32 Pool Party Snacks for Kids
Pool parties and snacks go hand in hand—after all, swimming makes kids hungry!
But finding the perfect snacks that are fun, easy to eat, and won’t turn into a soggy mess can be a challenge.
As a mom of three, I know the struggle, so I’ve rounded up 32 kid-approved poolside snacks that are sure to be a hit.
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Refreshing & Hydrating Snacks For The Pool
- Watermelon Sticks – Easy to hold and super hydrating. Here is a tutorial on cutting watermelon sticks.
- Grapes (Frozen or Fresh) – Perfect for a quick, refreshing bite.
- Cucumber and Carrot Sticks – Crunchy and hydrating.
- Fruit Kebabs – Skewers of strawberries, melon, and pineapple.
- Apples with Peanut Butter or Sunbutter – A classic combo with protein.
- Coconut Water Popsicles – Homemade or store-bought for hydration. Store them in an insulated water bottle to keep them frozen almost all day long – even on the hottest days.
- Orange Slices – Mess-free and naturally juicy.
- Strawberry Yogurt Parfaits – Served in small cups with granola.
Protein-Packed Snacks
- Cheese Sticks or Cubes – Great for energy and easy to grab.
- Turkey or Ham Roll-Ups – Wrapped with cheese for a protein boost.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs – A simple, no-mess protein option.
- Peanut Butter & Banana Roll-Ups – On whole wheat tortillas.
- Mini Meat and Cheese Sliders – Kid-sized sandwiches without the mess.
- Hummus with Pita Chips – A healthy and satisfying snack.
- Trail Mix (Nut-Free Option) – Dried fruit, pretzels, and seeds. My kisd like the nuts, so we buy the costco trail mix packets, I’m sure you know the ones!
- Mini Chicken Wraps – Bite-sized and easy to hold.
Crunchy & Fun Treats
- Popcorn (Lightly Salted) – A favorite snack without the grease.
- Veggie Chips – Crunchy and colorful!
- Goldfish Crackers – The ultimate kid-friendly snack.
- Pretzel Sticks – Great on their own or dipped in hummus.
- Cheese Crackers – A crispy, satisfying bite.
- Rice Cakes with Nut-Free Spread – Light and crunchy.
- Granola Bars – Choose low-sugar varieties for a better option.
- Mini Bagels with Cream Cheese – Easy to eat and filling.
Sweet Treats That Hold Up
- Mini Muffins – Banana, blueberry, or chocolate chip.
- Yogurt-Covered Raisins – A fun, sweet bite.
- Dark Chocolate Covered Banana Bites – Frozen for a cool treat.
- Applesauce Pouches – Mess-free and easy for little hands.
- Homemade Fruit Roll-Ups – No added sugar, just fruit puree.
- Frozen Grapes & Blueberries – A natural popsicle alternative.
- Jello Cups – A wiggly, fun snack for kids.
- Oatmeal Cookies – A chewy, homemade treat.
Keeping Foods Cold at the Pool
- Use an Insulated Cooler – Pack with ice packs to keep everything chilled.
- Frozen Water Bottles – They double as ice packs and melt into a refreshing drink.
- Layering – Place items that need to stay extra cold (like yogurt or cheese) at the bottom of the cooler with ice packs on top.
- Separate Dry & Cold Snacks – Keep crunchy snacks from getting soggy by packing them separately.
Transporting Snacks to the Pool
- Use Reusable Containers – Leak-proof and better for the environment.
- Pack in Individual Portions – This helps reduce mess and makes it easier for kids to grab what they want.
- Bring Wet Wipes & Napkins – Because sticky hands are inevitable.
- Opt for Non-Melting Foods – Avoid chocolate and creamy items that can get messy in the heat.
These snack ideas will keep your kids energized and happy while making snack time at the pool stress-free for you. Enjoy the sun, the splashes, and the smiles!
Pool Party Decor Ideas
- Inflatable Pool Floats – Giant flamingos, unicorns, and donuts add a fun vibe.
- Balloon Garlands – Use blue, aqua, and yellow balloons to create a beachy look.
- Beach Balls Everywhere – Scatter beach balls in and around the pool.
- Tiki Torches & String Lights – Add a tropical touch and keep the party lit at night.
- Under the Sea Backdrop – Hang blue streamers or a mermaid-themed backdrop.
- Pineapple or Coconut Centerpieces – Use fruit as both decor and a snack!
- Towel Station – A fun way to keep dry towels organized with a sign like “Dry Off Here!”
Pool Party Game Ideas
- Sponge Relay Race – Fill sponges with water and race to squeeze them into buckets. Here is how to play.
- Water Balloon Toss – Classic and perfect for keeping cool. Here is how to play.
- Pool Noodle Races – Kids ride on pool noodles and race across the pool. Here are some more pool noodle games.
- Shark Attack Tag – One player is the shark and tries to tag swimmers. Here is how to play.
- Floating Ring Toss – Use hula hoops or inflatable rings for a fun pool game. This is a fun set on amazon.
- Diving for Treasure – Toss pool-safe toys or coins and have kids dive to collect them. Here is a set of diving toys you can use.
- Marco Polo – A timeless pool game that kids love.
- Water Gun Battle – Set up team challenges with water guns. These squirt guns are perfect for this.