Traveling with Kids: Food

As a mom who travels frequently with my kids and husband (MarocBaba), I’ve picked up quite a few tricks to make our trips smoother. Whether it’s a five-hour road trip or a long-haul flight, my boys are used to hitting the road without much fuss. They’ve become pros at entertaining themselves, and generally, there isn’t too much complaining when we announce, “We’re driving to New York,” or wherever our destination may be.

However, one thing has certainly changed over the years: their food demands. Gone are the days when a small snack was enough to keep them satisfied for hours. Now, I need to plan ahead and be prepared to fend off the inevitable hunger that strikes mid-journey. To avoid the temptation of fast food or gas station junk, I’ve turned to packing snack or meal boxes—something that’s been a game-changer for both road trips and flights. Today’s post is all about traveling with kids and food—snack boxes, meal ideas, and how to keep everyone happy while on the go.

Why Pack Snack Boxes for Travel?

These snack boxes serve two essential purposes. First, they keep my kids fed and happy, which is always a win. Second, they allow me to use up the odds and ends in the fridge before we leave, reducing food waste and keeping our home tidy. After all, there’s nothing worse than coming home to a smelly fridge!

Before a trip, my routine includes several key steps to get our home in order:

• Packing snack boxes for the journey.
• Tossing out leftovers that haven’t been used.
• Giving away any perishable food that will spoil while we’re away.
• Cleaning out the sink and running the dishwasher.
• Taking out the garbage.

Packing snack boxes is the first step because it allows me to use up what we have left in the fridge. It also means I can tailor the contents of each box based on individual preferences. For example, MarocBaba’s box is gluten-free, so I make sure to avoid anything with gluten. M, our older son, is more responsible with food, so I’m comfortable giving him items like dips, which can be messier. Meanwhile, K is currently in a picky eating phase, so his snack box is filled with things I know will keep him satisfied.

What to Pack in Snack Boxes

When it comes to packing snack boxes, there really are no hard and fast rules. However, I try to keep a few key principles in mind to make sure they’re balanced and practical:

1. Variety: I aim for a good mix of items—something sweet, something savory, some protein, and some fruits or veggies. From crunchy pretzels to juicy fruit slices, variety is key to keeping kids engaged in their snack options.
2. Portion Control: Keep the portions small but satisfying. Instead of packing an entire sliced bell pepper, I’ll include just a few strips. This allows for more variety without overloading the box.
3. Finger Foods: I stick to finger foods as much as possible. Dealing with cutlery is just one more thing to manage, so I make sure everything can be eaten easily by hand.
4. Minimal Packaging: Use a reusable container but limit the number of smaller containers inside. This way, the kids can easily empty their snack boxes without worrying about losing lids or having too many things to keep track of.
5. Wipes and Napkins: Don’t forget to pack napkins or wipes—especially baby wipes. A travel-sized pack is an essential item in every parent’s backpack or purse while traveling with kids.

Snack Box Ideas

If you’re wondering what to include in your snack boxes, here are some of my go-to options. They’re great for both road trips and flights, offering something for everyone, no matter their preferences:

• Sliced deli meats: Turkey, ham, or roast beef work well and are easy to grab on the go.
• Cheeses: A variety of soft and hard cheeses, such as mozzarella sticks, Manchego slices, or goat cheese, add protein and flavor.
• Vegetables: Use up what you have—carrot sticks, cucumber slices, and bell pepper strips are all easy to pack and stay fresh for a while.
• Fruits: Melons and berries are my top choices, as they hold up well during travel. Apples and pears are good options too, but I recommend packing them in slices and adding lemon juice to prevent browning.
• Bread or buns: I spread butter on them beforehand, making it easy to create sandwiches on the go without worrying about dry bread.
• Snack mixes: Chex mix, trail mix, or pretzels are great for keeping hunger at bay.
• Dry snacks: Popcorn, animal crackers, dry cereal, and crunchy chickpeas are all crowd-pleasers.
• Nuts and dried fruit: Almonds, cashews, and dried mangoes or apricots provide a satisfying mix of textures and flavors.
• Sweet treats: A small treat like a mini candy bar, a brownie, or a cookie is a nice surprise. Even if your kids don’t get sweets regularly, it can feel like a special travel treat.
• Homemade dips: Ranch dip or hummus in small containers adds variety and pairs well with vegetables or crackers.
• Yogurt tubes: These are portable, mess-free, and offer a nice cool snack.

For the ultimate convenience, use a reliable snack container like the Sistema Klip It Lunch Cube or Snapware Airtight Storage Containers. These keep everything organized and prevent spills.

Think Outside the Box: Creative Meal Ideas

While snack boxes are great for quick bites, sometimes a more substantial meal is needed, especially during longer trips. In that case, here are some easy meal ideas that you can prep in advance:

• Sandwich pinwheels: Spread cream cheese and deli meat on a tortilla, roll it up, and slice it into bite-sized pinwheels. These are easy for kids to grab and eat, plus they’re fun to make.
• Muffin-tin meals: Anything made in a muffin tin is perfect for travel. You can prepare mini quiches, egg muffins, or even meatballs in advance. They’re perfectly portioned for little hands and stay fresh for hours.
• Peanut butter and jelly (or Nutella): A classic travel sandwich that’s quick to make and beloved by kids everywhere.

Final Thoughts

Traveling with kids doesn’t have to mean stopping at every fast food joint along the way or dealing with hangry complaints from the back seat. By preparing snack or meal boxes in advance, you can control what your kids eat and ensure they stay satisfied for the duration of the trip. Plus, it’s a fun way to use up what you have in your fridge and pantry before you leave, perhaps by including some staples like Moroccan bread, a refreshing avocado almond smoothie, or even packing a thermos of Moroccan coffee for a quick pick-me-up on the road.

The next time you hit the road (or the skies), take a little extra time to prepare something healthy, delicious, and tailored to your kids’ preferences. Trust me, they’ll appreciate the effort—and you’ll enjoy a much smoother journey.

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