2026-05-27T08:01:00
(BPT) – For families with young children, summer can feel like one nonstop adventure. From beach days and park visits to playdates, camps and road trips, the season is packed with moments that keep kids moving. Along the way, parents need snacks that are convenient, easy to pack, parent-approved and, most importantly, something kids will actually enjoy while fueling themselves for the next adventure.
Coming up with good options can be a challenge, especially for parents of opinionated preschoolers. While nearly 30% of parents are searching for better-for-you snack alternatives, only 38% report high satisfaction with the current options.
If that sounds familiar, a little planning can go a long way. Here are a few simple, on-the-go snacking tips from Goodies, a new snack brand for preschoolers, to help make busy summer days easier.
Give kids choices, without overwhelming them
Preschool-aged children like to have autonomy, but can also feel overwhelmed by too many decisions. Keep it simple by offering a few parent-approved options so whatever they choose works for you.
Consider creating a special snack drawer, box or spot in the fridge that kids know they can choose from when they’re at home, or when they’re packing their own backpacks for camps, trips and other outings.
Keep them portable
Stick with snack items that can be easily packed, carried and yes, eaten in the car when you’re hurrying from one activity to another. Consider the mess factor also — is this something that could create too many crumbs or spills?
You’ll give kids more of a sense of autonomy by offering them individually portioned snacks like Goodies, small applesauce pouches, or crackers or pretzels that you can easily divide into baggies or reusable containers. It’s also convenient to include snacks that come in their own natural packaging, like clementines and bananas.
Look for snacks made with young kids in mind
Kids want snacks that feel fun, flavorful and made for “big kids,” while parents want options that are convenient, mess-free and made with ingredients they can trust. Goodies brings it all together with bites, bars and crunchy snacks designed for ages 4+.
Each package features playful characters inspired by real kids’ drawings, while the snacks inside were taste-tested by kids and parents. Goodies snacks are non-GMO and gluten free, and contain no artificial sweeteners, food dyes or high fructose corn syrup. They’re also individually portioned, making them easy to pack for camp, road trips, park days and other summer outings.
- Banana Bread Mini Oat Bites: Soft and chewy oat bites bursting with real banana flavor, made with dried fruit and whole grains and no added sweeteners or artificial preservatives, colors or flavors.
- PB&J Poppers: These come in two kid-friendly flavors — Grape and Strawberry — featuring soft-baked peanut and oat crust bars with a delicious jammy filling, plus 6 grams of whole grains, 2 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber per bar.
- Mac & Cheese Noodles: Crunchy, savory Mac & Cheese flavored puffs are noodle-shaped, seasoned with real cheese and packed with flavor.
- Sea Salt Sweet Potato Sticks: Savory and crunchy Sea Salt Sweet Potato Sticks fuel snack time with just four ingredients, and are lightly seasoned with sea salt.
- Cinna-Toast Squares: Bite-sized cinnamon sugar squares for a craveable, better-for-you snack that’s just the right combo of sweet and crunchy.
Newly launched in the U.S., and already loved in nine countries, they can be found in the baby-toddler aisle at select Walmart and Kroger stores, and online via Amazon.
Excite kids with variety
Keep snack time exciting by offering a mix of wholesome snacks in different flavors and textures — from sweet and salty to smooth, creamy, chewy and crunchy. Pairing options like Goodies with favorites such as fresh fruit, applesauce or yogurt helps keep things fun and encourages kids to explore what they love.
By offering practical, portable snacks and giving kids a little room to choose, parents can help keep kids fueled for wherever summer takes them.
