Camping Snacks for Toddlers

Warmer weather is here and many of us are dusting off the tents and sleeping bags and getting ready for a camping trip! I know how important it is to have a stash of toddler friendly camping snacks that are nutritious, keep well, and have minimal-mess.

Here’s a list of my favourite camping snacks for toddlers that are low-mess, won’t stain clothes, and are super easy to prepare and pack. As a dietitian and mom, I have created this snack list to help keep your little campers happy and nourished!

Table of contents

• Best Camping Snacks for Toddlers (nutritious and low mess!)
  • 1. Fun Fruit Kabobs
  • 2. Pre-cut Veggies
  • 3. Mini sandwiches
  • 4. Homemade LaraBars
  • 5. Yogurt Pouches
  • 6. Smoothie Packs
  • 7. Muffins
  • 8. Homemade Energy Balls
• Additional Feeding Tips to Make Life Easier

Best Camping Snacks for Toddlers (nutritious and low mess!)

1. Fun Fruit Kabobs

Fruit kabobs are a fun way to get some colour into your toddler's diet while camping. I like to use a variety of soft fruits that are easy for little hands to manage, such as:

• Strawberries (halved and tops pre-cut, trust me on this one!)
• Banana slices
• Soft melon
• Mango
• Kiwi
• Blueberries

Thread these onto kid-safe skewers or sturdy straws for a fun and mess-free snack. Just make sure to cut the fruit into feeding appropriate shapes and sizes for your little one.

2. Pre-cut Veggies

It’s always helpful to have veggies on hand—they make for easy, low-mess snacks and offer a great opportunity to keep exposing your little one to a variety of vegetables, even while camping! Slice soft vegetables like cucumbers and bell peppers into manageable, bite-sized pieces. This not only makes them easy to eat but also reduces the risk of choking. For harder veggies, consider lightly steaming them before cutting to soften them. For grape and cherry tomatoes, cut length wise. You can also bring some dips such as hummus, Greek yogurt ranch, or high-protein edamame guacamole. Store these pre-cut veggies in ziplock bags in your cooler for easy access.

3. Mini sandwiches

Mini sandwiches are perfect for little hands and can be filled with all sorts of delicious, toddler-friendly ingredients. My go-to fillings include:

• Smooth peanut butter (or any nut or seed butter) and banana. I highly recommend using a "supercharged" peanut butter when camping - where additional boosters have been added in like chia seeds or flax. You can check out my protein-packed supercharged nut and seed butter here.
• Cream cheese and thinly sliced cucumber
• Hummus and soft roasted veggies

If you're feeling extra creative (and have the time!), you can cut the sandwiches into fun shapes using cookie cutters or these shape cutters to make them even more appealing. Choosing a whole grain bread will help boost the fibre content, we LOVE Portofino Whole Wheat Bread, it has a good amount of fibre and my kids love the texture and taste.

4. Homemade LaraBars

Homemade LaraBars are a fantastic, nutritious option, and you can easily make them at home! They’re made from simple ingredients and are easy to pack. For a great recipe, check out this Homemade LaraBars recipe. These bars are packed with fibre and energy to keep your little one going all day.

5. Yogurt Pouches

Ok, yes, yogurt can be messy, but yogurt pouches help remove that problem! They are mess-free and can be stored in a cooler. Look for brands with no added sugar and the "Greek" variation for higher protein content. If you can't find any yogurt pouches - you can make your own! Simply take your favourite yogurt and add it into a reusable pouch such as these ones.

6. Smoothie Packs

Before heading out, prepare some fun smoothie packs! Blend your toddler’s favourite smoothie and then pour the mixture into reusable pouches.

🧊 Pro Tip: Freeze smoothie packs overnight so that they’ll double as ice packs in your cooler and thaw just in time for a cool, refreshing snack! Here are some of our favourite smoothie recipes: Chunky Monkey Smoothie, Strawberry Calcium-rich Smoothie, and this Strawberry and Peanut Butter Smoothie!

7. Muffins

Muffins are a great snack to prep ahead of time and have on hand. They are easy for toddlers to hold and eat, and they don't create much mess, making them a convenient and healthy choice for your camping adventures. Plus, they store well and can be enjoyed at any time of the day. Check out these muffin recipes here: ABC Muffins for Toddlers, Almond Flour Zucchini Muffins, or these zesty Lemon Blueberry Muffins.

8. Homemade Energy Balls

Energy balls are one of my favourite snacks to bring camping, they’re quick to make, easy to pack, and just the right size for kids. They hold up well in a cooler and are great for a quick boost between activities. We love these Apricot and White Chocolate Energy Balls, they’ve got just the right mix of sweet and satisfying, and they’re always a hit with toddlers (and grown-ups too!).

Additional Feeding Tips to Make Life Easier

Bring a little fold-out table and chair: It’s much easier for your toddler to eat at a small table than on your lap or while running around.

Use ziplock bags and have extra on hand: These are incredibly convenient for storing and carrying snacks during outings. They keep everything fresh and are easy to grab on the go.

Have veggies and fruit on hand: Fresh produce like bananas, apples, and sliced grapes are great to have on hand.

Cooler foods: Be sure to pack a cooler to keep perishable snacks like cheese, hummus, and yogurt fresh and safe to eat during your trip.

Pack a snack caddy: Bring along a small bin stocked with wipes, bibs, and a picnic blanket, having everything in one place makes snack time so much smoother when camping!

Camping with toddlers can have its challenges but ensuring you are stocked and prepared with your snacks can help! These ideas are tried and true, making them perfect for keeping your little ones happy and well-fed on your outdoor adventures. So pack up, head out, and enjoy every moment with your tiny campers!