As kids get older and are exposed to more and more activities, their lifestyles tend to get a lot busier. They, then, happen to do everything on the go and rarely agree to eat their meals by sitting in one place (lest they miss out on their playtime). However, these are the years in which kids should be given nutrient-rich foods at regular intervals to facilitate healthy growth. Here are some fun and quick snack ideas that will not be met with sour faces; those that can be easily prepared and kept ready for kids who are constantly on the go:

• Hummus and carrot sticks

Serving carrots instead of pita bread with healthy dips such as hummus is a great way to ensure that your children are eating wholesome meals and not just tossing in empty calories throughout the day. It is even better if you make the hummus yourself and keep a pre-made batch ready for snacks at all times.

• Ice pops

Especially popular during summer, ice popsicles are easy to make at home. Kids are sure to love this delicious summer treat that is made from all-natural ingredients; it contains healthy nutrients from fresh fruits. Just pop in a few batches in the freezer and offer them to your kids whenever they need a refreshing snack on a hot summer afternoon.

• DIY trail mix

If your kids are always looking for a quick snack, instead of handing them a bag of chips, keep a batch of trail mix ready. You can combine a bunch of unsalted nuts, seeds, and dried fruit, thereby avoiding excessive salts that may come with store-bought mixes. Simply pack them in a single-serve Ziploc bag and your toddler will be ready to hit the road.

• Melon balls

This is a simple yet fun snack. Just grab a melon baller or an ice-cream scoop and create equal sized-balls from melons or watermelons that can be easily served around with toothpicks or skewers. It can be made extra crispy if the fruit is frozen for sometime before scooping.

• Apple and peanut butter sandwiches

You may have heard of apple and peanut butter as a snack. But you can take it a step further by making sandwiches using the two. Start by cutting up apples into thin, round slices and scooping the seeds out. Spread a moderate amount of peanut butter on one side of each ring and stack them like you would a sandwich. You can stuff this preparation with raisins, honey, and oats as well.

• Oven-baked sweet potato fries

This snack should satisfy all cravings for regular chips in the house because it is simply delicious (and healthier!) Cut up the sweet potatoes into thin, equal-sized wedges and place them in the oven for 25–30 minutes after preheating it to 400 degrees. You can garnish these crispy and flavorful fries with some chopped parsley or cilantro.