Summer is just around the corner. The school year will soon be coming to an end and kids will suddenly be on the go, running from the park to the pool or riding their bikes with friends. When daily schedules are altered by the fun, hectic nature of vacation season, it may be difficult to make sure your kids are getting good things to eat.

Whether you’re taking a trip to the pool, the ball field, or taking a long car trip, being prepared is the key to healthy snacking.

If you don’t plan ahead, it’s very likely you will spend a day living on fast food, candy bars, bags of chips and soda. As summer approaches, this is the time of year to make the array of delicious and nutritious fruits and vegetables available to your snackers. Stock your cooler with snack bags filled with grapes, cherries, berries, apple slices, peaches and melon cut into snack-size portions. Bring a bunch of bananas, a super portable snack.

Fat-free, vanilla yogurt makes a perfect dip. Carrot and celery sticks with low-fat ranch dressing, crackers with low-fat cheese cut into easy-to-eat cubes, and trail mix with granola, pretzels, fat-free popcorn, dried fruit and nuts are also easy alternatives.

Preparing these “ready-to-go snack bags” prior to leaving your house not only can save you money, but it also makes it more convenient when the urge to snack hits.

Also, remember to stay hydrated. Always include plenty of fluids in your cooler, including water, low-sugar fruit juice, or low-fat milk.

Here are some practical suggestions for creating delicious goodies that kids can enjoy anywhere:

Bugs on a Log
One way to get kids to eat veggies in the summertime is to take celery stalks, spread them with peanut butter, and sprinkle raisins on them (the bugs). It’s fun and easy, and kids can do it themselves.

Frozen Grapes
The entire family will enjoy this cool treat once summer arrives. Place washed grapes into a zipper-top baggie and freeze for an hour or so. Don’t forget to cut the grapes in half for smaller children and toddlers.

Peanut Butter Squares
Kids will eat just about anything that’s covered in yummy peanut butter! Spread peanut butter onto a cracker (or a rice cake). Add a couple of apple slices then top with another cracker to form a little cracker sandwich.

Blues Buster Smoothie
Smoothies are great for kids on the go. You can whip one up in the blender and give your swimmer or soccer player a before-the-game, healthy snack that won’t weigh him or her down. Use 6 ounces low-fat blueberry yogurt, 1/2 cup apple juice, 1/3 cup fresh or frozen blueberries, 1/3 cup frozen sliced peaches, and 5 ice cubes (amount of ice will vary depending on desired consistency). Place all ingredients into a blender and blend until creamy.

Misty Buchanan is the coordinator for the West Virginia Nutrition Network which sponsors The Pick a Better Snack campaign. The network is made up of many statewide and local partners. For more information about healthy snacks, contact your local WVU Extension Office.