Snack Time

Summer - the season of the endless picnic - or so it seems! Our family enjoys many weekend getaways over the summer (lots of 3 and 4 day trips vs. big long vacays) and many many outings to parks, playgrounds, nature centers, spraygrounds, pools, zoos, and gardens. I am always thankful for attractions that allow outside food (Kansas City Zoo, all of the local parks and spraygrounds,  Kansas City Royals, some pools like Schlitterbahn, some outdoor theaters, Silver Dollar City, to name a few), and those with nearby picnic tables if food is not permitted inside (Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead, Powell Gardens, Worlds of Fun, LEGOLand, Sea Life, to name a few). Bringing our own food helps stretch the family dollar, is typically healthier than concession stand selections, and  - I don't know about you, but my children eat a homemade Peanut Butter & Banana Sandwich from crumb to crumb while I often lament the "just a nibble" taken from fast food chicken fingers.

With so many picnics and outings, I'm always trying to shake up our snack selection. These are a few of our favorite tips and tricks for snack time on the go!

Snacks on the Go Tips:

• Check with venues in advance to learn whether they permit outside food and drink. Rules will vary. For instance, Starlight Theatre allows one bottle of water per guest, but no snacks. Some venues only permit food in designated areas, such as Powell Gardens. Others strictly prohibit glass bottles or alcohol (most pools and waterparks). Some allow a handstamp to come and go from the attraction so you can eat in your car or nearby picnic area like Worlds of Fun. Others honor a no peanut zone or allergy free restrictions for the benefit of all of their guests. It's always best to verify rules in advance to honor the attraction and those around you - if we play by the rules, they are less likely to tighten restrictions in the future.
• Teach your children to clean up litter and leave spaces nice for the next visitor.
• Invest in a small portable foldable cooler pouch or insulated take-along bag for quick trips when a cooler is too much hassle.
• Rotate the snack variety to avoid boredom, ruts, or setting a flavor palate. 
• Buy Bento Boxes at your nearby big box store and fill them with nutritious snacks for road trips. I always choose snacks with a low crumb ratio, low sticky factor, and no liquids.

Our Favorite On-the-Go Snacks from A-Z:

A: Apricots and Apples - both fresh and dried. I will grab some apples and my apple slicer so I can slice the apple at the park. I slice one at a time and we share until it's all gone to determine whether it is a multiple apple day.

B: Banana Chips - my personal favorite.

C: Cowboy Sundaes - Many historic sites sell old-fashioned candy sticks. Simply stick a hard candy stick into an orange and use it as a straw (it takes a bit of work, but this truly works and kids love it) - Drink the orange juice through the candy stick straw, a favorite scouting memory.

D: Doggie Chow - a.k.a. Puppy Chow This is the puppy chow  and chex mix recipe site I use.

E: Eggs - Hard Boiled or Deviled. We will boil a dozen before a road trip, keep in the Styrofoam carton in the cooler and grab a few for a snack at zoos and parks

F: Fig Newtons - not as messy and a touch healthier than other cookies

G: Granola  - you name it, we've made it, bought it, tried it and we like it all. I'll buy individual travel packs at Costco or Trader Joe's if we're going on long trips.

H: Hershey Chocolate Bars - For a TREAT and every trip with a chance to build a campfire and make s'mores!

I: Italian Subs - buy a hoagie roll, load it with salami, pepperonis, mozzarella, fresh veggies and a bit of spicy mustard. Cut into 1/4ths and it's a quick bite size sandwich our entire family loves. Especially popular for active outings (lots of walking at the zoo, swimming, etc.).

J: Jolly Rancher Lollipops - Another TREAT. We make our own lollipops following these simple steps.

K: Kid Picks - My girls love fruit snacks, dry cereal, granola bars, string cheese, sliced cheese, cracker sandwiches.

L: Lemonade Cookies - Our favorite recipe is here.

M: M & Ms - another treat.

N: Nuts - My girls love peanuts in the shell. We always verify allergy rules in advance.

O: Oatmeal Cookies - This is our favorite oatmeal raisin cookie recipe.

P: Popcorn - Pop it at home and pour into brown paper sacks, or bring a popped bag of microwave popcorn. This is a must for every outdoor theater or sporting event (where permitted). 

Q: Quick Snacks - individual snacks go on sale and coupons are online frequently (install coupon apps for your fave stores, i.e. Cartwheel app for Target coupons). Stock up on out of seasonal treats too (my kids have enjoyed Valentine "snacks" in March).

R: Raisins- buy in bulk and load your own small reusable containers.

S: Sunflower Seeds

T: Trail Mix - we make or buy it (sometimes individual packs at Costco or Trader Joe's) - again verify nut allergies on this one.

U: U Name It - what starts with U?

V: Veggies - Carrots, Celery, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cucumbers, etc - sliced, diced or served as sticks. Add dip to Bento Boxes if you'll be dining at a picnic table (not in the car).

W: Water - It is common for venues to allow one bottle of sealed water per guest even if they do not permit other snacks. This is very helpful when it's really hot. If sealed store bought water is not a requirement, we use our own reusable water bottles (better for the planet). Ask theme parks and shows before you go, but you'll be pleasantly surprised that most do allow this (always bring water to Starlight!).

X: xTras - Pack more than you think you need - especially on long trips. Whatever is left can be enjoyed at home the following week and will simplify your coming week.

Y: Yogurt Stars - A favorite from Trader Joe's

Z: Zoo Crackers - you probably refer to these as animal crackers! :)