Spring Snacks For All Day And Everyday Out

It’s 60 degrees this evening, and the kids were out for hours after school. They played in the park. They did their homework in the park. They were absolutely filthy as they slugged in the apartment. I am sure they flew through their leftover lunch boxes, and begged for pizza from the local shop. Ice abounds from the man with the cart, who strolls through so easily tempting caregivers’ wallets and patience. So be it.

On the weekends, it is much of the same. I stick water bottles in my basket because a certain 6-year-old is always thirsty. I pack gum that I don’t mind them chewing, if they happen to be bored on a long train ride to somewhere fun. And of course, there is a tin lunch box that jiggles and whistles throughout the day. It pops open when we need, with a good tug, revealing plenty of options for filling in-between meals.

While there are many choices on the snack route, I go for things I will nibble on too. There is something to be said for not being the hangry parent. Who would have thought? And you know what, a lunch box, that has stayed intact and like-new all school year, feels like it was made for me too.

We have plenty of no-fail options, but I usually end up sticking to pretzels, mandarins, and carrots with delicious hummus. We tend to leave the carrots and hummus for last, when (and if) we’ve been out so long our day has leaked into dinner. Of course there are always corner stores, cafes, and even restaurants to enjoy. But the opportunity to spend hours and days in the park with snacks as pop-up picnics, never, ever, disappoints.

Any favorite snacks of your own this spring?