When the Aussie summer hits, kids seem to spend every second outdoors splashing, running, and demanding snacks every five minutes. But keeping them fuelled without resorting to endless ice cream can be tricky. That’s where clever summer snacks come in.

In this post, we’re diving into the best summer snacks for kids that keep little tummies happy and hydrated. Studies say that children aren’t as efficient at cooling down as adults, which means they’re more prone to overheating and dehydration during play or sport in hot weather. Staying hydrated with plenty of cold water and water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumber, and yoghurt helps their bodies cool off and keeps energy levels steady.

Whether you’re packing for a beach day or stocking the fridge for the school holidays, these snack ideas will make you the hero of snack time. Grab your esky and read on for cool, healthy, and fun summer snacks your kids will actually eat.

Keep Summer Snacks Cool, Fun and Nutritious!

Hot days call for healthy bites that keep kids energised and happy. Healthy Parents, Healthy Kids by Dr Nick Fuller shares clever ways to make wholesome snacks exciting, even during summer break. From smart swaps to playful food ideas, this guide helps you encourage healthy choices, no nagging required.

Make summer snacking simple and stress-free. Grab your copy of Healthy Parents, Healthy Kids today and keep your little ones cool, nourished and smiling.

9 Quick Summer Snacks For Kids

When the heat kicks in, kids crave snacks more than ever. These 9 quick summer snacks for kids will keep them full, energised, and cool, all with minimal kitchen time.

Strawberry Chocolate Bark

This fruity twist on chocolate bark makes a fun, summer-ready snack for kids. Sweet strawberries add a burst of freshness to creamy chocolate, making it a perfect cool treat for hot days. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and serve chilled for a refreshing bite anytime. 

Type: Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Contains Nuts, Snacks, Kid Friendly

Serves 5

Prep Time: 10 minutes (+2hrs refrigeration)

Cooking Time: 0 minutes 

Ingredients

• 1 punnet strawberries
• 3 tablespoons natural 100% peanut butter
• 100g 80% dark chocolate 

Recipe

1. Line a baking tray with baking paper. 

2. Wash the strawberries and pat dry with paper towel to remove any excess moisture. 

3. Thinly slice the strawberries and arrange the slices in a single layer on the tray. Try to fit the slices as close together as possible so there are no gaps in between. 

4. Place the peanut butter into a small bowl and microwave for 15 second increments until the peanut butter is thin and runny. Spread the peanut butter in a thin layer on top of the strawberries. 

5. Place into the fridge for at least 1 hour to set. 

6. Break the chocolate into small pieces and place into a small bowl. Microwave in 15 second increments, stirring in between, until melted. 

7. Spread the melted chocolate in a thin layer on top of the peanut butter. It won’t be perfectly even, but ensure that all the strawberries are covered. 

8. Place into the fridge for at least 1 hour until the chocolate is set. 

9. Use a large knife to cut the strawberry bark into roughly 10 square pieces. 

10. Eat immediately and enjoy.

Apple Slice Donuts

These colourful apple slice ‘donuts’ are a fun, refreshing twist on a classic snack, perfect for hot summer afternoons! Simply spread peanut butter or yoghurt on crisp apple rings and let the kids go wild with toppings like granola, sunflower seeds, or dark chocolate chips. They’re cool, crunchy, and packed with goodness for an easy summer snack everyone will love.

Type: Vegetarian, Vegan, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Contains Nuts, Kid Friendly

Makes 10 ‘donuts’

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 0 minutes 

Ingredients

• 2 large pink lady apples
• 3 tablespoons natural 100% peanut butter
• 3 tablespoons of assorted toppings

Recipe

1. Use an apple corer to remove the core of each apple. 

2. Place the apple on its side so that the empty core is parallel to your chopping board. Trim off both ends of the apple, then slice the apple into 5 even slices.  

3. Place the apple slices cut side facing up onto a flat chopping board or plate. 

4. Spread the top of each slice with peanut butter. 

5. Sprinkle the assorted toppings on top of the peanut butter. 

6. Serve the apple ‘donuts’ immediately and enjoy!

Banana Oat Cookies 

These soft and chewy banana oat cookies make the perfect wholesome snack for sunny days! Made with just four simple ingredients, they’re naturally sweet,filling, and great for on-the-go energy during summer adventures. Swap the chocolate chips for chopped dark chocolate, almonds, or walnuts for a fun twist,and store them in the fridge to keep fresh all week long.

Type: Vegetarian, Contains Nuts, Snacks, Kid Friendly

Makes 15 cookies

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes 

Ingredients

• 2 large overripe bananas
• ½ cup natural 100% peanut butter
• 1 cup rolled oats
• ¼ cup dark chocolate chips 

Recipe

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Line 2 baking trays with baking paper. 

