Backpacking trips provide kids with an excellent opportunity to explore nature, exercise and have fun with friends and family. Adults should thoroughly prepare for the trip to ensure the kids have comfortable attire and enough food and water. For a day trip, pack a portable meal or snacks that can be carried inside backpacks.
Trail Mix
Trail mix is a traditional hiking snack that may be easily divided in baggies among a group of kids. Trail mix may be purchased in pre-made packages, or you can buy ingredients separately and make your own mix. You can include peanuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, chocolate chips, pretzels, dried fruit, raisins, sesame seed sticks, sunflower seeds and almonds.
Grains
Crackers and breads provide energy because they have carbohydrates. They are also convenient in that they do not require refrigeration or preparation. Bread products such as pita pockets, whole-grain sliced bread and bagels provide energy and fiber, and leave kids feeling full. Bring along a small jar of peanut butter with a plastic knife to spread on the bread.
Granola Bars
No one will fight over portion sizes if you pack each kid a granola or energy bar. These portable snacks also provide a lot of energy. Granola bars are often made from oats, nuts, cereal, fruit, seeds and sugar. The sugar in granola bars provides energy, but less than that of an energy bar that is more calorie-dense and high in carbohydrates.
Fruit
Bring whole pieces of fruit that do not need to be cut up. Apples, oranges and pears do not require special preparation, nor are they soft enough to squish in a backpack. Wash fruit and store it in a plastic bag before beginning a hike for food safety reasons. Avoid cut-up fruit such as melons because they don't hold up well without refrigeration.
Sandwiches
Pack sandwiches in a small, insulated lunch box. Kids often enjoy peanut butter and jelly or turkey sandwiches. If the sandwich contains meat or dairy, ensure it stays cool to prevent spoilage.
Drinks
For longer hikes, water or sports drinks are the best options for staying hydrated. Sports drinks provide potassium and sodium electrolytes that can be lost through body sweat. Dairy-based drinks are not recommended as they do not keep well without refrigeration.
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