Planning a kid’s party can be one of the greatest joys and most daunting tasks of the year. As most parents know, finding the right food to serve can often be one of the biggest challenges. With picky eaters, diverse diets, and sugar-laden treats, it can be a task to find interesting and healthy food items that will please everyone. To make your next kid’s party planning a breeze, below are some of the best food options for kids of all ages.

Ideas for Healthy Snack Options

Starting off with the healthy snacks first can be a good way to ease kids into eating healthily while they’re at your party. Some great ideas include:

  • Fruit such as apples and bananas, or melons and kiwis when in season
  • Homemade granola bars or energy bites
  • Veggie sticks with hummus or salsa
  • Cheese cubes
  • Popcorn
  • Yogurt parfaits
  • Celery with peanut butter

You can also provide a variety of whole-grain crackers and chips for added crunch. Be sure to avoid giving kids snacks that are high in salt, sugar, and trans fats, as these don’t offer any nutritional benefits.

Sweet Treats for a Kids Party

No kid’s party is complete without a few sweet treats. There are several ways you can make desserts healthier while still offering some of the sugary favorites. For example, instead of offering pre-packaged treats like cupcakes or cookies, you can opt for homemade treats like oatmeal muffins or fruit-filled cupcakes. You can also serve sliced fruits with yogurt-based dip or homemade smoothies with natural sweeteners like honey or agave.

Creative Finger Food Ideas

Finger foods are always a great option as they’re easy to grab and get down without making a mess. Some creative finger food ideas include:

  • Mini pizzas
  • Homemade veggie burgers
  • Mini quiches
  • Turkey and cheese wraps
  • PB&J skewers
  • Kebab sticks
  • Cheese slices rolled in tortillas with veggies
  • Mini tacos
  • Healthy chicken nuggets or fish sticks

Drinks for a Kids Party

When it comes to beverages, water is always the best option. You can also provide a selection of natural fruit juices or flavored sparkling waters that are free from added sugars and other additives. For a fun twist, provide different types of herbal teas that kids can mix and match to create unique flavors.

Tips for Serving and Storing Food at a Kids Party

To make serving and storing the food easy, it is wise to invest in robust and reusable containers or disposable containers with tight-fitting lids. This will not only help keep the food fresh but also help to reduce waste. Keep cold food cold and hot food hot by using coolers with ice or warmers. It is important to stay within health safety guidelines at all times when it comes to storing, preparing, and serving food. Make sure to keep the kitchen or eating area tidy and well organized throughout the party to avoid any accidents.

How to Make Planning a Kids Party Easier

Nobody likes sifting through thousands of recipes, so to make things simpler, come up with a concise list of items that can be cooked ahead of time. This can free up time for more fun activities during the party. A couple of days before the party, make sure to check in with guests’ parents to find out about any dietary restrictions or food allergies the kids might have. Also check the number of guests and double check the food supplies you need to buy beforehand.

Unique Themed Food Ideas

To add some extra fun to your kid’s party, why not try creating themed food dishes? For example, if you’re having a pirate themed party you can come up with ideas like: Pirate Skull Cakes, Treasure Map Kebabs, or Pirate Ship Sandwiches. Some other fun themes could include space, princesses, robots, or jungle animals.

Budget-Friendly Food Options

Whether you’re having a small gathering or a larger party, there are plenty of budget-friendly options you can include in your menu. Think about buying items in bulk and look out for deals on food items like fruits and vegetables when in season. You can also get creative by shopping at local farmers markets or even looking for recipes for foods you may already have in your kitchen such as muffins, casseroles, smoothies, pizzas and so on.

How to Keep Kids Safe with Food Allergies

Young children often have allergies to certain ingredients, so it’s important to be mindful of guests’ dietary needs. Ask parents if their kids have any food allergies and make sure to clearly label all foods with their ingredients. Avoid cross contamination by using separate utensils and cookware where necessary. If you plan on serving foods with commonly allergenic ingredients such as nuts or gluten, make sure there are safe alternatives available so nobody feels left out.

With these food tips and tricks, hosting a successful kid’s party will be much easier. Just remember to plan ahead, create a fun menu that meets everyone’s dietary requirements, and be sure to have plenty of supplies on hand.