10 quick Kid-Approved After-School Snacks

This is my first year with two kids in school — Speed went last year, but he never seemed to be too tired out from the first year. Now that both him and Raru are hitting the books at school a few times a week, I’ve become quite used to what happens the moment we get back home. They feel like they are STARVING and want to eat right away.

They eat a lot at school, but kids need a lot of energy because they spent all day using up their energy. I like to have a snack for them when we get home for them to eat to tie them over before it’s dinner time. I did realize pretty quickly though that there isn’t a huge amount of time for me to get it all together for them. I need it to be quick, healthy and something that they will actually eat and enjoy.

My kids are only in school part time right now — going only 2-3 times a week, so I can re-use many of the recipes for snacks, but have a great group of about 7 that I tend to rotate that are favorites of the kids — but looking around, there are a lot of fun, quick and healthy recipes for after-school snacks!

Click through for 10 after-school snack ideas that are healthy, enjoyable and quick to prepare:

Multi-Grain Chips, Salsa & Guacamole

Kids love being able to dip and you can prepare the dips ahead of time - just pulling them out of the fridge when they get home.

Chocolate Dipped Pretzels

Salty and sweet this snack give just the right protein for hunger and sweetness kids crave.

Peanut Butter & Banana Sandwich

An oldie but a goodie the kids can make this themselves when they come in the door.

Strawberry Jello Cups

Super cute, bite-sized, combining fresh strawberries with the fun of jello provides a quick snack.

Fruit & Cheese Kabobs

Fun to eat, healthy and quick to make.

Popcorn

A kid-favorite, this snack offers more for your nutrition then chips but is still quick and crunchy

Hard Boiled Eggs

The best thing about these is you can make ahead of time and store in the shell, refrigerated for a week.

Glass of Milk or Chocolate Soy Milk

If your kids don't need a huge snack but just a boost of energy, a cold glass of (cow) milk or soy milk could be all they need.

Mixed Nuts

The kids won't need a lot, just a handful will give them the right amount of energy to make it to dinner.