Some of the best snacks to pack are naturally portable: fruits and vegetables. You can pack many fruits, like apples, bananas and oranges, as is, but with many vegetables, such as carrots, you may need to cut them into snack sizes. If you use an insulated food container, you can also pack dips or yogurt to accompany snacks. Snacks provide energy for a long day of walking, so granola bars would also be an excellent choice.
Children tend to prefer sodas and juices, sugary drinks that mostly lack nutrition. Instead, pack bottled water or fill up personal water bottles. Sports drinks are also acceptable because they have less sugar and other energy-dense additives than sodas and juices, and they are formulated to replace fluids in the body.
The key to packing a good lunch for an outing is finger food. Avoid anything that needs a knife and fork to eat. Fried or barbecued chicken can be served at room temperature, in addition to sandwiches, wraps, some mixed salads and deviled eggs. Lunch entree items should be stored cold, especially if they contain mayonnaise. Pack sandwiches disassembled to avoid making the bread soggy.
Avoid sugary foods and drinks, because when children are expected to be alert and physically active, sugar and caffeine make them irritable and provide little energy. Foods with lots of packaging are also best avoided because of the risk of littering in public places.
