Picture of fruit kabobs

Summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language. ~Henry James

There is something so deeply rewarding and entertaining about the pool for kids. Splashing, diving and playing games like Green River keep them active and engaged for hours on end. Moms can sometimes even steal a moment to catch up on a book or magazine during these hours. The only interruption? When the whistle blows for break time, tiny feet stampede back to mom with ravenous appetites. It’s easy to fall into the trap of grabbing store bought snacks, but there are healthier options available. These 10 pool treats are packed with power to keep your kids going and take only moments to whip together. Best of all, these options are far less expensive than the pre-packaged store items and are easy enough for the kids to get involved.

Frozen Fruits

  • Grapes

Toss red or green grapes in a ziplock bag and place in the freezer the night before. Adults and kids alike can savor this sweet treat. Optional addition –  toss the grapes in teaspoon of sugar prior to freezing for extra sweet enjoyment.

  • Smoothie pops

Who doesn’t love a delicious smoothie? Of course you won’t want to haul your whole blender down to the pool. Instead, make your smoothie the night before and pour it into popsicle molds. The kids will think they are eating a popsicle and you can feel good about what is in it.

  • Chocolate banana bites

Frozen bananas turn creamy and smooth like ice cream. It’s no wonder then that people are creating new recipes around them left and right. Here is an amazing one for Salted Chocolate Frozen Banana Bites.

 Mix It Up

  • Trail mix

Inevitably, trail mixes have that one fruit or not that no one likes. Plus, they are downright pricey to purchase. Save yourself money by making your own. Order your nuts and dried fruit from online retailers like Amazon and get even deeper discounts. Trail mixes don’t have to include nuts either. Check out other varieties here.

  • Granola

Another expensive snack at the sore that is easy to do on your own is granola. Most pantries already have the main ingredients necessary for this: oats, syrup, oil and anything else desired (fruit, nuts, chocolate chips, coconut, etc). Simply toss together to reach the family’s favorite ratio of “other stuff” to granola and bake at 350F for 30 minutes.

  • No bake cookies

Mix together 8 ground up graham crackers, 1/4c of smooth peanut butter, 1/4c raisins and 2tb of honey. Press into cookie shapes and watch as they disappear as quickly as they are made.

  • Rice Crispy treats

Granted, the original Rice Krispy recipe is pretty easy to make. Yet, with a couple of substitutions, an even healthier one can be created. Check out this amazing recipe and create  a new version of the childhood classic.

Pure & Simple

  • Edamame

This little soybean packs a powerful punch, which is what the kids need to refuel. Buy them frozen to save money and then boil just before heading out for the pool. For a little extra flavor they can also be roasted with parmesan and olive oil as well.

  • Fruit Kabobs

Sometimes fruit can be costly too. Buy what is in season and get it to go farther by turning it into fruit kabobs. That way, even the sneakiest strawberry thief will be forced to eat in snack size portions.

  • Apples

Don’t underestimate the satisfaction from a good apple. Nothing beats this crisp, sweet little treat after a long splash session in the pool. Even more amazing is to slice an apple, drizzle with the juice of lemon and orange, and let it chill for 30 minutes. Just don’t be surprised if they ask for seconds.

Yes, the dog days of summer are near and nothing beats the heat like the pool. With these 10 pool treats, come prepared for the hunger and the fun. After all, summer is the time that best exemplifies this Spanish proverb:

“How beautiful it is to do nothing, and then rest afterward.”