2. Add the bananas to a mixing bowl and use a fork to mash. 

3. Add in the peanut butter and oats and mix well to combine. Leave the mixture to sit for 5 minutes to allow it to thicken.

4. Scoop tablespoons of the mixture onto the prepared baking trays. Use a spoon to flatten and shape the mixture into a rough circle.

5. Sprinkle the chocolate chips on top of the cookies. 

6. Place the cookies into the oven and bake for 15 minutes, until set and slightly golden. 

7. Allow to cool on the baking trays, then enjoy.

Hot Cross Bun Bliss Balls

These bite-sized beauties bring all the cosy flavours of a hot cross bun into a cool, summer-friendly snack. Packed with warm spices, dried fruit, and natural sweetness, they’re perfect for when you want that Easter vibe without turning on the oven. Keep a batch in the fridge for an easy grab-and-go treat the whole family will love.

Type: Vegetarian, Vegan, Dairy Free, Contains Nuts, Snacks, Kid Friendly

Makes 15 bliss balls

Prep Time: 15 minutes (+3 hours refrigeration) 

Cooking Time: 0 minutes 

Ingredients

• 1 ripe banana
• ½ cup almond butter
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• ¼ teaspoon Mixed spice
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• Zest of 1 orange
• 2 tablespoons mixed dried fruit and peel

Recipe

1. Line a large baking trays with baking paper. 

2. Add the banana to a mixing bowl and use a fork to mash. Make sure the banana is nice and ripe, meaning it is soft enough to mash easily. Add in the almond butter and mix until smooth. 

3. Add the rolled oats, chia seeds, mixed spice, cinnamon, and orange zest. Mix well to combine.  

4. Stir in the mixed dried fruit. If the mixture feels too dry, you can add one tablespoon of water or orange juice. The mixture should be only slightly sticky. If it is too wet or sticky it will make it tricky to roll into balls. 

5. Leave the mixture to sit for 5-10 minutes to allow it to thicken slightly.

6. Scoop a heaped tablespoon of the mixture and roll it into a ball. Place onto the lined baking tray. Repeat with the remaining mixture until you have approximately 15 bliss balls. 

7. Transfer the bliss balls to the fridge. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours until firm. 

8. Enjoy!

Festive Cheese Trees

Festive Cheese Trees

These adorable festive cheese trees aren’t just for Christmas. They make a fun, protein-packed summer snack too! Arrange them on a colourful grazing board with fresh fruit, veggie sticks, and a side of homemade hummus for a balanced and eye-catching platter. Perfect for holiday gatherings, picnics, or backyard snack time with the kids.

Type: Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Contains Nuts, Snacks, Kid Friendly

Makes 8 trees

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 0 minutes 

Ingredients

• 8 individual light cheese wedges
• 2 tablespoons dukkah seed/spice mix
• 2 long sprigs fresh rosemary, cut into quarters

Recipe

1. Unwrap each individual cheese triangle. 

2. Sprinkle the dukkah onto a small flat plate. Press each cheese triangle into the dukkah mix to coat one side of the cheese. 

3. Take one quarter piece of the rosemary sprig and press into the base of the cheese triangle, to make the stem of the tree. 

4. Repeat for each cheese triangle. 

5. Arrange the cheese trees onto a festive serving plate. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Chocolate Stars

These shiny little chocolate stars are a festive favourite turned summer snack! Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, they’re an easy way to add a touch of holiday magic to your kids’ snack time. Mix and match fillings to suit your crew. Try red and green fruits, coconut, or crushed nuts for a fun and colourful twist.

Type: Vegetarian, Kid Friendly 

Makes 12 stars

Prep Time: 10 minutes 

Cooking Time: 0 minutes (+2 hours refrigeration) 

Ingredients

• 1x 12-hole star shaped silicone chocolate mould or ice cube tray
• 1x 200g block dark chocolate
• ½ cup selection of dried fruits and nuts (we chose toasted slivered almonds, pistachios, white chocolate chips and dried cranberries)

Recipe

1. Break up the chocolate into small pieces and place into a heatproof bowl. 

2. Melt the chocolate slowly in the microwave in 20 second bursts, stirring often, until melted. Alternatively, place the bowl of chocolate over a pot of simmering water and stir often until melted. 

3. Using approximately half of the dried fruit and nut selection, sprinkle each star shaped hole of the chocolate mould or ice cube tray with your selection of dried fruits and nuts. 

4. Pour enough melted chocolate into each star shaped hole to cover the fruit and nuts. Sprinkle each star shaped hole with the remaining fruit and nuts, then top each with the remaining melted chocolate. 

5. Hold the ends of the chocolate mould or ice cube tray and firmly tap onto the bench a few times to release any air bubbles.

6. Place the chocolate tray into the fridge to set for at least 2 hours. Remove the stars from the mould and keep in the fridge until ready to serve, as they will melt quickly. Enjoy! 

