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22 Healthy After School Snacks Your Kids Will Love

After a long day at school, children of all ages look forward to unwinding with a satisfying after-school snack. Whether they’re in preschool or nearing graduation, the right snack can bridge the gap between lunch and dinner, providing essential nutrition and energy for homework and activities.

This “hunger witching hour” is an opportunity to offer healthy and delicious options that can help fuel your kids’ afternoon. A well-chosen after-school snack not only keeps them satisfied but can also set a positive tone for the rest of the day.

Here are some quick and easy snack ideas that are both nutritious and appealing to kids:

Salty Snacks: Consider options like whole-grain crackers with cheese, popcorn, or veggie sticks with hummus. These choices provide fiber and protein, helping to sustain energy levels.

Sweet Treats: Fresh fruit, yogurt with granola, or whole-grain muffins can satisfy sweet cravings while delivering vitamins and minerals.

1. Blue Wave Smoothie Bowl

sea creature shaped fruit on a blue smoothie bowlMike Garten

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2. Celery Snails & Caterpillars

after school snacks celery snails and caterpillarsSteve Giralt; Prop stylist: Megan Hedgpeth; Food styling: WD Food Dept

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3. Apple Nachos

afterschool snacks apple nachosDANIELLE OCCHIOGROSSO

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4. PB&J Bars

afterschool snacks pb and j barsMike Garten

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5. Peach Melba Pops

after school snacks peach melba pops

Mike Garten

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6. Ranch Popcorn

a pile of ranch popcornMike Garten

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7. Apple Energy Balls

afterschool snacks apple energy ballsDANIELLE OCCHIOGROSSO

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8. Fruit and Nut Bars

20 school lunch ideas for picky eaters, fruit and nut bars

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9. Soft Pretzels

after school snacks soft pretzels

Woman’s Day Edit Team

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10. Snack Mix

three bowls of snack mix on black backgroundClaudia Totir//Getty Images

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11. Crispy Chickpeas

after school snacks crispy chickpeasMike Garten

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12 Apple Chips

dried apple slicesImage Professionals GmbH//Getty Images

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13. Broccoli and Cheddar Rollups

afters school snacks broccoli and cheddar rollupsPhoto credit: Chris Court; Food stylist: Justine Poole; Prop stylist: Lucy Tweed

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14. Carrot Cake Bites

after school snacks   carrot cake energy bitesWoman’s Day

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15. Frozen Tropical Fruit Kebabs

a group of frozen tropical fruits with melted white chocolateMike Garten

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16. Peanut Butter and Jelly Muffins

after school snacks peanut butter and jelly muffinsKAT TEUTSCH

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17. Hawaiian Fresh Fruit Salad

fruit salad in a glass containerIvan Bajic//Getty Images

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18. Wafflecakes

after school snacks   wafflecakesAntonis Achilleos

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19. Gummy Lobsters

after school snacks gummy  lobster cookiesMike Garten

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20. Summer Melon Slushies

three slushiescon poulos

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21. Rhubarb Twists

after school snacks rhubarb twistsWoman’s Day

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22. Brownie Bites

freshly baked homemade brownie muffinKarl Tapales//Getty Images

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