Planning a family camping trip? Food can make or break your outdoor fun with little ones! These kid-friendly camping meals and snacks will keep hungry tummies happy while you build memories under the stars.
From simple breakfast ideas to no-fuss lunches and dinner options that cook right over the campfire, we’ve got you covered.
Our list features quick-prep options perfect for busy parents who want to spend less time cooking and more time playing. Many can be prepped ahead at home, letting you relax more at the campsite.
Pack these tasty treats on your next outdoor trip, and watch even picky eaters dig in after a day of fresh air and fun!
60+ Kid-Friendly Camping Snacks That Your Children Will Love
When camping with kids, having the right snacks on hand can make your outdoor trip much more fun. Kids get hungry often during outdoor play, and having quick, yummy options ready helps keep them happy.
These 60+ kid-friendly camping snacks are easy to make, simple to pack, and will satisfy hungry children while making your camping trip smoother.
1. Trail Mix
This mix of nuts, seeds, and dried fruits makes a filling snack full of good stuff for growing bodies. Kids can help make their own mix before the trip.
Quick Recipe: Combine peanuts, cashews, sunflower seeds, dried cranberries, chocolate chips, and small pretzels in a big bowl. Store in zip-top bags for easy snacking during hikes.
2. Granola Bars
These handy bars pack lots of food value in a small package that fits in any pocket. They work great for quick energy boosts during camping fun.
Quick Recipe: Make them at home by mixing oats, honey, nut butter, chocolate bits, and dried fruits. Press into a pan, chill, cut into bars, and wrap each one in wax paper.
3. S’mores
This campfire classic brings joy to kids of all ages with its mix of sweet chocolate, puffy marshmallows, and crisp graham crackers. Nothing beats this nighttime treat.
Quick Recipe: Toast marshmallows over the fire until golden brown. Place on graham cracker half with chocolate square, top with second cracker, and squish together as the hot marshmallow melts the chocolate.
4. Popcorn
This light, puffy snack is both fun to make over a fire and fun to eat. The popping sound brings smiles to kids’ faces every time.
Quick Recipe: Use a wire basket or special popping pan over the fire. Add kernels and shake until popping stops. Sprinkle with salt, butter, or cinnamon sugar for tasty treats.
5. Cheese and Crackers
This quick combo gives hungry kids protein and carbs in one yummy bite. The mix of smooth cheese and crunchy crackers makes this a hit with all ages.
Quick Recipe: Pack pre-cut cheese slices or string cheese with whole-grain crackers. For extra fun, bring cookie cutters to shape cheese slices into stars or hearts.
6. Apple Slices with Peanut Butter
Fresh fruit with protein-rich nut butter makes a filling snack that’s both tasty and good for kids. The sweet-salty mix hits all the right spots.
Quick Recipe: Cut apples into slices and dip in lemon juice to stop browning. Pack peanut butter in small cups. Kids can dip slices right before eating for a fresh, crisp treat.
7. Pretzels
These crunchy, salty twists make perfect camping snacks since they don’t melt, crush, or spoil easily. Kids love the fun shapes and satisfying crunch.
Quick Recipe: Pack small pretzel twists or sticks in zip-top bags. For a sweet touch, dip half of each pretzel in melted chocolate before the trip and let harden.
8. Beef Jerky
This chewy, protein-packed snack keeps kids full between meals and stands up well to backpack bumps. It’s the perfect fuel for busy outdoor play.
Quick Recipe: Look for low-sodium kinds made with few added items. Cut into small pieces for younger kids. Pack in small portions for hiking or fishing trips.
9. Peanut Butter and Jelly Sliders
Mini sandwich bites give kids all the joy of a PB&J without the mess. Small sizes mean less waste if kids don’t finish a whole sandwich.
Quick Recipe: Use dinner rolls instead of bread. Spread peanut butter on one half, jelly on the other. Pack in small boxes to stop squishing in the cooler.
10. Banana Boats
This warm treat brings big smiles around the campfire. Kids love making their own boats with their pick of sweet fillings.
Quick Recipe: Cut a slit along the inside curve of a banana with peel on. Stuff with mini chocolate chips, tiny marshmallows, and crushed graham crackers. Wrap in foil and heat over coals for 5-10 minutes.
11. Fruit Snacks
These small, chewy, fruit-shaped bites fit in any pocket and work well as quick mood lifters during outdoor play. Most kids find them very pleasing.
Quick Recipe: Look for kinds made with real fruit juice. Pack in small bags for hikes. Keep them cool if the weather’s hot, as they can stick together.
12. String Cheese
Each stick of cheese comes in its own wrapper, making this protein snack super handy for outdoor eating. Kids enjoy the fun of pulling the strips apart.
Quick Recipe: Pack string cheese in the cooler. For extra staying power, wrap each stick with a slice of ham or turkey for a protein boost that lasts longer.
13. Raisins
These sweet dried grapes pack lots of quick energy into tiny bites, making them perfect for little hands and hungry tummies. They take no work to serve.
