120+ Easy Kids Lunch Ideas (With Recipes)

By Melissa Griffiths

on May 05, 2025

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Every parent can use a huge collection of easy Kids Lunch Ideas to keep the crew fed through the summer holidays! From prep-ahead sandwiches to creative bento boxes, these quick kids lunch ideas will keep your kiddos happy and well-fed, and the parents stress-free.

A collage featuring fresh veggies with hummus, wraps, fruit, pizza, nachos, and meal-prepped lunchboxes. Text in the center reads: 120+ Kids Lunch Ideas With Recipes—perfect inspiration for fun and balanced kids lunch ideas!.


 

🍽️ This huge list includes super easy recipes to make in about 20 minutes, foods to make ahead, bento style lunch boxes to keep in the fridge, and snack-y type lunches for finger food lunches!

Table of Contents

My 2 Best Tips For Prepping These Kids Lunch Ideas

Sunday Prep is Your Secret Weapon: Dedicate 1-2 hours on Sunday to wash and cut vegetables, cook pasta or soups, and assemble make-ahead items. Store everything in labeled containers so kids can easily grab their own lunch throughout the week or it’s super easy for you to finish up a lunch to put on the table or pack for an outing.

Make it Interactive: I’ve found that lunches really never get boring if you let them have some “ownership” in their choices, even if it’s a tiny one. Turning lunches into an activity goes a long way and keeps everything simple. Some of my kids’ faves include build-your-own taco kits and DIY pizza lunchables. They also love bento style lunches or what I call snack-y lunch!

Melissa in her kitchen smiling in front of the starting ingredients for the chicken the quinoa salad and skillet chicken on the wood block in front of her

🩷 Melissa

I know as a busy mom that lunches can sometimes be an almost forgotten meal crammed into the middle of busy days!

I’ve found a few lunch ideas that help me plan ahead for the week’s lunches without really adding too much work into my already busy life!

Included in this list are:

  • Foods you can prepare in advance like soups and pasta dishes.
  • Bento style or homemade lunchable ideas that you can quickly prep in bulk
  • Snack ideas that double as healthy additions to lunches
  • So many tips and recipes that kids can help make or finish up themselves when they’re hungry!

Easy Kids Lunch Recipes

The goal is to make lunchtime stress-free for parents while ensuring kids get nutritious, appealing meals they’ll actually eat. With these easy kids lunch recipes and prep strategies, you’ll master the art of summer lunch planning in no time!

PIZZA LUNCH IDEAS

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top view of two French bread pizzas, one of them being cut
French Bread Pizza
French Bread Pizza is the easiest homemade pizza out there and it only takes 15 minutes to make. Forget about making pizza dough-the French bread is the crust!
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2
homemade pizza rolls
Homemade Pizza Rolls
Homemade Pizza Rolls are delightful bites that manage to capture all the goodness of a pizza in a compact, handheld package.
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3
pov dipping, from a plate of pizza twists with marina dipping sauce in the middle
Easy Pizza Twists
Pizza twists are easy-to-make creations that take the flavors of pizza and present them in a fun and unique way. Kids and adults love them!
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4
pizza bites with marinara dipping on parchment in a bowl
Easy Pepperoni Pizza Muffins
These Easy Pepperoni Muffins are quick, easy, and delicious. They make the perfect after school snack or a great meal on the go.
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5
Image of Pepperoni Pizza Sticks
Pepperoni Pizza Sticks
Pizza just got a snackable upgrade with these buttery and filling individual Pepperoni Pizza Sticks. If you’re looking for an easy homemade pizza sticks recipe that tastes fantastic, these are your winners!
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6
Plate of cheesy pizza sticks and cup of sauce
Easy Cheesy Pizza Sticks
Easy Cheesy Pizza Sticks are made with store-bought dough, pizza sauce, and cheese, and only take 20 minutes to make, start to finish. Whether you're looking for a simple lunch or a delicious dinner, this pizza recipe is perfect for you!
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CHICKEN NUGGETS & TENDERS LUNCH IDEAS

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close up of crispy fried and golden homemade chicken nuggets.
Freezer Friendly Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Stock your freezer with these Healthy Homemade Frozen Chicken Nuggets from America’s Test Kitchen. This is a meal prep recipe that will save your life and your wallet!
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8
air fryer chicken nuggets on a white plate with ketchup on the side
Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets
These homemade Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets are salty, crispy, dippable, and just as addictive as your favorite frozen version.
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9
POV air fryer chicken tenders dipped in aioli
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders
Air Fryer Chicken Tenders are the perfect solution for those seeking a healthier alternative without sacrificing taste and texture. Quick, easy and delicious.
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HOT DOG & CORNDOG LUNCH IDEAS

