Party Snacks and Appetizers for Kids

Whenever you’re planning a party, whether it be a family reunion, baby or bridal shower, chances are you’re going to have to cater to some finicky eaters. No, not your adult guests, but any kids that might be at the event. Chances are they won’t appreciate your salmon mousse canapés or the crudité table. However, there are some easy, fun party snacks and appetizers for kids that will keep them happy, full, and enjoying the party.

Here are some party snacks and appetizers to serve to kids:

You can’t go wrong with chicken fingers. Every kid goes nuts for chicken fingers; like they’re ambrosia to their palates. Instead of serving a boring platter of the finger food, you can have fun with it by serving chicken nuggets in the shape of dinosaurs or geometric shapes. Your grocer’s freezer section should have these items. Or, you could cook up chicken tenders or strips and skewer them for easier handling and eating. To really kick up the platter for the kids, have a selection of sauces for dipping: Ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, and, of course, ketchup.

Pigs in a blanket are an all-time favorite and party hit. Get your favorite biscuit of crescent roll canned dough and couple it with hot dogs or cocktail wieners for a fun party snack for kids. Wrap the dough in shapes, designs, or swirls that will puff up during baking. Again, you can skewer the snack once baked to make it more fun and accessible to your smaller guests. To really kick it up, add small pieces of cheddar cheese into the wrapped dough for an extra yummy treat.

Just as you’d serve classy cucumber, egg salad, and/or tuna finger sandwiches to your older guests, why not thrill the younger set with their own “gourmet” finger sandwiches. Cut off the crusts from white and wheat bread and serve up peanut butter and jelly, tuna, and ham and cheese mini finger sandwiches for the kids. They’re quick and fun to eat and you won’t have plates of uneaten crusts when they’re done.

Most kids plan their meals around what’s for dessert. So why not offer a fun treat for your smaller guests at your party? Mix up a batch of your favorite chocolate and vanilla pudding mixes. Using small coffee cups, layer the chocolate and vanilla pudding until it’s filled. Then, add whipped topping and a cherry to the top. Little hands will love digging through the delicious treat, discovering the different layers of pudding. This is sure to keep them happy and busy.

Trail mix is another great party snack to have on hand for kids. Since they love cereal so much, toss together some cereal party mix with two or three favorite (non-sugary) flavors, peanuts, pretzels, and chocolate candies. This is one appetizer that even the adult guests will be diving in to get.

All of these recipes, snack, and appetizer ideas for kid will work for any event you’re planning. If you’ve got kids coming to a baby or bridal shower, prepare a separate table for their snacks and appetizers so they know it’s just for them. This will keep them happy and occupied while the bridal shower games commence and the presents are opened. These snack ideas are guaranteed to be a hit.




Misha Anatolia writes about party planning for various occasions, including bridal showers. For more bridal shower food ideas or other appetizer ideas for parties, check out more of Misha's bridal shower recipes.

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