Best Hiking Snacks for Kids (Healthy, Tasty, Quick Recipes)

by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff

Image © Rex Roof; Flickr.com

Kids can get pretty hungry on a hike. But some foods are no good in such a situation. It can be a challenge trying to find the perfect balance. A good hiking snack should be healthy, energizing, and lightweight. With kids, it's very important for snacks to be tasty as well. Otherwise, they are just not going to eat them and there's no point. As a former nanny turned homeschool mom, I have found the best hiking snacks for kids are those we make ourselves.

Snack Bars

No, we're not talking those sugary concoctions they sell in the store. You can make your own snack bars for the kids. They'll taste better and be healthier too! That's a win-win for parents and kids both. First, spread about 2 cups of oats on a baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes, until lightly toasted. Next, take another baking sheet and line it with recycled aluminum foil. Grease the pan.

Mix together (in a bowl) the oats, 2 eggs, a cup brown sugar, 1tbsp canola oil, ½ cup almonds, 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice, 2 tsp pure vanilla extract, 1 tbsp flour, and 1 cup chopped dried fruit of choice. Spread this mixture out flat onto the baking sheet and put in oven for 20-30 minutes (until lightly browned). Let it cool and cut into even bars. Pack them along for a lightweight, energizing, and tasty snack for the kids.

Trail Mix

Once again, this won't be a store-bought selection. Give your kids a tasty treat with less of the unhealthy stuff and more flavor and healthiness. Many foods can be used to create unique trail mix. Plain, cereals, such as Cheerios, are great for trail mix. Pretzels, nuts, and various dried fruits can also go into it. A healthy trail mix should include a variety of ingredients that balance together.

To make any of the below trail mix combinations, simply combine equal amounts of ingredients in a portable container. Be sure to use a container that is lightweight, easy to pack, and convenient to eat from. Let the kids help in making the trail mix. For fun, they can seal the container and shake it up. This blends the ingredients in a fun way. Hey, adults might like to loosen up and shake the trail mix, too! C'mon, it's fun! You know you want to!

Cereal Trail Mix Ingredients

Cheerios
pretzel sticks
dried cranberries
almonds
carob chips

Nutty Trail Mix Ingredients

almonds
pecans
peanuts
cashews
raisins
dried cranberries
carob chips

Hearty Trail Mix Ingredients

Cheerios
pretzel sticks
dried cranberries
carob chips
banana chips
dried apricots
almonds
cashews
pecans

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network