If you have kids, summer means one thing – activities to keep everyone from driving everyone else insane. The zoo, water park, pool, museum, baseball games, library, fill in the blank. And with these day trips come expensive concession stands or trips to the drive through. Instead of buying snacks at overpriced food stands, throw a few inexpensive snack options in your bag, and use the extra money to take the rugrats to a movie – they’re entertained and you can take a much-needed nap!

On-the-go snacks for kids under $2

Dum Dums – $.04 ($2.50 / 1 lb bag) We all know that fruit snacks last about 15 seconds. Dum Dum suckers are great for waiting in line or sitting quietly during story time. Kids think they are getting away with something special, and parents are happy the sugar content is pretty equal.

Trail mix – $.94 ($15 / 1 lb of ingredients, about 16 servings) Going for a hike around the museum? Make your own trail mix with things already in your cabinet: raisins, peanuts, cheerios and goldfish!

Animal crackers in the box – $1.69. A box of animals crackers can be a fun “themed” snack for trips to the zoo or farm. Also, the boxes are reusable to bring home treasures or carry trinkets.

Mini apples – $.27 ($3.49 / 3 lb bag) Toddler-sized Macintosh or Lady apples are the perfect, “I can do it myself” snack. They are easy for little hands to hold, mouths to eat – and healthy, too!

Roasted chick peas – $ .11 (16 oz bag): Toss cooked chick peas in olive or coconut oil and roast at 450 for 30-40 minutes, until crisp. Kids will love the crunch and munch style snack, and you’ll love the portable protein!

Peanut Butter & Jelly sandwich – $.64: The classic PB & J is a great snack to take anywhere. But make your little guys feel like they’re eating a special snack with custom shapes from cookie cutters! Splashing at the pool? Use a whale! Cheering on the home team? Try a baseball or bat shaped cutter. The possibilities are endless!

Staying home? Check out these recipes for cheap summer treats!

 

What are your kids favorite homemade snacks?