The Best Easy and Fun Summer Lunch Ideas for Kids!

Summer lunch ideas kids will actually get excited about? Yes, please!

When the sun is shining and the days are long, the last thing you want is to spend hours in the kitchen.

Summer lunches should be easy, refreshing, and fun — think no-cook wraps, bento boxes, and colorful fruit-filled plates.

Whether you’re packing a picnic, feeding a crowd after a morning at the pool, or just need something quick between backyard adventures, these ideas will keep kids happy and full.

For even more delicious ideas to keep your summer meals fresh and fun, be sure to check out our full collection of summer recipes.

Healthy & Refreshing Sides for Summer Lunches for Kids

Here are some light and refreshing sides that perfectly complement summer lunches:

• Make a cucumber salad by slicing cucumbers and tossing them with a bit of vinegar, olive oil, and a sprinkle of dill.
• Serve up juicy watermelon cut into fun shapes (like stars or triangles) to make it extra exciting!
• Slice up carrots, celery, and bell peppers, and pair them with a tasty hummus or ranch dip for an easy, nutritious snack.
• For a colorful, fun twist, make Fruit Kabobs! Skewer a mix of fresh fruits like grapes, strawberries, and pineapple chunks.
• A sweet and creamy side that’s also full of protein is Greek Yogurt with Honey and Berries.
• Apple slices with peanut butter is a classic combo that’s crunchy, sweet, and full of energy-boosting nutrients.
• Freeze grapes or mixed berries for a refreshing and cooling snack that kids will love.
• Soft pita bread paired with a cool, creamy cucumber yogurt dip.
• Skewer colorful cherry tomatoes for a bite-sized snack that kids can pop right in their mouths.

Fun & Creative Presentation Ideas

• Use bento box containers to separate different snack items, creating a visually exciting lunch filled with compartments of colorful fruit, veggies, and proteins.

• Use cookie cutters to make sandwiches in the shapes of animals, stars, or hearts to make lunchtime more fun.

• Turn a simple salad or plate of fruit into a fun face using pieces of food as eyes, noses, and smiles.
• Use colorful cupcake liners to separate different items like veggie sticks, fruit, or crackers,
• Place veggie sticks or fruit in clear cups for a fun “grab-and-go” look.
• Use tortillas and fill them with colorful fillings. Roll them up and slice them into pinwheels for a fun, bite-sized treat.
• Stack small sandwiches (cut into quarters) on skewers, alternating with veggies or fruits.
• Create a DIY lunchable with compartments for cheese, crackers, deli meats, and fruits, served on a colorful plate or tray.
• Arrange a salad using veggies in a rainbow pattern for a fun visual presentation.

• Looking for the perfect treat to beat the heat? Try these summer snack ideas — they’re fresh, fun, and perfect for any sunny day!
• Quench your thirst with a refreshing glass of homemade lemonade — it’s the perfect balance of tart and sweet for those hot summer days!
• Make your pool party even sweeter with these irresistible pool party desserts —fun, tasty, and perfect for cooling off in style!

What is a good summer lunch for kids?

Easy summer lunches are refreshing and fun — something light yet satisfying that keeps them energized for summer adventures! Here are a few great options: