Planning a pool party for kids can be super fun, especially when it comes to the food! So, if you’re looking for pool party ideas for food, then this is the post for you! To keep the little ones energized and happy, you need snacks that are not only delicious but also fun and easy to eat.
Here are 20 kid-friendly pool party food ideas, neatly organized into snacks, protein-packed options, and desserts, to make your next pool party a hit!
These ideas are EASY, but if you want more elaborate pool party recipes you may like:
Pool Party Recipes from Taste of Home or Kid Friendly Pool Snacks from She Knows.
Snacks
1. Mini Sandwiches
Mini sandwiches are perfect for little hands. Use a whole loaf of Hawaiian bread to batch prep sandwiches. Here’s how:
- First, cut the whole loaf in half horizontally.
- Add both your favorite meats and cheeses.
- Put the top half back on, and then slice the loaf into individual sandwiches.
- Then, slide the whole thing back into the original bag.
- Finally, freeze it and by lunchtime, they’ll be perfectly thawed and ready to enjoy!
2. Parfait Cups
3. Veggie Cups
Serve individual cups filled with both ranch dip and colorful veggie sticks like carrots, celery, and bell peppers.
4. Pizza Roll-Ups
Make pizza roll-ups with tortillas, pizza sauce, cheese, and pepperoni. Then, cut them into bite-sized pieces for easy snacking.
5. Popcorn
Fill plastic sand pails with popcorn for a fun flair. You can even add either a sprinkle of cheese or caramel for extra flavor.
6. Cheese and Crackers Snack Board
Offer a variety of cheeses with an assortment of crackers. Finally, add some sliced apples or grapes for a sweet touch.
7. DIY Lunchables
Create your own DIY Lunchables! Get a Tupperware box and fill it with crackers, cheese slices, and deli meats. Then the kids can have fun making their own cracker stackers, just like their favorite store-bought Lunchables.
These are the boxes we love!
8. Watermelon Slices
Simple but effective, watermelon slices are hydrating and sweet. Cut them into fun shapes for an added twist. Then add a Popsicle stick to make them extra fun!
9. Salad Cups
Put dressing on the bottom, and then layer in greens and add a lid and fork – perfect for a group!
Protein-Packed Options for Amazing Pool Party Ideas for Food
10. Chicken Tenders
Baked or air-fried chicken tenders are a crowd-pleaser. After that, serve with a variety of dipping sauces like honey mustard, BBQ, and ranch.
11. Mac and Cheese Bites
Make mini mac and cheese bites in a muffin tin. These are great, because they’re cheesy, delicious, and easy to feed to a group!
12. Mini Tacos
Prepare mini tacos with ground beef or chicken, lettuce, cheese, and salsa. We love them, because they’re fun and easy to handle.
13. Smoothie Bowls
Blend up some fruit smoothies and pour them into bowls. Then let the kids add their own toppings like granola, berries, and coconut flakes.
Desserts
14. Ice Cream Sandwiches
Cool off with homemade ice cream sandwiches using cookies and your favorite ice cream flavors. We love this, because you can customize using your favorite cookies and ice cream flavors!
Or, for a fun twist, use store bought ice cream sandwiches. Cut them in half, add a popsicle stick, and then dip the sides in sprinkles. All in all, the kids will love these cool and colorful treats!
15. Jello Cups
Make colorful Jello cups with layers of different flavors. Additionally, you can top them with whipped cream and a cherry for an extra treat.
16. Popsicles
Popsicles are always refreshing and one of our favorite ways to beat the heat. Also, we love adding a cupcake cup liner under the popsicle to catch drips!
17. Cupcake Cones
Bake cupcakes in ice cream cones and decorate with colorful frosting and sprinkles. They look like ice cream but won’t melt in the sun!
18. Pretzel Sticks
Dip pretzel sticks in melted chocolate, and then decorate with sprinkles or nuts. They’re crunchy, sweet, and salty all at once.
19. Chocolate-Dipped Bananas
Firstly, dip banana halves in chocolate and roll in nuts, sprinkles, or coconut. Then, freeze them for a cool treat.
20. Marshmallow Pops
Stick marshmallows on skewers, dip in melted chocolate, and then decorate with sprinkles. It’s worth noting that these are also both fun and easy to make with kids.
Final Tips: Pool Party Ideas for Food and Snacks
- Hydration is Key: Ensure you have plenty of water and juice boxes available to keep the kids hydrated. You can even freeze juice boxes ahead of time, and they double as both ice packs and a thirst quenching drink!
- Safety First: Always have adults supervising the pool area and make sure there are plenty of shade options to avoid sunburns.
- Fun Presentation: Use colorful plates, napkins, and utensils to make the food table look inviting and festive.
All in all, with these 20 pool party food ideas, your kids’ pool party is sure to be a splashing success! Enjoy the sun, the water, and most importantly, the delicious treats!
Planning a party for the 4th of July?! You will love these 10 hacks!
