Affordable Meal And Snack Ideas For Kids

I am partnering with Disney Book Group to help celebrate Pigeon’s 16th birthday. And also to share this all “Affordable Meal And Snack Ideas For Kids” content with you. As usual, all opinions are my own.

Happy 16th BIRD-day, Pigeon!

Every birthday deserves a celebration and that includes Mo Willems iconic Pigeon Series! Can you believe that this great Pigeon series has been around for 16 years already!? My kids love finding Mo Willems Pigeon books whenever we visit our local library. And it’s easy to see why. I love how they feature simple and HILARIOUS stories that kids love, along with adorable illustrations. And the fact that our early readers can manage most of the words is an awesome bonus.

Pigeon Books

So if you’re not familiar with Pigeon books, I highly suggest you check them out. We seriously can’t get enough. And recently, we received ‘Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!‘ in the mail.

This adorable story shares how Pigeon REALLY wants to drive a bus. And after the bus driver leaves you (the reader) in charge, it’s your job to tell Pigeon no. He fusses and begs, and reasons and wails. Will you be swayed?

Make sure you stand firm! Pigeon is NOT allowed to drive that bus. It’s a fun read and kids think Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus is a silly and humorous story. We’ve read it dozens of times since its arrival and they are still begging for more Pigeon.

We’ve found Mo Willems Pigeon Books to bring joy to our little world, so be sure to grab one the next time you visit your local library or book-store. Make sure you visit this July, and get ready for the upcoming new Pigeon book: The Pigeon Has to Go to School (in stores 6/2/19)!

Road Trip

We took our first ever family road trip last year from Minnesota to Kentucky. Our adventure took us to see the Ark and Creation Museum. This was a 15+ hour drive so, along the way, we had to keep the family entertained and be sure to eat. It helps to bring along some of your favorite books, like the Mo Willems Pigeon series.

I know that many kids don’t travel well. You know, the ‘are we there yet’ every five minute riders! So whether you’re heading out on a spring or summer road trip or if you’re just looking for some affordable meal and snack ideas for kids, this post is for you.

Affordable Meal And Snack Ideas For Kids (For Your Next Road Trip!)

Are you planning a spring vacation? Or gearing up for a summer trip? I’m sharing how just a little bit of planning can really help save your wallet and sanity when looking for affordable (and portable) meal and snack ideas for kids! Grab your cooler or a bento box, make a list, and plan to succeed as you tackle the next time your child heads out the door for a long ride. Here are a few tried and true food options to bring with you!

Sandwiches

A good old fashioned sandwich will cost you pennies on the dollar opposed to eating out. Mix it up and try different varieties so you don’t get bored:

Ham
Turkey
Chicken
Roast Beef
Summer Sausage
PB & Jelly
Chicken Salad Croissant
Apple & Cheddar Cheese
Tuna & Cucumber
Almond Butter
Chickpea Pesto
Roasted Pepper & Hummus
Cheese

Another way to mix up the “old sandwich” is to purchase some sub buns, hamburger buns, and flour tortillas so you don’t have to use regular bread every time. It’s amazing how much the “bread” can mix up the flavor.

BONUS SANDWICH TIP:

Buy the small squeeze condiment bottles so you omit the need for knives and spoons for scooping and spreading.

Pretzels

Popcorn

Fresh Fruit

Grapes
Pre-cut melons such as watermelon and cantaloupe
Cuties/ Oranges
Bananas
Apples

BONUS TIP FOR APPLES:

These can be whole apples or cut. If you’re traveling with kids who need them sliced up, just slice ahead of time and “put back together” with a rubber band making the apple whole again. You can prep your apples daily so they stay fresh.

BONUS TIP!

To keep things fresh and fun on a long ride, design your to-go lunches and snacks to mirror things your child loves. We were inspired by Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus to arrange our healthy snack of crackers, cheese and fruit snacks to look like Mo Willems’ bus! It’s a fun way to bring your family’s favorite stories to life, and keep them entertained on a long ride.

Cheese Sticks

Nuts

Cashews, almonds, peanuts, and more. The options are endless with nuts.

Crackers

Purchase a big box and portion out into snack sized baggies to save money. Pre-packaged individual sized options cost more per serving.

Meat Sticks

Veggie Straws

Hard Boiled Eggs

Uncrustables

Fresh Veggies

baby Carrots
Celery Sticks
Cauliflower
Broccoli Florets
Cherry Tomatoes
Cucumber Slices
Green Beans
Sugar Snap Peas
Pepper Slices
Olives

Beef Jerky

Nuts

Trail Mix

There are lots of options when it comes to trail mix!

BONUS TRAIL MIX TIP:

Make your own! Start with inexpensive base of Cheerios and add whatever you want. Options include: raisins, pretzels, nuts, chocolate chips, craisins, and more.

Roasted Chickpeas

Homemade Rice Krispie Bars

Make them in a pan as usual and then wrap individually in saran wrap for traveling.

Yogurt / Go-gurt

With so many yogurt options and flavors, this is usually a crowd pleaser. I suggest getting the single serving containers as opposed to large one on this item. That way, you can just toss the empty containers.

Nilla Wafers

Homemade Lunchables

These are great because you can customize for each person’s personal taste preferences. There are tons of container options for these. Check your local stores or amazon.

Granola Bars

PastaSlaw

Just make ahead and pack along. It’s one pound of pasta cooked, a bag of cole slaw, cooked chicken cubes and topped with a jar of Marzetti slaw dressing.

Popcorn

Homemade Fruit Rollups

Energy Protein Balls

There are tons of recipes online that can accommodate your family’s likes and dislikes.

Pepperoni Slices

Dried Fruit

Chocolate!

You’ll probably need that little boost from time to time. So small little chocolates or mints are a great treat for after meals or when you need a “pick-me-up”.

Pack A Couple Cases Of Bottled Water & True Citrus Packets

Staying hydrated is also super important. But I know that plain water can get boring. So pack along some True Citrus Packets as well for a more enjoyable flavored drink!

BONUS WATER TIP:

Freeze some bottles of water and use them in the cooler as ice! As they thaw, drink them.

BONUS TRAVEL TIP FOR LONG CAR OR BUS RIDES:

Make sure to plan stops and take stretch breaks. Sitting in a moving vehicle for hours on end is really hard on your body and nerves. Take advantage of rest areas and stop every 2 or so hours for a minimum 10 minute stretch break.

And be sure to watch for the upcoming new Pigeon book: The Pigeon Has to Go to School! You’ll find it in stores beginning 6/2/19.

So tell me, have you introduced the Pigeon series to your family yet? If so, which book is your favorite? And be sure to let me know if you have any big plans for an upcoming road trip!