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top view of a plate of corndogs with a bowl of ketchup next to it
Homemade Corndogs
My favorite corndog recipe with a simple cornmeal batter and is perfectly crispy but fluffy and just a little sweet! You’ll love them!
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11
air fryer corn dogs lined up in the basket
Air Fryer Corn Dogs
Experience the delicious crunch of homemade air fryer corn dogs – a surefire hit for all ages.
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12
Plate of mini baked corn dogs
Mini Baked Corn Dogs
Quick, simple, and delicious mini baked corn dogs are the perfect easy lunch or dinner for your busy weeks. Your kids will love these cute little corn dog bites!
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13
mummy corn dogs
Pigs In a Blanket
These Halloween Mummy Hot Dogs are the cutest snacks ever! Perfect for Halloween parties or just enjoying with the family, these festive snacks (reminiscent of pigs in a blanket) only take 3 ingredients and a few minutes to make!
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SLIDERS & WRAPS LUNCH IDEAS

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slide view of cooked sliders
Sliders Recipe
These sliders feature juicy ground beef, melted cheese, and buttery buns for a flavor-packed delight!
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15
casserole dish with baked ham and cheese sliders on hawaiian rolls.
Hawaiian Roll Sliders
Gooey cheese, savory ham, and sweet rolls make these Hawaiian Roll Sliders a quick, easy, and inexpensive snack or dinner ready in under an hour.
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16
close up of the sliced end of the chicken wrap with bacon
Chicken Wrap with Bacon and Ranch
Chicken wraps are a quick and easy dinner the whole family will love, and bonus, these have bacon and ranch in them too! These are inspired by one of our favorite diners. 
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17
close up very detailed end view of the buffalo chicken wraps - flour tortilla wrapped saucy cooked chicken and lettuce sliced to see what's inside
Buffalo Chicken Wrap
Buffalo Chicken Wraps are a great way to spice up your lunch or dinner. There is no shortage of flavor amongst the chicken, hint of blue cheese, with crisp romaine lettuce and all wrapped up in a tortilla. 
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TACO LUNCH IDEAS

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Fritos small chip bag with walking taco recipe inside with a fork full.
Walking Tacos Recipe
Walking tacos are a fun, crowd-pleasing meal made with Fritos and topped with shredded cheese. They’re easy to make and perfect for casual gatherings!
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19
close up of chicken tacos with a bowl of chicken in the background
Chicken Street Tacos
These delicious tacos will be a family favorite you will make over and over again!
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20
Cheesy, creamy, and packed with shell noodles, ground beef, lots of tomatoes, and all your favorite Tex-Mex toppings, one-pot Skillet Taco Pasta is as dreamy as it is filling and flavorful.
One Skillet Taco Pasta
Cheesy, creamy, and packed with shell noodles, ground beef, lots of tomatoes, and all your favorite Tex-Mex toppings, one-pot Skillet Taco Pasta is as dreamy as it is filling and flavorful.
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SAVORY WAFFLE LUNCH IDEAS

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A plate with crispy cheese pizza waffles on a checkered cloth, next to a small jar of red marinara sauce. More waffles can be seen in the background.
Pizza Waffles
These crisp, savory waffles are packed with melty mozzarella and pepperoni, making them a perfect snack or fun dinner. Dip them in marinara sauce for the ultimate pizza-inspired bite!
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22
A stack of golden brown, square ham and cheese waffles sits on a white plate, resting on a blue and white checkered cloth. Shredded cheese is scattered around, hinting at the delicious ham and cheese tucked inside these savory waffles.
Ham and Cheese Waffles
These ham and cheese waffles turn a breakfast classic into an irresistible savory treat. Golden and crispy on the outside with pockets of melted cheese and smoky ham throughout, they’re everything you could dream of in savory waffles, and then some.
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23
Taco Topped Cornbread Waffles
Taco Topped Cornbread Waffles
Taco topped cornbread waffles are a delicious dinner idea that combines your favorite taco ingredients on top of a rich and fluffy cornbread waffle!
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PASTA LUNCH IDEAS

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Creamy One Pot Macaroni and Cheese
This One Pot Macaroni and Cheese is so easy! Cook the macaroni right in the milk that's used to make the sauce. Creamy, delicious & ready in 15 minutes!
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25
two white bowls of Italian Pasta Salad Recipe with whole cherry tomatoes and golden spoons to the side.
Italian Pasta Salad
Italian pasta salad is a delightful dish that combines cooked pasta, colorful vegetables, savory meats, and a flavorful dressing for a tasty side dish.
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26
A light and refreshing Classic Tuna Pasta Salad comes together as the perfect summer side dish with white tuna, shell noodles, celery, peas, and a creamy dill sauce.
Classic Tuna Pasta Salad
A light and refreshing Classic Tuna Pasta Salad comes together as the perfect summer side dish with white tuna, shell noodles, celery, peas, and a creamy dill sauce.
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QUICK & EASY SOUPS KIDS LOVE

