Pool, pool and more pool: That about sums up our summer plans — particularly those of us who aren’t lucky enough to have a beach in our backyard. Days spent at the pool invite pool parties, and pool parties call for plenty of snacks, especially when kids are involved.
If you’re thinking of just throwing some chips in a bowl and setting aside some French onion dip because it’s easy, hold up! There are plenty of kid-friendly snacks that are not only easy to make (some requiring mere minutes to prepare) but also so much fun to eat. And what kid doesn’t love playing with their food?
Break some rules this summer with these 16 too-cute summer- and beach-themed snacks — from a pretzel dip with an edible sandy beach to edible watermelon ice cream bowls and a caramel Rice Krispies castle. The kids will have just as much splashing around in the pool as they will enjoying the snacks you prepare for them.
A version of this article was originally published in July 2015.
Sand Pudding Cups
We can't get over how adorable these sand pudding cups are. Just look at the candy tower and the Teddy Grahams beach-goer sitting under the tiny umbrella!
Watermelon Grill
The kids will "ooh" and "aah" over this quirky watermelon grill, complete with legs made of celery and topped with fruit kabobs.
Beach Pretzel Dip
How adorable is this easy and delicious pretzel dip, made to look like a sandy beach? Even the striped cheese towel is edible.
Pool Noodles Licorice
The kids' next pool party deserves a cup full of licorice pool noodles.
Fruit Cones
These healthy mini fruit cones are perfect for the kids to grab and go.
Fruit Pizza Beach Ball
This fruit pizza beach ball cake makes the perfect centerpiece for a beach, pool or summer-themed party.
Edible Watermelon Ice Cream Bowls
The bowls are edible, too! The secret? Dip balloons into melted candy wafers. Genius!
Nutter Butter Sandals
Everything you see here is completely edible, from the sandcastles to the seashells.
Kitty Ice Cream Sandwiches
These cat-faced ice cream sandwiches are assembly only, so you can prepare and serve in a snap.
Rainbow Smoothie Pops
Layer in strawberries, mango, pineapple, kiwi and blueberries, and a few hours later, you'll have yourself 20 rainbow-hued pops to enjoy by the pool.
Cantaloupe Sailboats
Slice up some cantaloupes and then get your arts and crafts on, creating the sails for these sailboats.
Watermelon on a Stick
It's a simple concept, really, but one the kids will absolutely eat up. Slice up some watermelon, throw 'em on a stick and wrap them with a polka-dotted cupcake liner.
Snorkeler Cookie Treat
All you need for this no-bake cookie treat are Nutter Butters, sugar cookies and a few candy accessories.
Caramel Rice Krispies Treat Castle
Grab yourself some sand castle molds and you're on your way to making this caramel Rice Krispies castle. The kids will have a blast creating this with you, too.
Ocean-Themed Jell-O Pie
Re-create the beach in the form of a pie with blue Jell-O (for the water), crumbs (for the sand), M&Ms (for the people), parasol picks and candy fish.
Veggies & Dip Cups
Make the communal dip bowl a thing of the past with these healthy snacks you can prep ahead of time and keep in the fridge to chill before the pool party.
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