Easy Homemade Travel Snacks

Roasted Green Peas — Dane Tashima

Whether you're hopping on a plane or hitting the highway, it's guaranteed that your kids are going to need a snack when you travel. Sure, you can pick up something at the airport or a gas station, but chances are you'll be spending big bucks or buying junk food (or both!). Instead, bring one of these easy-to-prep snacks on the road. You'll save some dough and know that your kids are eating snacks they love... that just happen to be healthy.

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Popcorn trail mix — Sara Haas

Sara Haas

Popcorn Trail Mix

This sweet and salty snack comes together in minutes and is cheaper, tastier, and healthier than store-bought mixes. Before traveling, package individual servings in plastic bags or lunch-size paper bags. To make it more fun, let the kids decorate the bags using pens, pencils, crayons, markers, or even stickers.

The raisins, apple rings, peanuts and almonds can all be replaced with another variety of dried fruit or nut. Experiment and have fun!

Serve this snack to older kids, since popcorn and whole nuts are a choking hazard for kids under age four.

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Carrot-corn muffins — Sara Haas

Sara Haas

Mini Carrot-Corn Muffins

Use sturdy napkins to transport these tasty, veggie-filled muffins. Place the muffins in the middle, draw up the sides and tie with string or ribbon. The napkins do double-duty: acting as a pouch and containing the crumbs while the muffins are enjoyed.

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Honey Star Bite Sandwiches — Sara Haas

Sara Haas

Nut Butter and Honey Star Bites

To make these adorable mini-sandwiches, lay three slices of whole wheat bread onto a clean plate or counter. Spread 2 tsp. of nut or seed butter onto each slice. Spread 1/2 tsp. honey on top of each slice and dust with ground cinnamon. Then sandwich with three more slices of bread. Gently press down on the sandwiches with clean hands. Using a small, 2-inch star (or other shaped) cookie cutter, cut out mini-sandwiches. You should get about 4 per sandwich.

Don't throw away the sandwich scraps! Save them for yourself or for other family members who don't mind a more "rustic-shaped" snack.

Makes 4 servings, 3 (2-inch) stars each.

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Dried Cherry Bars — Jennifer Causey

Jennifer Causey

Dried Cherry Bars

These easy-to-make granola bars are packed with whole grains, honey, and other wholesome ingredients. You may make them for travel, but we predict they'll become part of your regular snack rotation.

7 Great Granola Bars for Kids

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Healthy Snacks: Cheese Crackers

Make your own snacks and save money with Catherine McCord's cheese cracker recipe.

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Cinnamon Apple Chips — Photograph by Beatrice Peltre

Photograph by Beatrice Peltre

Cinnamon Apple Chips

Baking apple slices "low and slow" will give them the crispy, crunchy texture of a potato chip. No oil or salt required!

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Raspberry-Orange Punch recipe image — Lauren Volo

Lauren Volo

Raspberry-Orange Punch

Take a smoothie to go for an easy, filling snack. Strawberries, raspberries, and banana round out this bright, lip-smacking drink while adding loads of fiber and Vitamin C.

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Roasted Green Peas — Dane Tashima

Dane Tashima

Roasted Green Peas

When your kid is craving something crispy and salty pull out this surprisingly delicious snack. Using frozen green peas makes this nibble extra-simple to prepare.

By Sara Haas and Parents' Editors

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