Surviving the school holidays (snacks sorted)

School Holidays Survival Guide: Simple Snacks to Keep Kids Fuelled (and You Sane)

School holidays can be a beautiful mix of slower mornings, spontaneous adventures… and constant requests for food.

If you’ve already heard “Mum, I’m starving!” more times than you can count — you’re not alone.

After a long weekend away camping on the NSW mid-north coast (think beach time, snacks and a bit of relaxation), I’m now back juggling work-from-home life with keeping the boys entertained for the rest of the holidays.

And one thing I always come back to? Simple, nutritious snacks — ready to go.

Why snacks matter more during the holidays

Without the structure of school days, kids tend to:

• graze more often
• burn more energy (especially if they’re active)
• feel hungry more frequently

Being prepared with a few go-to options can make a huge difference — not just nutritionally, but for your sanity too.

Holiday baking: a simple win

One of my favourite holiday activities is baking with the kids. Yes, it can get messy — but the benefits are worth it:

✔ Easy snacks sorted
✔ Extras for the freezer
✔ Lunchbox prep done ahead of time
✔ Kids more likely to eat what they helped make

Anzac biscuits are always a hit in our house.

I adapted a simple base recipe and tweaked it by:

• adding sunflower seeds and pepitas
• swapping golden syrup for rice malt syrup
• adding coconut

They’re perfect as a snack now and ideal to freeze for when school goes back.

👉 Anzac biscuit recipe link

The “always have on hand” snack formula

You don’t need a perfect plan — just a few reliable staples. Here’s a simple formula that works.

1. Fruits and vegetables (ready to grab)

Start with what your kids actually like. When children are involved in choosing foods, they’re far more likely to eat them.

Wash and prep ahead of time so they’re easy to grab.

Examples:

• Grapes
• Passionfruit
• Carrot sticks
• Spinach
• Apple slices

💡 Tip: Check supermarket markdowns — they’re a great way to save money on fresh produce.

2. Add a dip

Dips instantly make snacks more appealing....

• adding flavour
• increased variety
• encouraging kids to eat more vegetables

Try:

• Hommus
• Beetroot dip
• French onion dip
• Yoghurt-based dips

Or make your own 👉 Easy dips recipe

3. Include protein for staying power

Protein helps keep kids fuller for longer and supports growth and development. Easy options include:

• Boiled eggs
• Roast or poached chicken
• Cheese cubes
• Tins of tuna or salmon
• Nuts and seeds

4. Keep realistic backup options

Let’s be honest — sometimes you need quick, convenient options.

Processed snacks can absolutely have a place. The key is choosing them consciously.

Some simple pantry staples include:

• Plain tortilla chips (like Mission or Proper Crisps)
• Sea salt chips (Red Rock Deli or Kettle)
• Crackers (Olina's Bakehouse)
• Seaweed rice crackers (Ceres Organics)
• Grissini (Val Verde)
• Popcorn (Cobs)
• Oat bars or protein balls (like Koja or Smoosh)

Keep it simple

You don’t need a perfectly planned menu to get through the holidays. A little preparation, a few staple foods, and a realistic approach can make a big difference. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about perfect snacks — it’s about:

• reducing stress
• keeping kids fuelled
• making food feel easy

And if all else fails? Fresh air + snacks solves most things.