30 Fun Kids Lunch Ideas

Tips for packing kids' lunches

Below are a few tips on how to keep your grandchild's meal fresh throughout the school day.

• Pack it up the night before.

• Placing your grandchild's lunch in the fridge the night before allows it to stay colder for longer and saves you time in the morning.

• Use an insulated lunch bag.

• Having an insulated lunch box with two cold packs (one on the top and one on the bottom) will keep your grandchild's food cold and fresh.

• Put your most perishable foods near an ice pack.

• Perishable foods are likely to go bad first. Therefore, it's best to keep them near an ice pack so they remain cool.

30 Tasty Kids Lunches

Packing your grandchild's lunch can easily turn repetitive with the same type of sandwich, snack, and sweet treat. Below, discover both hot and cold kids' lunch ideas you can try out.

1.Yogurt bowl

Breakfast for lunch is always a hit, especially when it involves a delicious yogurt parfait. This lunch includes a serving of yogurt and various toppings of your choice, such as berries, chocolate chips, and cereal. If you want a higher protein option, opt for Greek yogurt and add a hard-boiled egg on the side.

2.Cottage cheese

Instead of choosing yogurt, change things up and create a lunch that has a base of cottage cheese. You can make this meal both sweet and savory by pairing it with pineapple, berries, peppers, and whole-grain crackers. It's simple, easy, and healthy.

3.Cheese waffle sandwich

This cheese waffle sandwich gives you the best of both worlds breakfast and lunch combined. Plus, you only need two ingredients: an egg and finely shredded cheese. However, if you want more of a fluffy waffle texture, add flour to the recipe. This lunch option is high protein and pairs well with a side of fruit or vegetables.

4.Mini pancakes

Mini pancakes shouldn't only be enjoyed on the weekends they make a great weekday lunch option too. From a homemade whole wheat blueberry to a rich banana chocolate chip, the choices are endless. You can pair the mini pancakes with a side of bacon or sausage and cottage cheese with berries for extra protein.

5.Bagel sandwich

Bagels are a solid foundation for a tasty sandwich. They're easily customizable, pairing well with both sweet and savory toppings to create a variety of lunch options. From Greek yogurt and fruit to egg salad or pizza toppings, there are plenty of options to keep your grandchild satisfied throughout the week.

6.Banana zucchini muffin

This convenient, healthy, and delicious muffin is made with bananas, zucchini, and blueberries. You can make these muffins gluten and dairy-free, and they store well for days in an airtight container. You can pair this with fresh fruit and yogurt for a delicious, sweet meal.

7.Cereal

When you're short on time, cereal is an easy hit your grandchild will love. Place the dry cereal into a container, and make sure to not forget a carton of milk on the side. For added protein, you can throw in some hard-boiled eggs or a Greek yogurt parfait.

8.Homemade uncrustable

Make your own version of this twist on a classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich. They're perfect if your grandchild doesn't like the crust. You can use a sandwich cutter and sealer, or simply cut the sandwich with a knife and press the edges together with a fork. Pair the sandwich with some carrots and sliced fruit for a well-balanced lunch idea.

9.Banana pinwheels

If your grandchild isn't a fan of jelly, they might enjoy a nut butter and banana roll-up. Simply spread your nut or seed butter onto a tortilla, add your banana, then roll it up, and slice it into pieces. It's the perfect healthy lunch entree option for children who have a sweet tooth.

10.Turkey and cheese wrap

A classic turkey and cheese wrap is a go-to lunch option when you need something quick and easy. All you need is a tortilla, turkey, cheese, and whatever toppings the child in your care enjoys. Pair the roll-up with yogurt, trail mix, and berries for the perfect sweet, salty, and satisfying cold lunch.

11.Veggie hummus wrap

If your grandchild follows a vegetarian diet, or you're trying to sneak more vegetables into their meals, try this hummus and veggie wrap. You can use lettuce, bell peppers, cucumbers, and sprouts to fill up the tortilla. You can add simple sides such as fruit, yogurt, or a muffin.

12.Italian sub sandwich

Whether you buy a pre-made sandwich or create your own at home, a chopped Italian sub is a quick, delicious, and filling lunch option. You can include ham, salami, turkey, pepperoni, or a combination of multiple lunchmeats. Add lettuce, tomato, and cheese to the sandwich and pair with fruit and chips.

13.Homemade lunchable

Create a homemade healthy lunchable. For this bento box-style lunch, add in crackers, cheese slices, and their favorite deli meat, such as salami or ham. For sides, you can add grapes, berries, and a sweet treat like chocolate or a muffin.

