The mineral magnesium is essential for human life, allowing for muscle contraction as well as the production and transport of energy. Half the magnesium in the body is in the bones, with most of the rest contained in organs and tissues, according to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements. Ensuring your child has an adequate magnesium intake will help with proper growth and development. The daily intake values for children range between 80 mg and 410 mg depending on your child's age and gender, MedlinePlus reports.
Vegetables
Many children are not crazy about eating vegetables, but a few are good dietary sources of magnesium. In particular, spinach is an excellent source, providing 20 percent of the daily value, or 75 mg, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Other good vegetable sources of the mineral include potatoes--often a favorite among kids--peas, asparagus, cauliflower, tomatoes, Brussels sprouts and eggplant.
Fruits
Good fruit sources of magnesium include bananas, avocados and dried apricots, MedlinePlus reports. A half cup of pureed avocado provides 35 mg--8 percent of the daily value--while a banana has 30 mg. Raisins, watermelon, raspberries and strawberries also contain magnesium, World's Healthiest Foods reports.
Seafood
Some protein sources in your child's diet can provide magnesium, but many of the seafoods and shellfish containing the mineral are not on kids' favorites lists. Halibut is the best dietary source of magnesium, providing 90 mg, or 20 percent of the daily value. Shrimp, scallops and tuna also contain magnesium.
Dairy
Giving your kids milk and other dairy products regularly will help ensure an adequate intake of magnesium. Yogurt is the best dietary source of the mineral, with a serving providing 10 percent of the daily value, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Milk is also a good source. Even sweet treats such as milk chocolate contain magnesium.
Cereals and Grains
Some cereals and grains are good dietary sources of magnesium. Instant oatmeal and shredded wheat cereal both provide 55 mg of magnesium, which is 20 percent of the daily value. Wheat bran, wheat germ, bran flakes, whole wheat bread and brown rice are also good sources, although to a lesser extent.
Soy Products
Soybeans and products containing soy--including tofu and soy milk--can also be a good source of magnesium in your child's diet. A half cup of cooked soybeans contains 20 percent of the daily value, while tofu and soy milk contain lesser amounts, according to World's Healthiest Foods.
Nuts and Legumes
Many beans, nuts and nut products are a good source of protein. Kid favorites peanuts and peanut butter are good choices, containing 15 percent of the daily value, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Almonds and cashews are even better, providing 20 percent of the daily value. Almost all beans--including kidney beans, pinto beans, navy beans and lima beans--are also good sources of magnesium.
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