After all of the excitement from Halloween dies down, it’s time to focus on the next big day in the holiday season, Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is the most celebrated occasion in the United States, with 79% of Americans observing the holiday, myself included. There’s just so much to love about this special day in November, like the food and precious time with family. If your Thanksgiving plans include kids, there are a bunch of great ways to make the holiday extra special for them, beginning with one of the most well-known Thanksgiving traditions, the food!
So, today I’m sharing a round-up of Thanksgiving snacks that kids will love. These tried and true recipes are perfect for making the most highly-regarded holiday in America a day full of fun and delicious treats.
10 Healthy Thanksgiving Snacks For Kids
Turkey Veggie Platter
I’m all for any snack ideas that will get my kids to eat more vegetables. For a cute, kid-friendly Thanksgiving snack, use colorful veggies like bell peppers, carrots, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes, as well as hummus or ranch dressing for dipping, to create a snack platter that resembles a colorful Thanksgiving turkey. Let your kids help you put it together for even more holiday fun!
Ingredients
- Red, yellow, and orange bell peppers
- Carrots
- Cucumbers
- Cherry tomatoes
- Hummus or ranch dressing
Instructions
- Slice peppers into thin strips and arrange them in a fanned-out circle to form the “feathers.”
- Place carrot sticks below to act as legs.
- Add a small cup of hummus or dressing in the center for the “body.”
- Let kids dip and enjoy!
Apple “Donuts”
Did someone say donuts? Using apples in place of fried dough makes for a healthier twist on the classic treat. Top these Thanksgiving treats with a variety of nutritious, colorful options like almond butter, yogurt, or granola.
Ingredients
- Apples (sliced into rings)
- Peanut butter, almond butter, Greek yogurt, sunflower butter, or whatever spread your child enjoys
- Granola, sprinkles, or mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Core the apples and slice them, horizontally, to make rings about 1/4 inch thick.
- Slather the spread on top of each ring.
- Let the kids add granola or sprinkles to decorate
Pumpkin Yogurt Dip with Fruit and Graham Crackers
This simple pumpkin-flavored yogurt dip pairs perfectly with fruit slices and graham crackers. It’s low in sugar and high in protein, and a festive, tasty, and healthier alternative to pie for little ones.
Ingredients
- Greek yogurt
- Pumpkin puree
- Cinnamon and nutmeg
- Sliced apples, bananas, or graham crackers
Instructions
- To a decorative serving bowl, add the Greek yogurt and pumpkin puree
- Sprinkle with a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Mix well, then serve with apple slices and graham crackers for dipping.
Cheese and Cracker “Cornucopia”
Turn a waffle cone into a “cornucopia” by filling it with kid-friendly cheeses and crackers. Make a bunch of them to create the look of a mini Thanksgiving harvest.
Ingredients
- Small waffle cones
- Cheese cubes (cheddar, mozzarella)
- Whole-grain crackers
Instructions
- Fill waffle cones with cheese cubes and crackers.
- Arrange them on a serving tray and serve
Sweet Potato Fries with Cinnamon
These sweet potato fries are a fantastic, kid-friendly alternative to traditional sweet potato casserole,
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Slice sweet potatoes into thin strips (you can either leave the skin on or peel them before slicing)
- Toss the sweet potato strips in olive oil and cinnamon, then spread on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until crispy.
Fruit Turkey Skewers
These fun skewers use grapes, berries, and other colorful fruits to make a familiar Thanksgiving shape. They’re great for encouraging kids to choose a better-for-you snack.
Ingredients
- Assorted fresh fruit (grapes, strawberries, pineapple, etc.)
- Toothpicks or small skewers
Instructions
- Thread the fruits onto skewers, arranging colors to resemble a turkey’s feathers.
- Serve on a platter for a colorful, kid-friendly snack.
Cranberry Apple Bites
This simple, three-ingredient snack comes together quickly and is packed with tasty fall flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 apple, diced
- 1/4 cup cranberries
- Cinnamon
Instructions
- Add apples and cranberries to a bowl, then sprinkle with cinnamon.
- Serve in mini cups for a quick, easy, and healthy treat.
Baked Apple Chips
Skip the potato chips and make baked apple chips instead. They’re naturally sweet, full of fiber, and super tasty.
Ingredients
- 2 apples, thinly sliced
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 250°F.
- Arrange apple slices on a baking sheet, sprinkle with cinnamon, and bake for 1–2 hours until crisp.
Pumpkin and Nut Butter Dip with Veggies
This fun Thanksgiving snack puts a seasonal twist on the classic nut butter and veggies combo. It comes together quickly and easily, requires only simple ingredients, and is super nutritious.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 2 tbsp almond butter
- Carrot and celery sticks
Instructions
- Mix pumpkin puree and almond butter until smooth.
- Serve with veggie sticks for dipping.
Thanksgiving Trail Mix
Trail mix is a great snack option any time of the year, and with so many different add-ins to choose from, it’s easy to create a homemade snack mix for kids. Use whatever ingredients your kids will enjoy. This Thanksgiving trail mix will be gobbled up even quicker than it was put together!
Ingredients
- Assorted red, orange, yellow, and brown-colored candies (candy corn, M&M’s, Reese’s Pieces, etc.)
- Nuts (peanuts, cashews, pecans, etc.)
- Dried fruit (raisins, dried cherries, dried apricots, etc.)
- Crunchy snacks (pretzels, Bugles, cereal, puffed quinoa, etc.)
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients (try to include at least one from each category mentioned above)
- Add each ingredient to a large mixing bowl, then mix
- Serve in individual snack bags, a large bowl, or several snack dishes placed within reach
How To Make Thanksgiving Fun For Kids
Games
Kids love playing games, so make their Thanksgiving extra special by making them a part of your holiday celebration. Even better, get everyone involved by playing games that both kids and adults love, like Thanksgiving bingo or pin the feather on the turkey.
Crafts
Crafts are always a hit with the younger crowd. Check out these cute Thanksgiving crafts for kids from Gathered for some wonderful ideas.
Activities
There are tons of great Thanksgiving activities for kids to keep them entertained and add to the holiday fun. The Inspiration Board has a bunch of Thanksgiving activities for kids of all ages.
Cooking
Include your kids in preparations for Thanksgiving dinner! Not only will it lighten your load, it will also make them feel like an important part of the tradition.
Make the holiday even more special with these Thanksgiving snacks for kids.
The little ones will love having their own festive treats and foods to enjoy as the family gathers for Thanksgiving celebrations.
For more Thanksgiving ideas, check out these amazing Thanksgiving side dishes!
