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The moment the summer season begins, children begin to ask for one thing, i.e. water fun and a pool party, which feels like the highlight of the weekends. Splashing games, floaties, laughter and giggle and wet hair somehow make even ordinary weekends feel exciting. But once the swimming begins, hunger also follows it quickly. Kids jump out of the pool looking for snacks that are fun, fill them up quickly and are easy to eat with little hands.
That is where many parents get riddled. Heavy food does not feel okay in the heat, chocolates melt, creamy dishes turn messy, and any complex recipe steals time from the party itself.
A good poolside kid-friendly menu should be easy to hold, easy to bite and clean up. It should also survive warm weather, keep the energy levels constant and feel special enough for the occasion. Think finger foods, chilled bites and snacks that feel familiar to the kids.
You do not need to have restaurant-style spreads or need to spend hours in the kitchen. A few smart and easy recipes can make the snacks table beside the pool look compelling and can keep children happy between swims. Here are easy snack ideas you can make if you are planning a fun summer pool party for kids.
Mini Veggie Cheese Sandwich Stars
Soft bread slices cut into star shapes instantly make the snack table look fun and party-ready. These little sandwiches get creamy from cheese, are mild in flavour and feel colourful from the finely chopped vegetables added to them. They work particularly well for younger children who like familiar foods over the spicy or complex snacks. As the pieces are small, kids can nibble them between games without feeling too full. The soft texture also makes them easy to eat fast before they run back to the pool for another round of splashing fun.
Ingredients
8 bread slices
4 cheese slices
1/4 cup grated carrot
1/4 cup cucumber, finely chopped
2 tbsp butter
Pinch salt
How To Make
Mix the carrot and cucumber lightly with some softened butter and spread this on bread slices, and add the cheese. Cover this with another bread slice. Use a star cutter or knife to make shapes out of the bread slices. Refrigerate slightly before serving so that the filling holds well. Arrange it neatly on a tray with toothpick flags to make it more attractive.
(Image credit: Freepik)
Watermelon Fruit Pops
These bright fruit pops suit the occasion. Watermelon gives it its juicy sweetness, pineapple adds to the sunny sharpness, and kiwi gives it a fun tangy taste, also with a pop of colours. Children value food they can hold, and these pops are neater to eat than whole fruit bowls. They also help cool down the kids after the swimming session without feeling heavy. The icy, juicy bite feels refreshing in the hot weather, whereas the colourful look makes it feel like a treat.
Ingredients
3 cups watermelon cubes
1 cup pineapple cubes
1 kiwi, sliced
Ice cream sticks or skewers
How To Make
Cut fruit into small chunky bite-sized shapes. Slide the pieces onto the toothpicks, rotating colours to give it a rainbow look. Chill it in the fridge until it is the serving time. You can also freeze it for 20 minutes for an extra cold treat, which will feel nothing less than a dessert.
Mini Corn Cups
Sweet corn served in small cups is one of the most effortless pool party wins. It is warm, buttery, a bit sweet and feels familiar enough for children who do not like adventurous tastes. Each bite feels juicy and satisfying, whereas the cup format keeps everything clean and movable. You can make it in a big batch in minutes and then portion it easily. A little grated cheese on top will add the extra richness that children usually adore.
Ingredients
2 cups boiled sweet corn
1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp grated cheese
Pinch salt
Pinch black pepper
How To Make
Mix the hot boiled corn with some butter, salt and pepper. Spoon this into small paper cups. Sprinkle the cheese on top so that it softens a bit, and serve it with tiny spoons. These cups are perfect because children can nibble on them while strolling around.
Pizza Pinwheels
Pizza pinwheels get all the joy of pizza in a neat, hand-held wheel. They are soft from the centre, golden on the edges and filled with cheesy, herby taste children recognise immediately. As they are sliced into round shapes, they are easier to grab than the whole pizza slices and also less messy to eat water. The smell alone usually attracts kids to the snack table. These are perfect when you want to have just one hearty item that feels compelling, familiar and celebration-worthy without having to order takeaway or make a large pizza.
Ingredients
1 pizza dough sheet or bread dough
3 tbsp pizza sauce
1/2 cup grated mozzarella
2 tbsp capsicum, finely chopped
1 tsp mixed herbs
How To Make
Roll the pizza dough or sheet flat and spread the pizza sauce evenly on it. Scatter some cheese, capsicum and herbs on it as you place it on the pizza. Roll it tightly like a log and then slice the rounds. Bake it until golden, and the cheese is melty. Let it cool a bit before serving so that children can hold them easily and do not burn their mouths in the excitement.
(Image credit: Freepik)
Frozen Yoghurt Berry Bites
These small frozen bites feel like dessert but remain lighter than even the ice cream. Thick yoghurt gives it the creaminess, whereas berries add a bursts of sweet-tart flavour that wake up the palate. Frozen yoghurt berry bites feel cool, smooth and refreshing enough. Children will like the one-bite size and colourful toppings, whereas parents will like how easy they are to prepare ahead of time.
Ingredients
1 cup thick yogurt
2 tbsp honey
1/2 cup chopped strawberries or berries
1 tbsp sprinkles (optional)
How To Make
In a bowl, mix yoghurt with some honey until it turns smooth. Spoon small dollops of it into mini cupcake liners or the silicone moulds. Top it up with chopped berries and freeze for about 2 to 3 hours. Remove from the moulds just before serving. They will melt slowly enough for children to enjoy and eat them comfortably.
