Kids parties are jam-packed with games and activities to keep party guests entertained, from moon bounces to relay races. With all the playing, kids are sure to work up an appetite and end up on the hunt for snacks to satisfy their tummy rumblings. Stock your child’s birthday party with kid-friendly foods parents will approve of.
It’s Time to Eat
With all the games and excitement of a kids party, children may forget to eat, so schedule a time during the party and invite children to try the snacks you prepared for the event. Let children work up an appetite by playing one or two games before they eat.
Bite-Sized Fun
During parties, kids are constantly on the move, and–let’s face it–they don’t want to be bogged down with party foods that require a knife and fork to eat. Bite-sized finger foods can provide attendees with just the right amount of nutrients they need to stay fueled up for the day’s events. Plan to have enough food available for the children and their parents, since parents typically attend parties with their children.
Kids Enjoy More Than Junk Food
Just because you’re serving children, don’t assume that they won’t enjoy healthy food during the party. Serving foods with vibrant colors, intriguing textures and in shapes their little hands can hold is key in creating a healthy menu for a kids party.
Kid-Approved Foods
Simple sandwiches are healthy and easy-to-eat and can provide children with the nutrients they need. Create a platter with turkey, ham, chicken and cheese, as well as condiments, tomatoes, pickles, lettuce and other sandwich toppings. Use cookie cutters to create fun-shaped bread kids can use to make their own sandwiches.
If your guest list includes picky eaters, Martha Stewart’s website suggests foods such as pizzas, sandwiches or fish sticks.
For a healthy dessert treat, Disney Family Fun, an online resource for parents, suggests freezing grapes, pineapples, bananas, orange slices and any other fruits your child enjoys. Other healthy dessert treats include granola and yogurt.
Prepare freshly blended fruit smoothies for summer parties, and set up a hot chocolate station, equipped with marshmallows, for a winter party. Kid-sized water bottles can keep children hydrated throughout the day as they play games, especially during hot summer months.
Check for Allergies
Children have food allergies to everything from wheat and eggs to seafood and dairy, so it’s important to check with parents before you plan the menu for your child’s birthday party. Include a note on the party invitation asking parents to contact you if their child has a special diet or allergies. When parents call or email to respond, ask them again about allergies and special diets just to be sure.
Photo Credit
- It’s party-time for the little girl image by Ivonne Wierink from Fotolia.com