Quick Recipe: Pack in small boxes or bags. Mix with nuts and chocolate chips for a quick trail mix. Keep them sealed well, as the sweet smell draws bugs.
14. Ants on a Log
This playful snack makes eating raw veggies fun with its silly name and sweet-salty taste mix. Kids often enjoy making these as much as eating them.
Quick Recipe: Cut celery stalks into 3-inch pieces. Fill with peanut butter. Top with raisins in a line to look like ants walking on a log.
15. Celery with Cream Cheese
Crunchy veggie sticks spread with soft cheese make a cooling snack for hot camping days. The mild flavors work well for picky eaters.
Quick Recipe: Cut celery into sticks. Pack the cream cheese in a small cooler container. Kids can spread cheese on celery right before eating. Add a sprinkle of ranch powder to the cheese for an extra kick.
16. Yogurt Pouches
These squeezable protein packs help keep kids’ energy steady without stops for bowls and spoons. The cool, smooth texture feels good on hot days.
Quick Recipe: Freeze pouches before the trip. They’ll thaw slowly in the cooler, staying cold longer. Look for less-sweet kinds with real fruit and no fake colors.
17. Muffins
These handheld quick breads work for breakfast or snack time, with flavors that fit any kid’s likes. They pack well and stay fresh for days.
Quick Recipe: Bake small muffins with fruit, nuts, or chocolate chips before the trip. Wrap each one in wax paper, then put in zip-top bags. Squish-proof by packing in plastic boxes.
18. Mini Marshmallows
These soft, sweet puffs bring camping joy in many ways—as hot cocoa toppers, s’more fillers, or straight from the bag. Kids find them simply magical.
Quick Recipe: Pack in zip-top bags. Use as hot chocolate toppers. Thread onto sticks with fruit chunks for sweet kebabs. Or mix with cereal and nuts for a sweet trail mix.
19. Crackers with Nut Butter
This combo gives lasting energy with its mix of carbs and protein, making it great for busy camping days. The salty-sweet taste appeals to most kids.
Quick Recipe: Pack whole grain crackers and small tubs of nut butter. Kids can make their own cracker sandwiches. Add thin apple slices between for extra crunch.
20. Gummy Snacks
These chewy, fruit-shaped treats bring quick smiles and energy boosts when kids need a pick-me-up during long hikes or play times. They’re camp bag staples.
Quick Recipe: Look for kinds made with fruit juice. Pack in small amounts in zip-top bags. Keep in the shade, as they melt and stick in hot weather.
21. Cereal Mix
Dry cereal makes a quick, no-mess finger food that works for breakfast or snack time. Kids can eat it plain or mix it with add-ins.
Quick Recipe: Mix O-shaped cereal with square cereal, mini pretzels, and chocolate chips. Pack in cups with lids for on-the-go munching or eating right at the picnic table.
22. Hard-Boiled Eggs
These protein powerhouses keep kids full for hours of play. They pack well and work for any meal time when camping.
Quick Recipe: Boil eggs at home and keep shells on until ready to eat. Store in egg cartons in the cooler. Pack salt packets or small shakers for kids to season their own.
23. Apple Chips
These crispy fruit slices give the fun of chips with the goodness of fruit. The sweet crunch is hard for kids to resist.
Quick Recipe: Bake thinly sliced apples at low heat until crisp, or buy pre-made. Pack in paper bags to absorb any moisture. Try cinnamon or caramel kinds for sweet tooth kids.
24. Dried Fruit
These chewy, sweet bits pack major energy into small bites, making them perfect for long hikes or busy play days. Most keep well without cooling.
Quick Recipe: Try mango, pineapple, apricots, or peaches. Pack in small bags. Mix with nuts and seeds for trail mix. Check no added sugar kinds for younger kids.
25. Banana Chips
These crispy, sweet chips satisfy the need for crunch while giving good food value. They’re sturdy enough for backpack carrying.
Quick Recipe: Look for baked, not fried, kinds with less added sugar. Pack in paper bags to stay crisp. Mix with nuts and chocolate chips for a monkey-themed trail mix kids love.
26. Fruit Leathers
These flat, chewy fruit strips fold into any small space and don’t make sticky fingers. They’re perfect for quick energy during hikes.
Quick Recipe: Buy natural kinds or make by pureeing fruit, spreading thin and drying in oven. Cut into strips and roll in parchment paper. Pack in zip-top bags to keep food fresh.
27. Energy Balls
These no-bake bites pack protein, good fats, and carbs into one tasty package. They’re filling enough to count as mini-meals when needed.
Quick Recipe: Mix oats, nut butter, honey, mini chocolate chips, and chia seeds. Roll into balls, chill until firm. Pack in small boxes to keep from squishing.
28. Goldfish Crackers
These smile-making fish crackers bring fun and food value to snack time. Their small size works well for toddlers and older kids alike.
Quick Recipe: Pack in small cups with lids for no-spill snacking. Try the whole grain kinds for extra nutrition. Mix with pretzels and cereal for a munchable mix.
29. Animal Crackers
These mild, lightly sweet cookies shaped like zoo friends bring fun to snack time without too much sugar. The shapes spark happy talk with kids.