14.Hummus and pita bread

Hummus and pita bread is an easy yet elegant lunch option. If you want to give them the full Mediterranean experience, pair it with cucumber tomato salad, and falafel.

15.Protein snack box

Protein boxes make a great low-effort lunch you can throw together in a matter of minutes. All you need is a protein option, such as deli meat and cheese cubes, a fresh vegetable or fruit, and a crunchy snack. Don't forget to include a dipping sauce like hummus or ranch for extra flavor

16.Hard-boiled egg bento box

Hard-boiled eggs are a great high-protein option that can be the base of your grandchild's lunch. To create a bento box-style meal, pair the eggs with pretzels, berries, and bell peppers.

17.Pizza sliders

If your grandchild loves pizza and sliders, why not combine them into one dish? These pizza sliders are a breeze to make with Hawaiian rolls. Just assemble your sliders, bake, and serve. Plus, they're customizable. You can add pepperoni, sausage, cheese, olives, jalapenos the options are endless.

18.Egg salad

Egg salad is another great high-protein lunch option for kids. To add even more protein, you can substitute Greek yogurt and avocado for mayo. Transform it into a well-rounded meal by pairing with veggies, crackers, and a granola bar.

19.Quinoa salad

Create a flavorful grain salad that's packed with colorful veggies and light feta cheese. This provides many nutrients and enough energy to get through a long school day. Pack in an insulated bag with an ice pack, and throw in a yogurt drink and crackers for a balanced lunch.

20.Tortilla triangles

Tortilla triangles are an easy lunch idea that offers a fun change-up from sandwiches. You can fill your tortilla with nut butter and jam, bean dip, ham, or turkey, then fold the tortilla and cut it into triangles. Pack along with yogurt, goldfish, and grapes for a complete meal.

21.Quesadilla

If you need a quick, high-protein lunch option for your grandchild, try a quesadilla. All you need is tortillas and cheese, but if you want to go the extra mile, add in beans or chicken. Pair their quesadilla with applesauce or a homemade fruit salad.

22.Homemade pizza

This homemade pizza dough is quick and easy. Your family can enjoy it as a low-effort weeknight dinner and then take the leftovers to school the next day. All you need is simple ingredients like bread flour, active dry yeast, sugar, oil, salt, and water. Plus, you don't need to wait for the dough to rise just mix your ingredients, add your toppings, and bake.

23.Hot dog

Affordable, fast, and a crowd-pleaser? Yes, please. Plus, you don't need to be a five-star chef to cook them. Enjoy with fruit, carrots, and chips for a well-balanced meal.

24.Chicken nuggets

If the child in your care is a picky eater, chicken nuggets offer a good source of protein. Plus, they can be either store-bought or created in your kitchen. For an easy lunch option, pair the chicken nuggets with a dipping sauce, apple, and chips.

25.Tacos

Tacos are a delicious kids' lunch option that heats up well as leftovers in the cafeteria microwave. You can use either ground beef or chicken, and include plenty of sides like lettuce, cheese, guacamole, and sour cream. Pair with tortilla chips and salsa for the full experience.

26.Grilled chicken nuggets

Skip the breading and opt for a high-protein grilled chicken nugget that's bursting with flavor. These nuggets are made with simple ingredients and only take 10 minutes on the grill. Plus, they're a great protein to have on hand for the whole family. Enjoy with salads, cold pasta lunches, or just on their own.

27.Nachos lunchable

This bento-box lunch has all the elements your grandchild needs to create tasty nachos. Fill the box with chips, queso dip, meat, lettuce, tomatoes, and a fresh snack like bell peppers and apples. Remember to keep your heated items and chips in separate containers so your grandchild doesn't end up with soggy food.

28.Rice balls

Rice balls offer a fun, no-fuss way for your grandchild to enjoy vegetables with just 20 minutes total of prep and cook time. Combine rice with ingredients of your choosing, such as chicken, vegetables, and soy sauce. Since the rice balls offer both carbs, protein, and fat, you can serve on their own for a complete meal, or pair with raw vegetables and dip on the side.

29.Veggie-loaded pesto pasta

Pesto pasta is a great lunch idea that's flavorful and customizable. You can pack the pesto sauce with fresh vegetables like broccoli and spinach, along with basil, cannellini beans, garlic, and lemon juice. If you're not a fan of broccoli, no problem. You can substitute it for a different vegetable like zucchini or even beets. Your grandchild can enjoy their pasta as is or add in chicken for extra protein.

30.Mac and cheese bites

Transform homemade macaroni and cheese into the perfect lunchtime finger food. These bites can be stored in the fridge and reheated for up to five days. You can add a breadstick and berries to make it a full meal.