Being a busy mom is no easy feat, especially when planning and preparing meals that your kids will actually eat.
Between juggling work, family activities, and household chores, finding time to come up with creative and nutritious lunch ideas can feel like an impossible task.
But fear not! I’ve got 17 creative lunch ideas for kids that are delicious and easy to prepare, ensuring your kids look forward to their lunches and you save time and effort.
So, let’s dive in and explore these tasty options that will make lunchtime a breeze for busy moms like you!
Key Takeaways
- Mix up kids’ lunches with creative options like cheese quesadillas, DIY Lunchables, and peanut butter and jelly rollups to keep mealtime exciting and customizable.
- Choose lunches that are fun, even if they’re simple, such as DIY mini pizzas and ‘Octodog’ shaped hot dogs, to encourage their interest in food.
- Balance convenience with nutrition by including homemade versions of popular lunch items like egg bites, chicken nuggets, and pasta salad.
- Remember about dinner leftovers—if your kids liked it for dinner, then waste not, want not!
- Get more help with meal prep for picky eaters if you need some ideas to get your kiddo to eat better at lunch.
17 Creative Lunch Ideas for Kids That They’ll Actually Eat
I’m happy to share some easy and tasty school lunch ideas that my kids are happy with every day of the week- and I’m sure your kids will love them, too.
From cheese quesadillas to DIY pizza, these are sure to shake things up and make lunchtime exciting again.
So, let’s dive in and explore these tasty options!
1. Cheese Quesadillas
When it comes to lunch options, cheese quesadillas are a real crowd-pleaser. Just imagine a crispy tortilla filled with gooey melted cheese and your child’s favorite fillings.
They’re quick to make and can be easily adapted to incorporate a variety of fillings, including leftover vegetables and proteins like chicken or beef.
Paired with dips like salsa or creamy avocado guacamole, these quesadillas become a lunchtime treat that your kids will look forward to.
2. DIY Lunchables
Forget about the store-bought versions; you can create healthier DIY Lunchables using tasty and healthier ingredients.
These homemade lunch kits can include a variety of proteins, carbs, fruits, and veggies, allowing your kids to customize their lunch experience.
Some ideas for homemade Lunchables include:
- Deli meats with cheese and crackers
- Build-your-own pizzas
- Mini sandwiches with different fillings
- Veggie sticks with hummus or dip
- Fruit skewers with yogurt for dipping
You can even use cookie cutters to press designs into the cheese or lunchmeats!
3. Peanut Butter & Jelly Rollups
Give a fun twist to the classic PB&J sandwich with Peanut Butter & Jelly Rollups. They’re perfect for little hands to hold and equally delicious.
Spread peanut butter and jelly on flattened bread slices, roll them up, and slice them into rounds.
You can serve these rollups with Greek yogurt with cinnamon for dipping to get additional protein and some fruit and veggies for a balanced meal.
4. Hot Dogs
Hot dogs are a kid’s favorite, and with a bit of imagination, you can transform hot dogs into fun and tempting lunch options.
For instance, slice them into ‘Octodogs’ – octopus-shaped hot dogs that kids will love. Or you can serve them as ‘Pigs in a Blanket’, wrapped in biscuit or crescent dough with cheese.
These fun and customizable options make hot dogs an exciting lunch choice.
5. Egg Bites
Egg bites are mini egg muffins filled with veggies and cheese, making them a protein-packed lunch option.
They can be customized with a variety of veggies, meats, and cheeses to cater to different tastes, including:
- Spinach and feta cheese
- Broccoli and shredded cheese
- Bacon and swiss
- Mushroom and goat cheese
- Ham and cheese
Plus, egg bites can be an easy meal prep idea, stored in the freezer, and quickly reheated, making them a convenient option for busy mornings and lunches.
6. DIY Pizza
Who doesn’t love pizza? Let your kids create mini pizzas using:
- English muffins
- Pizza sauce
- Cheese
- Vegetables like onions, peppers, and mushrooms
- Their favourite toppings
This not only gives them a delicious lunch but also allows them to experience the fun of making their own food.
7. Hamburgers
Hamburgers can be a fun lunch option for kids. I’m a huge fan of grilled burgers, and leftovers are the best after a good grilling session!
To pack hamburgers for kids’ lunches, wrap each burger tightly in foil to keep them warm and fresh.
Include condiments in small, separate containers to prevent the buns from getting soggy and allow kids to customize their burgers.
8. Chicken Nuggets
Chicken nuggets are a popular lunch choice for many kids. You can make them yourself, which allows you to control the ingredients, or you can go for the store-bought nuggies for convenience.
Serve them with their favorite dipping sauces and sides like crunchy veggies, carrot sticks, or apple slices for a complete meal.
9. Pasta Salad
Pasta Salad is a versatile lunch option that can be made with different types of pasta, veggies, and dressings.
For example, a Sesame chicken-themed pasta salad can provide a lunch that feels more like a satisfying dinner.