Quick Recipe: Pack in small boxes to stop breaking. Serve with small cups of milk (shelf-stable boxes work well for camping). Dip in nut butter for a protein boost.
30. Peanut Butter Protein Balls
These no-bake, roll-up snacks pack major staying power into bite-sized form. They keep kids running, climbing, and playing for hours.
Quick Recipe: Mix peanut butter, oats, honey, protein powder, and mini chocolate chips. Roll into balls, chill until firm. Store in small boxes to keep their shape while camping.
31. Cheese Cubes
Small bites of firm cheese pack protein and calcium into kid-friendly form. They pair well with fruits, meats, or crackers for bigger snacks.
Quick Recipe: Cut block cheese into small cubes at home. Store in boxes in the cooler. Thread onto skewers with grapes or meat slices for fun snack kebabs.
32. Fruit Cups
These ready-to-eat fruit packs need no cutting, peeling, or prep. The pull-top lids make them perfect for camping with kids.
Quick Recipe: Choose kinds packed in juice, not syrup. Bring plastic spoons. Keep cool until eating; then, there is no need to put empty cups back in the cooler—less mess!
33. Pudding Cups
These sweet, creamy treats bring big smiles at snack time. The small cups with lids keep serving sizes right for kids.
Quick Recipe: Pack shelf-stable kinds that don’t need cooling until opened. Bring spoons or get the squeeze pouch kinds. Try chocolate, vanilla, or rice pudding for different tastes.
34. Campfire Nachos
This warm, cheesy dish turns plain chips into a filling meal that kids love to help make. It’s a fun way to use the campfire for more than s’mores.
Quick Recipe: Line cast iron pan with chips. Top with canned beans, pre-cooked ground beef, and shredded cheese. Cover with foil, heat over fire until cheese melts.
35. Campfire Donuts
These warm, sweet treats make breakfast feel like dessert. The cooking method brings oohhs and aahhs from kids around the campfire.
Quick Recipe: Bring canned biscuit dough. Poke hole in center of each round. Fry in hot oil in cast iron pan over fire. Roll hot donuts in cinnamon sugar mix.
36. Campfire Cinnamon Rolls
The smell of these sweet rolls cooking brings kids running from all parts of the campsite. They make morning time special with little work.
Quick Recipe: Use canned cinnamon rolls. Place in a foil-lined dutch oven or heavy foil packet. Cook over medium coals for 15-20 minutes until risen and golden.
37. Campfire Bruschetta
This fancy-looking but simple snack lets kids feel grown-up while getting veggies and grains in one yummy bite. The colors look great, too.
Quick Recipe: Toast sliced French bread over a grill grate. Top with diced tomatoes, basil, and shredded cheese. Hold over heat just until cheese starts to melt.
38. Spiced Nuts
These protein-rich munchies give long-lasting energy with a grown-up taste that kids still enjoy. The warm spices smell great at the campsite.
Quick Recipe: Mix nuts with a little oil, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Heat in foil packet over low coals, shaking often. Cool before serving to avoid burnt fingers.
39. Ramen Snack Mix
This crunchy, salty mix turns cheap noodles into an exciting snack kids love to munch by the handful. The flavor packs add fun without cooking.
Quick Recipe: Break uncooked ramen into small pieces. Toss it with a little oil and half the flavor packet. Toast in foil packet over low heat until golden and crisp.
40. Cinnamon Roll Power Bites
These sweet, doughy bites taste like dessert but have protein and good fats to keep kids going strong all day. No baking is needed!
Quick Recipe: Mix 1 cup oats, 1/2 cup nut butter, 1/4 cup honey, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 cup mini white chips. Roll into balls. Chill before packing in small boxes.
Other Camping Meals That Kids Will Love to Savour
41. Monster Cookies
42. Air Fryer Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
43. Roasted Chickpeas
44. Campfire Caprese Brie
45. Campfire Baked Apples
46. Chips and Salsa
47. Olives
48. Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
49. Pita Chips with Tzatziki
50. Salami Slices
51. Hummus with Veggies
52. Hot Dogs with Cheese Whiz
53. Peanut Butter and Banana Wraps
54. Cool Ranch Snack Mix
55. Campfire Caviar
56. Bacon-Wrapped Dates
57. Camping Charcuterie Board
58. Tuna or Chicken Salad with Crackers
59. Campfire Queso
60. Campfire Popcorn Balls
61. Sliced Watermelon
That’s a Wrap
Family camping trips create lasting memories, and having the right snacks makes outdoor time so much better. These kid-approved camping meals strike the perfect balance between fun and nutrition, keeping little campers fueled for hiking, swimming, and exploring.
The best part? Most require minimal camping gear and cleanup, giving you more quality time with your kids in nature. Pack a mix of these options for your next trip, and you’ll have happy campers from sunrise to bedtime.
Now grab your tent, sleeping bags, and these simple food ideas—adventure awaits! Your kids will talk about both the outdoor fun and the tasty treats long after your camping trip ends.
Stay inspired—our website is full of travel ideas and destination advice waiting for you.
