How to Create a Snack Station for Kids: Snack Ideas + Printables

By: Andrew Saladino | 4 min

Are you a parent doubling as a chauffeur, home chef, and homework checker? If the answer is yes, then snack time is the last thing you want to worry about. Take this task off your busy plate by creating an at-home snack station.

Having a snack station readily available to your kiddos will help them learn to snack intuitively, try new healthy foods, and teach them to become more independent. Our guide covers how to make a snack station, snack ideas, and how to get your kids involved in the process. We even include printable cutouts to decorate your station, snack labels to keep them organized, and a healthy snack list for your refrigerator.

How to Create a Kids Snack Station

No matter what size or shape of your space, there's a way to create a snack station in your kitchen. Keep reading to find out which of these options is the best fit for your home.

1. Purchase a Play Kitchen

One of the easiest ways to create a kids' snack station is to use a play kitchen. Paint your kids' play kitchen to match your current kitchen colors to blend it into your existing decor.

2. Get a Low-to-the-Ground Table

Designate a small table for your kids to grab their favorite snacks. The additional surface area of a table will give you room to add a water station, plastic utensils, cups, straws, and maybe even a peanut butter and jelly sandwich station.

You can also make this snack station into a cooking area for your kids. Let them help you prepare lunches and bake cookies on the table. The low profile will make it easier for them to be your little sous chef and build confidence in the kitchen when they can reach their supplies easily.

3. Create a Snack Basket

If you don't have enough room to add a whole snack station or if the snacks need to be refrigerated, try creating an organized snack basket that is accessible to your kids. To stay organized, try using plastic jars and meal prep containers to hold all of their favorite goodies.

4. Use a Kitchen Drawer

Organize your kitchen junk drawer (we all have one) and turn it into an accessible snack station. This versatile snack station is great for apartment living or if you don't need to hold a large number of snacks at one time. Use dividers to organize nonperishable snacks for your little ones.

Similar rules should apply to the kitchen drawer as the snack basket. It's a great idea to close the kitchen snack drawer one hour before dinner so they don't spoil their appetite.

5. Try a Turntable

Adding a simple turntable to your kitchen counter is a great option for storing snacks. It's small, convenient, and easy for kids to spin.

If you're having company over it's also an easy station to store in your pantry if you're clearing your kitchen counters. Another idea is to make your snack station themed for the upcoming season or holidays to turn it into a decorative item for your kitchen year-round.

6. Convert a Bar Cart

Find a short and stable bar cart to convert into a kid's snack station. Add shelving so there is plenty of room for your kiddos to reach for their favorite snacks. If your bar cart has drink holders you can use them to hold juice boxes and water bottles.

Use the top shelf to add some kitchen decor. Get your kiddos involved in the decorating process by asking them to create some artwork to frame above the cart.

If you're looking for a way to personalize your snack station, we have you covered with a fun printable sign. Simply print it out on cardstock, laminate, or another material, and frame it for your snack station.

Kids Snack Ideas for Your Pantry

The key to a convenient snack station is having grab-and-go snacks available that they can easily take from the kitchen to the playground. A great children's snack station will also have a variety of foods that are nutrient-dense and can help to fuel a day of play. Skip the chips and candy to help your children thrive.

Here are some examples of delicious pantry snacks filled with a mix of macronutrients to add to your snack station:

• Applesauce
• Popcorn
• Whole grain cereals
• Nut butter squeeze packets
• Guacamole packets and vegetables
• Pretzels
• Dried fruit (apples, bananas, and oranges)
• Graham crackers
• Trail mix
• Granola
• Energy balls

We all love desserts, but it's best to stick with primarily healthy options throughout the day. When your little one's sweet tooth strikes, feel free to turn your snack bar into a sweet treat station.

We've included a printable list of healthy snacks for kids so you can always have an easy reference for your kitchen. Print it out and hang it on your refrigerator for the next time you're making a grocery list.

Kids Snack Ideas in the Fridge

Choosing snacks that have a healthy mix of protein, carbohydrates, and fats is important when considering your kids' snacks for your refrigerator.

Below are some examples of healthy perishable snack ideas:

• Celery and peanut butter
• Carrots and ranch
• Fruit cups
• Cheese and crackers
• Greek yogurt
• Fresh fruit (berries, grapes, and watermelon)
• Hummus and pretzels
• Turkey slices
• Hard-boiled eggs
• String cheese

Feel free to let your children use perishables from your fridge and teach them how to make their own lunches and snacks. Start by teaching them the basics of making a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and then work your way up to more challenging snacks and meals.

We created these refrigerator and pantry labels to make your snacks easy for the whole family to find. Print them out and tape them to whatever bin holds each snack category.

Benefits of a Kids Snack Station

There are many benefits to having a snack station in your kitchen. A snack station doesn't just make snack time convenient, but it can also teach kids healthy eating habits and independence.

• Positive associations with food: The new generation has moved away from diet culture and into an era of encouraging our kids to have a healthy relationship with food. Allowing kids to have access to snacks throughout the day will teach them not to restrict themselves while listening to their hunger cues.
• Teaches children independence: Creating a snack station is a great first step for kids learning how to be more independent and not always needing to rely on you when they're hungry. Think of it as a launching pad before teaching them to make PB & J sandwiches for school.
• Saves you time: Your kids will be able to grab snacks without bothering you each time they're hungry. This will free up your time and give you more time to yourself.

Creating a Snack Station FAQs

What is a Snack Station?

A snack station is a grab-and-go spot in the kitchen for your kids to choose a snack. It's lower to the ground and personalized so your little ones feel empowered to pick out their own healthy snack.

What Can I Use to Create a Snack Station?

The easiest way to create a snack kitchen is to use a play kitchen and make it your own with a sign and decorations. You can also DIY your own kitchen if you're in the mood to build!

What Are Easy Grab-and-Go Snack Ideas For a Snack Station?

Easy and healthy snacks include applesauce, popcorn, nut butter squeeze packets, pretzels, dried fruit (apples, bananas, and oranges), graham crackers, or trail mix.

What are the Benefits of a Snack Station?

A stocked snack station can not only save you time, but it can encourage kids to be more independent. They have the freedom to choose their snack and can feel empowered by healthy options.

A snack station is a kitchen addition that the whole family will enjoy. Not only will the kids love it, but it can give you a few moments of much-needed relaxation as they grab their snack and gain independence. You'll be happy, and your children will thank you for the delicious treats.