Christmas Trail Mix

This festive trail mix brings a merry twist to a classic snack, perfect for summer road trips, picnics, or Christmas movie nights! Packed with crunchy nuts, chewy dried fruit, and a sprinkle of festive colours, it’s a fun and fuss-free option you can make ahead. Store it in an airtight container and enjoy a handful of holiday cheer whenever hunger strikes.

Type: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten Free, Lactose Free, Snacks, Contains Nuts

Makes approximately 12 serves

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes 

Ingredients

• 2 cups of assorted nuts, seeds, and dried fruits.
• (We have chosen whole almonds, cashews, pistachios, sunflower seeds, pepitas and dried cranberries)

Recipe

1. Preheat oven to 180°C. Line two baking trays with baking paper.

2. Arrange the nuts and seeds on the baking paper in a single layer. 

3. Place into the oven for 15-20 minutes, until lightly toasted.

4. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely on the baking trays. 

5. Once cooled, mix in the dried cranberries. Transfer the trail mix to an airtight container. 

6. Enjoy!

Strawberry Banana Santas

These adorable strawberry banana Santas are the ultimate festive summer snack for kids! Made with fresh fruit and a touch of creativity, they’re perfect for parties, picnics, or a healthy holiday treat. Quick to assemble, naturally sweet, and full of cheer, they’ll disappear from the plate fast.

Type: Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Kid Friendly 

Makes 12

Prep Time: 10 minutes 

Cooking Time: 0 minutes 

Ingredients

• 12 medium sized strawberries
• 1 large banana 
• 2 tablespoons cottage cheese
• 24 black sesame seeds

Recipe

1. Slice the stem/leaves off the strawberries to create a flat base for each strawberry. Make another slice parallel to the base, approximately half a centimetre thick. 

2. Slice the banana into 12 slices, approximately half a centimetre thick. 

3. Place the bottom piece of a strawberry onto a plate. Spread with some cottage cheese to create Santa’s beard. Top with one slice of banana, then the remaining piece of strawberry.  

4. Top each strawberry ‘hat’ with a small dollop of cottage cheese. Arrange two black sesame seeds as ‘eyes’ onto the slice of banana. 

5. Repeat with the remaining ingredients to create 12 Santas.

6. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Mango Chia Puddings

These vibrant mango chia puddings are the ultimate summer breakfast or snack — cool, creamy, and bursting with tropical flavour. Layered with sweet, juicy mangoes and smooth chia pudding, they’re packed with fibre and omega-3s to keep little tummies full and happy. Make a batch ahead, store them in jars, and you’ve got a refreshing grab-and-go option for busy summer mornings. 

Type: Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Kid Friendly

Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes (+ 3 hours refrigeration) 

Cooking Time: 0 minutes 

Ingredients

• ½ cup chia seeds
• 1 ¼ cups milk
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 cups Greek yoghurt
• 2 cups frozen mango, chopped
• 1 cup water
• Chopped fruit or nuts/seeds to top the chia puddings (optional)

Recipe

1. Add the chia seeds, milk, and honey to a mixing bowl. Stir well to combine, then place into the fridge for at least 3 hours until thickened. The chia seeds should soak up the liquid and create a pudding-like consistency. 

2. Meanwhile, add the Greek yoghurt, frozen mango, and water to a blender. Blend well to combine. Place into the fridge until required. 

3. Once the chia pudding has set, remove it from the fridge along with the blended mango mixture. Layer the chia pudding and mango mixture between 4 small jars. 

4. Store jars in the fridge until ready to serve. Top each jar with fresh fruit or nuts/seeds if desired. 

5. Serve and enjoy!

Wrapping It Up

Summer snacks don’t have to mean sugar rushes and sticky fingers. With a little creativity, they can be cool, healthy, and totally kid-approved. These recipes make it easy to keep your little ones fuelled and refreshed all season long.

The best part? Most of these snacks can be prepped ahead, popped in the fridge, and enjoyed on the go, perfect for busy summer days at the park, pool, or beach. So grab your ingredients, get the kids involved, and make snack time the highlight of your summer!

Keep snack time cool and colourful this summer! Try these Innovative Salad Ideas for Kids That Make Veggies Fun. Fresh, light, and perfect for warm days.

Stay informed with fresh tips, expert guidance, unique deals, and tailored support!

Click Here

Meet Dr Nick Fuller

My Story

As a father, I know first-hand that raising healthy and happy children is tricky. Children are fussy, particularly at the end of the day when they are shattered. We also live in a society where companies seek to profit from what we feed our kids; incorrect and damaging advice is pushed on us and marketed towards our children, and we have no time.

But with these recipes and resources, you and your children can enjoy simple and well-founded food and lifestyle choices for lifelong health.