Or you can try a Taco Pasta Salad, which includes crunchy corn chips and has proven to be a hit with kids.
10. Pita W/ Hummus
A healthy and filling lunch option is pita bread served with hummus for dipping. It’s a simple yet nutritious choice that’s easy to pack and eat.
This lunch idea requires minimal preparation, especially if you opt for store-bought hummus to save time.
To make it more exciting, you can include kalamata olives, cucumber, or grape tomatoes to eat with the hummus, but see what veggies your kiddo would like with it.
11. Mini Sub Sandwiches
I’m a big fan of grilled cheese and other sandwiches for lunch, so mini sub sandwiches are one of my favorites!
To make them more appealing to kids, consider using a variety of breads like:
- Mini bagels
- English muffins
- Tortillas
- Pancakes or waffles for sweet sandwiches
Toppings can include canned tomatoes, lettuce, and their favorite meats and cheeses.
To prevent the bread from becoming soggy by lunchtime, add a layer of mayonnaise on each side of the roll before adding other ingredients.
12. Pancakes
Who says pancakes are only for breakfast? Pancakes can make a great lunch too!
You can make mini pancakes by thinning regular pancake batter with a little extra milk and squeezing out small amounts using a condiment bottle or icing bag.
Serve them with fruits and syrup for a complete, delicious lunch that your little one will love.
13. Mini Snack Kabobs
Another fun idea is to make Mini Snack Kabobs. Skewer small bites of fruit, cheese, and deli meat on a stick for a fun and portable lunch option.
This is a great way to incorporate different food groups into your child’s lunch in a fun and engaging way. Plus, kids love anything that’s mini-sized!
14. Breakfast Burritos
Breakfast burritos aren’t just for breakfast, they make a great lunch too! These burritos are filling, delicious, and easy to pack for lunch.
Wrap scrambled eggs, bacon, cheese, and veggies in a tortilla. Wrap the burritos tightly and pack them in a lunch box.
15. Mac & Cheese
Mac & Cheese is a universally loved lunch option for kids. Whether made from scratch or using a boxed mix, it’s a surefire hit.
To keep mac and cheese warm for lunch, heat it a little higher than usual and use a thermos pre-heated with boiling water.
I make mac and cheese in the crockpot to make a big batch for the week between all of us for lunches, and my secret ingredient to get a thick, indulgent sauce? Add some cream cheese!
16. DIY Tacos
Let your kids have some fun by allowing them to assemble their own tacos. Provide a variety of fillings and toppings like:
- Ground beef
- Shredded lettuce
- Cheddar cheese
- Fresh tomatoes
- Sour cream
- Salsa
And let them assemble their own tacos. This not only ensures picky eaters eat what they like but also adds a fun element to their lunch.
17. Dinner Leftovers
Don’t forget that last night’s dinner can always become today’s lunch. Repurposing dinner leftovers is an economical and time-saving option.
Whether it’s spaghetti and meatballs or juicy chicken thighs and rice, I’m sure you’ve made some lovely dinners that your kids could eat for lunch, too.
FAQs
What are quick lunches to make for kids?
There are plenty of easy lunch ideas you can make for your kids. Grilled cheese sandwiches, mini sub sandwiches, PB&J pinwheels, and more are flavorful yet simple lunch options.
These quick lunches can be made in about 20 minutes.
How much food should I pack my kid for lunch?
The amount of food to pack in your child’s lunch box can vary based on their activity levels, appetite, and eating habits.
A balanced lunch box should consist of whole-grain carbohydrates, vegetables, protein, fruit, and a water bottle, with additional dairy foods for kids with larger appetites.
If you’re unsure, include a morning snack, lunch, and extra shelf-stable items that can be consumed later if not eaten at school.
You can also consider how large the school lunches are and make something similar or with a little extra for snacks.
When can kids pack their own lunches?
Children can make packed lunches on their own, which can help them understand portion control and food preferences.
Generally, children can pack their own lunches as early as 7 or 8 years old.
Start packing lunches together, and as they get older, let them take the reigns until they can do it solo.
What can I give to my fussy kid for lunch?
For fussy eaters, opt for lunch items that are simple yet flavorful.
Ham and cheese roll-ups with apple slices, Greek yogurt with berries and granola, or mini egg bites with cheese are all great options.
You can also give them a healthy, lunch-sized variation of their favorite meals, such as a mini-pizza made from whole-grain pita bread topped with tomato sauce, cheese, and veggies.
Final Thoughts
Packing a fun, nutritious lunch for your kids doesn’t have to be a daunting task.
My easy lunch ideas, from DIY Lunchables to mini snack kabobs, these lunch ideas are not only delicious but also easy to prepare and packed with nutrients.
With a little bit of creativity and some planning, you can turn lunchtime into an enjoyable experience for your kids.
So why wait? Start experimenting with these ideas and see your kids eagerly waiting for lunchtime!
