Pack, Snack, Go! Family Fuel for Summer Adventures

Road Trip Snack Tips

1. Pack a Variety of Textures and Flavors:
   Include salty, sweet, crunchy and fresh items. This keeps everyone satisfied and helps avoid too many gas station stops.

1. Use a Tackle Box or Snackle Box:
   A tackle box or bead organizer makes a great portable snack station. Fill each compartment with a different treat: goldfish, dried fruit, trail mix, mini cookies, grapes or pretzels.

1. Freeze Water Bottles or Smoothies:
   Frozen drinks double as ice packs and slowly melt into refreshing sips.
2. Make DIY Lunchables or Bento Boxes:
   Pack protein (turkey roll-ups, cheese cubes), fruit, crackers and a treat in reusable containers. They’re balanced, fun to eat and portion-controlled.
3. Avoid Messy Snacks:
   Skip anything too sticky or melty. Opt for items like apple slices, string cheese, mini muffins and granola bars that hold up well on the road.
4. Bring Wet Wipes and Trash Bags:
   Always stash wipes and small grocery bags for crumbs, sticky fingers and wrappers.

Theme Park Snack Tips

1. Pack Snacks That Beat the Heat:
   Frozen grapes, squeezable applesauce and chilled protein bars are great for hot park days.
2. Individual Portions = Less Fuss:
   Use small reusable containers or silicone snack bags to avoid sharing meltdowns or germ spread.

1. Choose High-Energy Options:
   Look for snacks that offer quick energy and staying power – think nut butter pouches, trail mix, energy bites or hard-boiled eggs in a small cooler.
2. Hydration Helpers:
   Bring refillable water bottles and toss in electrolyte packs or fruit slices to keep kids hydrated and happy.
3. Keep a Snack Backpack or Cooler Sling:
   Designate one adult to carry the snack bag. Use insulated bags or a cooler backpack for longer days.
4. Include a Few Treats:
   Parks are full of temptations. Pack a couple of fun surprises (like fruit snacks or cookies) so kids aren’t begging at every snack cart.

The Snackle box is a must for travel. Satisfy all the cravings and keep appetites in check with this double decker party in a box – linked on my Instagram page!

Insider tips:

• Dried fruit, pretzels, dark chocolate, snack salami and cheese crisps don’t need to be refrigerated. These are great on the go!

• Frozen Uncrustables thaw just in time for snack time. Pack some fruit, crackers and pretzels for a good mix of sweet and savory!

• Skip the soda and pack refreshing sparkling water. Available in mini cans for the littlest!
• This S’mores snack mix is always a huge hit on my page. It definitely brings all the summer time feels and it’s perfect for little hands! Just combine equal parts Teddy grahams, mini marshmallows and chocolate chips.

• Always bring your lunchboxes packed for the trip, use them to save leftovers from restaurants and pack them again for ride back home.

Thank me later! Visit me on Facebook and Instagram at @LunchaboxMafia. Let me know which of these tips work for you. Safe travels and happy snacking,

Jenny XoXo

READ MORE:

• Protein Lunchboxes: 6 Easy Ideas to Keep You Fueled All Day
• Red, white and blue July 4th snack ideas you can take to-go!
• Summer Camp Lunch Box with @lunchboxmafia
• Snack Time! Summer Break Snack Ideas – Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine

Originally published in the June 2025 issue of Tampa Bay Parenting Magazine.