Is it weird that even though it’s usually total chaos, I can’t wait to get back on the road again!? Traveling with three young boys (Sawyer 10, Jackson 8, and Ford 4) is no easy task. Super fun, yes, but definitely not easy. But here’s the thing: I love to travel and I want my boys to see the world. So we take a family road trip once a year. We visit family, go through four states, see the Grand Canyon, and even bring our dog, Jeffrey.
One of my keys to traveling with kids and keeping my sanity? The snacks. Ah, the power of a snack! I bring healthier options with us, so we’re not all filling up on the endless amount of junk food that we encounter at gas stations. Here are the five game-changing snacks that we never hit the road without. Try ‘em out!
1. Fresh Veggies in a Jar
I store some of our favorite veggies in plastic mason jars with lids because a.) Even my minions can’t break plastic and b.) The lids have holes in the top, which keeps the veggies from getting soggy. I fill the jars with baby carrots, celery sticks, broccoli, and tomatoes. I pack hummus in a small disposable dressing container that the kids can pass around. It’s fresh, healthy, and the hummus adds some protein.
2. Coconut Almond Granola Bars
These homemade granola bars have it all: oats, puffed rice cereal, coconut, almonds, and even CHOCOLATE CHIPS! I use almond butter, instead of peanut butter (since my kids attend peanut-free schools). Yum!
3. GoGo squeeZ YogurtZ
These pouches are filled with real yogurt and fruit. You know what they don’t have? Artificial ingredients. My kids love these things. GoGo squeeZ YogurtZ pouches are also incredibly convenient: They can be stored at room temperature until opened. You don’t need a spoon, so there’s no mess to clean up. Another bonus: They’re only 90 calories per serving! And yes, they’re absolutely scrumptious.
4. Rice Cakes with Fun Toppings
One of my favorite go-to snacks as a mom: rice cakes. They’re portable and customizable. I’ll top them with peanut butter, honey, and raisins for a fun twist on ants on a log. Or, since Ford is not into raisins, I’ll finish his off with almond butter, honey, and sliced apples. Delicious and super simple.
5. Homemade Trail Mix
I’m a big fan of customizing my trail mix, since my kids can be picky about what they want to eat at any given moment. Sound familiar? So, before we hit the road, I create these DIY reusable snack bags and fill them with almonds, dried cranberries, yogurt chips, and granola.
Photo: The Chic Site by Rachel Hollis
