Nothing revs up a kid's appetite like a birthday party, and busy party-goers will appreciate a variety of snacks to stave off hunger between party games. Snacks can be an alternative to the traditional birthday cake and ice cream, or can be served along with the cake to add variety and flavor.
Critter Crunchy Snacks
Make critter crunchy snacks up to a month ahead of time, and store the snacks in a large, airtight container. Place 1 cup of unfrosted animal crackers in a large mixing bowl, then add 1 cup small pretzels. Stir in 1 cup of honey or chocolate graham cracker cereal, 1 cup yogurt-covered raisins and 1 cup of candy-coated chocolates. Serve the crunchy snacks as is, or in colored ice cream cones. Critter crunchy snacks are ideal for a circus or zoo theme party.
Kebabs
Older kids and teens will love kebabs made of fruit and marshmallows. Wash a variety of fruit, such as kiwi, strawberries, oranges and bananas. Cut the fruit into small chunks. Place a marshmallow on a skewer, followed by a piece of fruit and another marshmallow. Continue until the skewer has three to four pieces of marshmallows and the same number of fruit chunks. Alternatively, use colored miniature marshmallows.
Ants on Log
Give birthday partiers a break from sweet treats with ants on a log. Spread softened peanut butter or cream cheese on a celery stick, and then press raisins into the peanut butter or cream cheese. Alternatively, make ants on a boat by substituting apple wedges for celery sticks.
Cheese Snacks
Keep energy levels high with protein-rich cheese snacks. Use a cookie cutter to cut mozzarella or cheddar cheese slices into shapes appropriate for the birthday theme. Place the cheese shapes on a plate along with chunks of fruit. Add a few goldfish crackers to the cheese snack plate for variety, color and crunch.
Frozen Banana Treats
Cool off a summertime birthday with frozen banana treats. Peel several bananas and then slice the bananas in half lengthwise. Insert a Popsicle stick into the end of the bananas. Coat the bananas with softened peanut butter, and then roll them in chopped nuts, rice cereal, miniature chocolate chips, granola or sunflower seeds. Roll each banana in waxed paper and freeze for at least three hours.
