Packed Lunch Ideas for Day Trips

So, you’re getting ready to set out on a fun-filled trip for the whole family. The good news is you have a lot to look forward to. The bad news however is that little hungry tummies will undoubtedly be rumbling almost as soon as you’ve set off. At Kids Travel 2 though, we’ve got you covered. We put together five great packed lunch ideas for long day trips so you can rest assured you’re prepared for any eventuality.

Wraps

A twist on a traditional sandwich, wraps are much better for bodies than two slices of bread. With less calories and carbohydrates, they won’t leave gentle tummies feeling as bloated – especially if you pick the wholemeal or seeded ones. If you’re unsure whether picky eaters will devour them, make sure you fill them to the brim with their favourite filling, such as Cajun chicken strips and salad, or thick sliced ham and mayo to give them a balanced mix of carbohydrates, fat and protein to keep them going all day.

Fruit and veg pieces

If you have time the night before you’re due to set off, chop up your kids’ favourite fruit and/or vegetable slices and pop them in a handy Tupperware. Apples, pears, kiwis, oranges, and grapes are the perfect healthy on-the-go snack to ward off hunger pangs between breakfast and lunch. Carrot and celery sticks and cherry tomatoes and are also great little nourishing treats that can be gobbled up en route. If you want to make this a bit more interesting, why not add a bit of yogurt over the fruit or pop in a treat size snack pot of hummus or refreshing dip for the vegetables?

Pasta salad

Most kids love pasta. So why just leave this as a dinnertime treat? Pasta is just as tasty cold, so cook up some pasta, add in a tablespoon of pesto, two tablespoons of olive oil, one tablespoon of capers, a tin of tuna, and three sundried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired feast. Tasting even better the day after, kids will love this scrumptious feast!

­Grain and lentil salad

This may sound very un-child friendly, but believe us, your kids’ will go mad for a cleverly made salad. Simply cook bulgur wheat, quinoa or cous cous in a pan with stock, add in cooked lentils, some chargrilled vegetables, like sweet peppers, courgettes, tomatoes and caramelised onion, and stir. Pop in a container with some ready-cooked chicken or falafel, along with a dip, and you’re done. It’s a great way to get children eating vegetables as they’re sweet and delicious when mixed with the protein-packed lentils and flavoursome grains.

­Chocolate drizzled popcorn

Popcorn shouldn’t just be saved for the cinema. It’s always advised to take a sweet treat or two with you when you’re off on a day trip to reward good behaviour. But if you want a break from traditional chocolate bars, try sweetening up some popcorn with a delicious drizzle of chocolate. Simply pop the corn as normal, melt your kids’ favourite chocolate and swirl it onto the freshly popped corn the night before. Leave it in a Tupperware once cooled, and the next day you’ll have a sweet treat that ticks all the boxes – without being overly sugary. You can even add some orange flavouring or mint to suit your kids’ tastes!

It’s also wise taking a few bottles of water and a carton or two of orange with you, as otherwise you’ll be stopping every half an hour for a drink.

Do you have any top packed lunch ideas for families?