegetables, and sandwiches into different shapes and sizes.

Kids love variety, so try switching up their lunches to keep things interesting.

As for healthy snacks, you can pack some cheese sticks, or fresh fruit to keep their energy levels up throughout the day.

Easy and Healthy Meal Prep Ideas for Kids

Using leftovers from the night before can be a quick meal prep if you are in a rush.

If you have leftover chicken, you could make this into a chicken wrap or sandwich and add some salad for a healthy option. For a vegetarian alternative, you could use your leftover vegetables and add them to some cooked pasta which can then be eaten cold or hot.

Another great meal prep option for busy parents is to make a big batch of healthy muffins or granola bars over the weekend and use them for kids’ lunches throughout the week.

These can be customised with different fruits, nuts, and seeds for variety. Another idea is to make a big batch of homemade soup or chilli and freeze it in individual portions for easy reheating if you are spending the day at home.

For a sweet treat why not try making some pancake tacos. You can make your own pancakes or buy some from the shop. Fold like a taco and fill them with different fruits which your children like best. Hey presto, you have a sweet snack that your children will enjoy, and which is still healthy!

Hydration and Snacking Tips for Kids on the Go

While your children are playing and burning energy, especially in the warm weather, it is important for them to stay hydrated. Packing some portable soft drinks will ensure your children can stay hydrated whatever the weather.

Portable snacks like fruit cups or squeeze yoghurts can be great options for kids who are on the go and don’t take up much room in your cool bag either.

Top tip! You can freeze some squeezable yoghurts which will ensure they stay cool for longer or which can be enjoyed as a frozen snack.

Fruit skewers can be a great portable snack and make eating fruit more engaging for children. Chop up some fruit that your children enjoy and put them on a wooden skewer. This will create a colourful display as well as being a nutritious snack.

With a little planning and preparation, packing healthy and delicious kids’ lunches can be a breeze!