Finding lunch ideas for kids is hard enough when they’re home in the summer. But packing healthy, delicious lunches that are portable and easy to take to school? That’s a whole other level of challenge.

At this time of year, you’re probably feeling bogged down by the work of getting everyone back into the swing of the school year. The last thing you need is the stress of running out of lunchbox ideas on top of it. I’m here to help. With these kids lunch ideas, your kids will be making everyone else in the cafeteria jealous – while getting a well-rounded meal.

Ready to pack lunches that are fun, easy, and healthy? Keep reading for my top back-to-school lunch ideas.

The Best Lunch Ideas for Kids

Every kid has different dietary preferences and needs. When you mix and match these beloved lunch ingredients, you’ll be able to keep even the pickiest eaters happy with no trouble at all.

1. Chocolate Avocado Pudding

That’s right, we’re starting with chocolate. Chocolate pudding is a lunchbox classic, but many parents leave it out thanks to worries about how healthy it is. To make pudding cool again, just look for (or make) recipes that use avocado as the base.

If that sounds weird, try it yourself first. Avocado makes the pudding creamy, but your kid won’t actually be able to taste it.

2. Creative Kebabs

One of the best ways to make food easy to pack, easy to eat, and interesting is to put it on a stick. Nearly anything can be put on a kebab. In fact, you can even pick up a selection of ingredients and let the kids make their own. Try meat and cheese, fruit and veggie, or any other mix that sounds fun.

3. Veggies and Hummus

Although getting your kids to eat their veggies can be a challenge, we’re willing to bet there are at least a few veggie options that they actually like. Pack their favorite vegetables with tasty hummus for the perfect side dish.

4. Sandwich Roll-Ups

Make regular old sandwiches more interesting by using tortillas to make sandwich roll-ups instead. Deli meat, lettuce, cheese, and your kids’ favorite condiments make the perfect packable sandwich.

5. Mac-and-Cheese Cupcakes

Mac and cheese often seems too messy for a school lunch, but it’s a perennial favorite with children. To make it packable, just bake the regular mac and cheese into cupcakes using a cupcake tin. You can add toppings like breadcrumbs or extras like bacon if your kids like it.

Mac and cheese is also a great way to sneak more produce into your kids’ diet. Try adding squash, broccoli, cauliflower, or any other veggies they’re willing to eat into the mix.

6. Chilled Noodles

Noodles are another beloved kids’ food. And for a lot of children, they don’t need to be hot to be tasty. Try making a chilled noodle dish, such as an Asian-style noodle salad, to make noodles perfect for school lunches.

7. Breakfast

Breakfast for dinner never gets old. Why not try breakfast for lunch, too?

Pancakes, waffles, bagels, you name it — your kids are going to be looking forward to their lunch all day. Make it portable by including single-serving packets of syrup, butter, jam, and other essential toppings.

8. Deconstructed Nachos

Who among us doesn’t like nachos? For many people, that love began in childhood. If you think this dish is too messy for a school lunch box, think again.

Deconstructed nachos allow your kids the fun of putting their own lunch together. Pack chips along with separate ingredients like salsa, guacamole, cheese, and cooked meat. Many of these ingredients are great hot or cold, too.

9. Pita Bread Pizza

Let the kids make their own healthy pizzas using pita bread as the base. Pack pitas, a small portion of tomato sauce, and your kids’ favorite toppings that they can add on their own. Anytime there’s a “make it yourself” component, kids tend to get excited.

Cute Touches for the Best Lunch with Kids

A few other lunch ideas for kids will make them more likely to like what you pack. Visit the site for more ideas.

10. Use Bento-Style Container

For adults, presentation means a lot when it comes to enjoying a meal. Why should it be any different for kids?

Your kids’ lunches will look more appealing when you pack them in a bento-style container with different compartments for the different foods. No more complaints about food touching other food.

11. Add a Treat

A sticker, a small treat, or something else fun in the lunch box will make your kids more excited about lunchtime. You don’t need to pack these treats every day, but every once in a while, they’re a great way to show how much you care. Try adding a fun themed surprise every time there’s a holiday, for example.

12. Use Shapes

Food that’s cut into fun shapes is always more enjoyable. Use cookie cutters or shaped tins to pack fruit and other snacks that are cut into shapes. You can even make shapes with meats, cheeses, and bread.

13. Hold it Together

Pick out some cute, colorful food picks to hold things like sandwiches together. Not only will your kid like eating food that’s not falling apart, but the picks can make the whole experience a lot more fun.

14. Shop With Your Kids

The best way to ensure your kid will eat what you pack is to include them in the shopping decisions. Guide them toward healthy things, while respecting their food preferences. This is a great opportunity to bond and teach them about where their food comes from, and how to choose what’s best.

Ready to Try These Kids Lunch Ideas?

With these lunch ideas for kids, you’ll have healthy, happy kids throughout the school year. The beauty of these ideas is that you can mix and match the ingredients you use, so lunchtime will never get boring. The more you switch it up, the better.

Packing these lunches just might motivate you to pack healthier foods to take to work, too. Check out my work-friendly snack ideas here.