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a spoon scooping out the word "yum" out of alphabet soup
Healthy 30 Minute Alphabet Soup
My famous alphabet soup is super easy to make, packed with vegetables, kid-approved, and done in 30 minutes or less.
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28
This comforting Chunky Chicken Noodle Soup will brighten any gloomy day and combat any head cold with its hearty combination of shredded chicken (or turkey), egg noodles, carrots, peas, corn, and lots of flavor-packing spices.
Chunky Chicken Noodle Soup
This comforting Chunky Chicken Noodle Soup Recipe will brighten any gloomy day. Feeling under the weather? This homemade soup combats any head cold with its hearty combination of shredded chicken (or turkey), egg noodles, carrots, peas, corn, and lots of flavor-packing spices.
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29
a marble table sets the scene for rustic white ceramic bowls of broccoli cheddar soup with rolls and raw broccoli around
The Best Instant Pot Broccoli and Cheese Soup
This Instant Pot broccoli and cheese soup recipe takes only ONE minute to make. It's an easy Instant Pot soup that's thick, creamy and healthy. Enjoy this gluten free and vegetarian soup for any meal!
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KIDS' CHOICE CHARCUTERIE BOARDS

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after school snack tray on a blue speckled sheet with mixed fruits, veggies, nuts, hummus and pita chips
After School Snack Tray
The perfect fridge and pantry clean out! The after school snack tray is a great way to feed hungry kiddos and clear out some space in your kitchen.
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31
top view of a cheese board
Family Friendly Cheese Board
How to make a cheeseboard that is family friendly, perfect for a party, and gluten free, and something the kids will love!
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32
The options are endless for this Everyday Cheese Board, but the trick is to get a solid combination of flavors, textures, and colors on the board! I like cheddar, Colby jack, and Swiss cheeses with jam, mustard, various types of crackers, olives, and fruit.
Every Day Cheese Board
The options are endless for this Everyday Cheese Board, but the trick is to get a solid combination of flavors, textures, and colors on the board! I like cheddar, Colby jack, and swiss cheeses with jam, mustard, various types of crackers, olives, and fruit.
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33
This classic cheese board has a little something for everyone! I like to fill my cheese boards with sweet, savory, and salty elements to round out the flavors and textures.
My favorite Classic Cheese Board
This classic cheese board has a little something for everyone! I like to fill my cheese boards with sweet, savory, and salty elements to round out the flavors and textures.
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BENTO STYLE LUNCH IDEAS

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lots of different tupperware with lunch items separated in compartments.
6 Easy Pinwheel Recipes for Lunch Boxes
Pinwheel recipes for lunch boxes are a fast and simplified way to pack lunches for little ones (and adults, too!) on the go that keep well for school or work lunches.
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35
6 Hummus Lunch Ideas
Six simple school and adult lunch box ideas made with Sabra Hummus, fruit, vegetables, and more. These back-to-school Quick and Easy Hummus Lunch Boxes are nutritious and tasty, and there are so many variations!
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36
6 Sandwich-on-a-Stick Lunch Box Ideas
These 6 Sandwich-on-a-Stick Lunch Box Ideas are perfect for school or work lunches! An easy, tasty and fun twist on all of your favorite sandwiches. Fill your lunch box with vibrant veggies, fresh fruits, and mini sandwiches!
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37
4 healthy adult lunch boxes.
8 Bento Lunch Box Ideas
Forget sad desk salads and squished sandwiches — these sophisticated Grown Up Lunch Box Ideas will transform your midday meal into something worth looking forward to!
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38
Lunch Box Ideas Image
12 Healthy Lunch Box Ideas
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39
many different tupperware with compartments for different lunch ingredients and chocolate milk on the side
5 Make Ahead Lunch Box Ideas
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HEALTHY SNACKS (OR LUNCH!)

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Twelve homemade granola bars in rows, each labeled with a flavor: Spiced Nuts, PB Pretzel, Blueberry, Sunflower, Cranberry White Chocolate, Tropical, PB Chocolate, and Chocolate Cherry. Text above reads “8 Easy Granola Bar Recipes.” Perfect for easy granola bar recipes!.
8 Easy Granola Bar Recipes
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41
Rows of bite-sized no bake energy bites with various mix-ins, including chocolate chips, oats, and colorful candy pieces, arranged neatly on a white surface.
25 Easy Snack Bite Recipes
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42
8 mason jars with smoothies
8 Simple & Easy Smoothie Recipes
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EASY MAKE-AHEAD SWEET TREATS

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fresh fruit atop fruit pizza cookies.
Fruit Pizza Sugar Cookies
Festive fruit pizza sugar cookies are made with super soft sour cream and a simple cream cheese frosting, then piled high with seasonal fruit. YUM!
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44
top view of a sliced fruit pizza with slices of colorful fruit organized in a near mandala design on a round plate
Fruit Pizza
Fruit Pizza is a vibrant and refreshing dessert that showcases seasonal fruits on a cookie crust with a luscious cream cheese frosting.
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45
top view of brownies in the baking dish, cut into squares
Lunch Lady Brownies
Lunch Lady Brownies are thick, fudgy, and not too “dark”. They are perfect for the milk chocolate lovers in your life and you won’t believe how great the chocolate frosting is on top of a chewy brownie.
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