School Lunch Ideas for Kids They'll Actually Eat

School lunches don’t have to be a daily struggle. With a little creativity and planning, you can pack lunches that are not only nutritious but also fun, flavorful, and tailored to your child’s preferences. Whether your kiddo is a creature of habit, a picky eater, or an adventurous snacker, keep reading for practical ideas to help you build a better lunchbox. One that fuels their day and brings a smile to the lunch table.

How to make food fun for your kids’ lunch

Just like adults, kids eat with their eyes. Making food look good can have a big impact on kids’ willingness to try foods. Here are some ways to fun-ify their packed lunch.

Add color: Bright foods are more appealing. Fruits and veggies naturally come in lots of colors, making it easy to create a colorful, eye-catching lunch.

Use cookie cutters: They’re not just for cookies! Try star-shaped cheese slices or heart-shaped sandwiches. Let your kid pick out a favorite shape to make lunch more exciting.

Pack smart: No one likes a soggy sandwich. Drain foods like canned fruit, pack water-y sandwich components (like tomato slices) separately, and use small containers to keep foods neat and separate.

Include a note or joke: A small note, drawing, or joke for your kiddo can bring a smile and help your child feel connected to you during the school day. Our favorite lunch joke: What did the sandwich say to the doorman? Lettuce in!

What are some good lunch ideas for kids?

Every kid has their own lunch style. Some love the comfort of a familiar sandwich every day, while others crave variety and surprises. The best way to know? Ask your child what they enjoy most.

Whether your kiddo’s a creature of habit or likes to mix things up, here are some simple, satisfying lunch ideas.

What can I put in my kids’ lunch besides sandwiches?

Switch things up with these fun, sandwich-free lunch ideas:

Build-your-own stackers: Pack crackers, small slices of deli meat, cheese, and sliced veggies. They can stack and snack however they want!

Dip away: Hummus is great as a dip. Pair with baby carrots, sliced bell pepper, celery, or some pita chips for a fun, interactive lunch.

Yogurt parfait: Pack a yogurt cup with granola and berries on the side. Kids can mix them for a creamy, crunchy treat.

Soup in a thermos: Soup can be nourishing and comforting, especially soups that have beans or meat. Preheat the thermos with boiling water before adding hot soup, and don’t forget a spoon!

Ravioli or tortellini: These heat-and-eat pastas work well in a preheated thermos and come in kid-friendly flavors from the freezer or refrigerated section of the grocery store.

Pasta salad: Toss cooked pasta with pesto, Italian dressing, or even pizza-inspired flavors. Add beans, tofu, or diced chicken for extra protein.

Cheese & crackers plate: Let them feel fancy with 2-3 cheeses and different types of crackers for easy DIY bites.

Pro tip: Remember to keep cold foods cold with an ice pack, and hot foods hot in a preheated thermos so food stays safe all morning.

What to make for fussy kids for lunch?

While you can’t make picky eaters love every food, you can set them up for success. Try offering small portions of several different options. This way, they can pick and choose what feels comfortable and still get enough to eat.

Make sure at least one item is a food you know they’ll eat and keep the rest simple. Think carrot sticks, halved cherry tomatoes, dried fruit like raisins, or a handful of sunflower or pumpkin seeds. You don’t need a fancy bento box; just a few separate containers to keep flavors from mixing can make a big difference.

Here are options for a mix-and-match kids’ lunch ideas for school:

• Pasta salad
• Bell pepper sticks
• Cheese stick
• Sliced strawberries
• Graham crackers

A lunch with variety gives fussy eaters some freedom while still offering a balanced meal.

What are good snacks for kids’ lunch boxes?

Snack time is a great opportunity to fuel your kiddo’s day with nutrients they need. Having your kids’ snacks include protein can help keep them full longer. Try pairing protein with a fruit, veggie, or whole grain for balance. For example, pack a cheese stick with apple slices, or roll up deli meat and add a small container of guacamole for dipping.

Supporting kids’ nutrition with yummy gummies

Looking for an easy way to add a boost of nutrients to your child’s day? L’il Critters Gummy Vites help ensure your kiddo gets essential nutrients every day. In delicious flavors like cherry, strawberry, orange, pineapple, and blueberry, these yummy gummies provide 11 vitamins and minerals in every serving. There’s also a No Sugar Added version available!

Packed lunch ideas: You’ve got this!

While packing your kid’s lunch can sometimes feel like a challenge, there are lots of simple, nutritious, and fun options to explore, from yogurt parfaits and soup in a thermos to colorful dippers and build-your-own lunches. And when it comes to supporting your child’s nutrition needs, L’il Critters is here to help with kid-friendly gummy vitamins they’ll look forward to. With a little love (and a lot of snacks), you’re setting them up for a happier, healthier future.

Brought to you by the L’il Critters nutrition team.