Kid’s Corner – Summer Duos: Snacks & Activities

by Michelle “Shelly” Vicari, OAC Senior Program Manager

Summer 2024

Summer is a wonderful opportunity for families to spend more time together. The long, sunny days and warm evenings create the perfect backdrop for fun-filled activities. What better way to fuel those activities than with healthy and delicious snacks?

Whether you’re cooling off with a splash party or exploring nature on a hiking trail, these recipes and activities will keep your family entertained and nourished all summer long. Try one of these creative pairings and make this summer fun and memorable for everyone.

Frozen Yogurt Bark with a Splash Party

Ingredients:

• 2 cups plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons honey
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup sliced strawberries
• ¼ cup blueberries
• ¼ cup raspberries
• ¼ cup granola

Directions:

1. Mix the Greek yogurt with honey and vanilla extract until well-combined.
2. Spread the mixture evenly on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
3. Sprinkle the sliced strawberries, blueberries, raspberries and granola over the yogurt.
4. Freeze for at least four hours or until firm.
5. Break into pieces and enjoy!

Activity: Splash Party

After making the yogurt bark, set up a splash party in your backyard. Use sprinklers, wet tarpaulins placed on a slope (lightly squirted with some eco-friendly soap), and a small plastic pool filled with rubber ducks from the dollar store.

Safety First

Ensure that all activities are safe for the children involved. Keep the play area free from obstacles that could pose tripping hazards. Always have adults supervise the activities, especially around water. When done safely, a splash party is a great way to cool off and the perfect activity to enjoy while waiting for the bark to freeze.

Smoothie Bowls with a Bike Ride or Walk

Ingredients:

• 1 cup frozen mixed berries (like strawberries, blueberries and raspberries)
• 1 frozen banana
• ½ cup milk (any kind, dairy or non-dairy)
• Toppings: sliced bananas and other fruits, nuts, pumpkin or sunflower seeds, coconut flakes, granola, nut or seed butters, etc.

Directions:

1. Blend the frozen berries, banana and milk until smooth.
2. Pour into a bowl and let everyone design their own smoothie bowl with their favorite toppings!

Activity: Family Bike Ride or Walk

After enjoying your smoothie bowl, head out with your family for a bike ride, walk around the neighborhood or take a trip to a local park or playground. Bring along sketchbooks and colored pencils to draw interesting things you see. Invite another family to join in the fun.

Homemade Trail Mix with a Hiking Adventure

Ingredients:

• Whole grain cereal
• Unsalted nuts (like almonds, walnuts, peanuts)
• Dried or dehydrated fruits (like apples, raisins, cranberries, cherries, apricots)
• Dark chocolate chips

Directions:

1. Give everyone a small paper bag and let them create their own trail mix by adding a few spoonfuls of each item.
2. Fold the paper bag closed and give it a shake to mix.

Activity: Hiking Adventure

Pack your homemade trail mix as a snack for a hiking trip. Choose a trail that matches your family’s fitness level and enjoy a day of adventure and exploration in nature. Before you head out on a hiking adventure, be sure to review safety tips. The American Hiking Organization has a great list.

Homemade Pizza with a Backyard Campout

Ingredients:

• Whole wheat pizza dough (most supermarkets sell dough balls)
• Tomato, alfredo, pesto or BBQ sauce
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Toppings: sliced bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, spinach, black olives, leftover cooked chicken or steak, etc.

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Roll out the pizza dough on a baking sheet.
2. Spread sauce over the dough. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella evenly over the sauce.
3. Add your favorite toppings.
4. Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes or until the crust is golden and cheese is bubbly.
5. Cut into slices and serve hot.

If you can’t find pizza dough in your supermarket, you can use an alternative such as English muffins, pita rounds or tortillas. Just reduce the cooking time.

Activity: Backyard Campout

After enjoying your homemade pizza, set up a tent and sleeping bags in your backyard for a campout. This is the perfect chance to bond over sharing family stories about Grandma or Grandpa’s adventures, stargazing (plan this around one of the summer meteor showers), reading a book together or watching a summer-themed movie. If you don’t have a backyard, no problem! This activity can also be a fun indoor adventure in your living room. Create a cozy atmosphere with blankets, pillows and fairy lights.

Fruity S’mores

S’mores are a must at any campout! This is a fun and lower-sugar take on the classic s’more, and it’s perfect for your backyard campout or indoor camping adventure.

Ingredients:

• Graham crackers
• Chocolate squares (70% cocoa or higher for the healthiest option)
• Sliced bananas or strawberries

Directions:

1. Place a piece of dark chocolate on a graham cracker.
2. Top with a slice of banana or strawberry.
3. Place the assembled s’more in the microwave for a few seconds to slightly melt the chocolate and soften the fruit.
4. Place another cracker on top to complete your s’more!

Try some of these recipes and activity ideas with your family to make the most of the summer! They will help you enjoy quality time together and create lasting memories for years to come.

About the Author:

Michelle “Shelly” Vicari, OAC Senior Program Manager and Past OAC Chair, majored in Child Development and Family Studies as well as Political Science at San Diego State University. She was formerly the Curriculum Director at the largest Child Care Centers accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) in Southern California. She has authored numerous curriculum guides for teachers working with young children and was lucky enough to once meet Mr. Fred Rogers!

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