School’s out, and summertime fun is finally here! But, what about the snacks? If you’re tired of hearing, “There’s nothing to eat!” try these cool and refreshing healthy summer snacks for kids.
These easy, make-ahead treats are the ultimate solution for busy parents. Gluten-free and dairy-free, making them a healthier and more budget friendly alternative to the ice cream truck. From naturally sweet frozen treats to creamy chia seed puddings, these snack ideas will transform summertime into fun time!

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Reducing Sugar and Additives: Mom’s Approval
Have you ever looked on the back of the of the package of ice pops (Pop – Ice Assorted fruit freezer ice pops)? They have 21 grams of sugar per serving and are filled with red, yellow, and blue dyes. Yes, they are convenient but I’m pretty sure these are not the best for you.
But wait! Our mom used to get the real deal bargain basement popsicles (remember when it used to have the double stick). Low and behold they contain maltodextrin, aspartame, locust bean gum (what the heck is that anyways?) and some other unknown items.
To give mom some credit, she used to break the popsicle apart so we could share the other half with a friend. At some point in time, she started making homemade popsicles with fruit juice in Dixie cups. These were our favorite and our inspiration for our round up of summer snacks for kids.
Controlling how much sugar and using natural sweeteners like maple syrup and date paste cuts down on the glycemic load. If you can avoid all the chemicals and dyes in the food, you are a step ahead of the rest. Lastly, keeping all the snacks gluten-free, dairy free and some vegan, like some of our favorite breakfasts, makes it convenient for entertaining all the neighborhood children too! (smiling)
Are you ready to explore some healthier snack ideas?
Frozen Snacks
Refreshing Smoothies
Chia Seed Puddings
Fun Beverages and Kid-Friendly Drinks
Quick On the Go Snack Ideas
No Recipe Needed Summer Snacks
- Fruit on a stick
- Strawberries stuffed with homemade coconut whipped cream
- Apple slices with creamy almond butter dip
- Ants on a log (celery stick with nut butter of choice and raisins)
- Sliced veggies like carrots, celery, bell peppers with a red pepper hummus dip
- Mashed avocado or mango salsa on rice crackers
- Sliced hardboiled eggs on cucumber slices.
Summer Snack Planning
Have you noticed that when your family is home over the summer holidays that they eat you out of house and home? They are foraging through the refrigerator, freezer and pantry looking for snacks every 2 hours! It’ so frustrating and don’t even get us started about the MESS!
You need to be one step ahead of the game. Arm your house with these easy grab and go summertime snack ideas. They are perfect for keeping your kids energized and satisfied all season long without all the sugar, gluten, or dairy. Gather your ingredients and your children and let’s make these fun recipes together! You’ll not only create tasty treats but also unforgettable summer memories. Happy snacking!
Kid Friendly Dinner Ideas
Did You Enjoy these Quick and Easy Summer Snack Ideas?
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Karen (Back Road Journal) says
Hi Demeter, nice to have you stop by Bobbi's. I have a friend who has just started eating gluten free and I'm going to pass on you suggestions to his wife. I know she will love having the recipes.
Anu - My Ginger Garlic Kithcen says
Bobbie – I love Demeter’s recipes and her blog. She is just Ah-MAZING with her healthy, vegan and gluten-free recipes. Such a beautiful share! 🙂
Gourmet Getaways says
YUM!
These all look amazing!!
Thanks for sharing
Julie
Gourmet Getaways
Kushi says
Everything looks so gorgeous, healthy and delicious!
Abbe@This is How I Cook says
These do look like great treats. And what a treat to learn about someone new! Thanks Demeter!
ChgoJohn says
Easy to see why BAM asked you to fill in, Demeter. These snacks sound delicious. Im always on the lookout for snacks that friends and family with food issues can enjoy. Thanks to you, I've now got a selection from which to choose. 🙂
Mary @ LOVE the secret ingredient says
The No Bake Bites look like an extra special treat, love the sound of those flavors!
Raymund says
Bring one summer here, its freezing cold and I can just imagine the nice weather on your side of the world
Monica says
All of these look delicious and I feel like each of these would give me energy and last me a while after eating, unlike a lot of other "empty" snacks. Great compilation. : )
Velva says
All these sweet treats look divine. Best part they are healthy too! Thanks for sharing.
Velva
Shashi @ RunninSrilankan says
Bobbie - I am a huge fan of Demeter's and have drooled over so many of these recipes every time she posted them - and today - I'm running out of napkins here!
cheri says
What perfect timing, just yesterday I was looking for some healthy snacks to have around the house and poof the next day they are here. Thank you to Bobbi and Demeter!!
John/Kitchen Riffs says
What a wonderful roundup of gorgeous and delightful treats! So happy to make your acquaintance, Demeter. You've definitely got a way with a recipe. And a camera. Thanks SO much.
Gerlinde @ Sunnycovechef says
Thank you Bobbi and Demeter for posting all these healthy and delcious looks treats. I can't make up my mind which one I would like to try.
Demeter | Beaming Baker says
Bobbi, thank you for such a lovely introduction. As always, you are unbelievably kind, gracious and considerate. 🙂 Thank you for allowing me the pleasure of guest posting. It's been so much fun! I am very lucky to have your friendship. Best of luck on the move. Sending you and your family all my love. xo, Demeter