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Last Updated on June 19, 2025 by Alaina
Keep the kids happy and cool with these fun, refreshing, and easy summer party snacks and drinks, no stress or fancy prep required!
When it comes to summer parties for kids, snacks are kind of a big deal. But between setting up games, wrangling decorations, and making sure everyone’s having fun, nobody has time for complicated recipes. That’s why I always stick to kid-friendly summer snacks and drinks that are simple, colorful, and perfect for grabbing on the go.
These ideas are fun to eat, fun to look at, and even more fun to make if you want to let the kids help. Whether you’re hosting a full-blown birthday bash or just a backyard hangout, these tasty treats will be a hit.
Why You’ll Love These Summer Snacks and Drinks:
- They’re quick to prep and don’t require fancy ingredients
- Most can be made ahead of time (yay for less day-of stress!)
- Great for little hands — no forks or fuss needed
Easy and Fun Summer Party Snacks for Kids
1. Fruit Skewers
Fruit skewers are one of my go-to summer party snacks because they’re refreshing, colorful, and mess-free. Plus, you can prep a big batch quickly, and the kids absolutely love anything on a stick. They’re healthy, too, but don’t be surprised when they disappear before the cupcakes.
- Use toothpicks or mini skewers
- Alternate grapes, melon, strawberries, and pineapple
- Add a mini marshmallow or cube of cheese for fun
- Tip: Serve chilled in a tray with ice underneath
2. Dirt and Worms Sundaes
These delicious dirt and worms sundaes are a tasty twist to the original and they are always a hit with kids. Plus they are super simple to make!
- Add scoops of cookies and cream ice cream to plastic bowls or cups
- Drizzle with chocolate syrup
- Sprinkle with crushed Oreos and then op with gummy worms
- Serve in clear cups so kids can see the layers
- Optional: Let kids build their own at a “dirt sundae station”
3. Mini Sandwich Sliders
Small hands = small bites! Perfect for little hands and picky eaters, sliders are a practical way to serve something more filling without the mess. You can make several varieties and wrap them up for grab-and-go convenience.
- Use Hawaiian rolls to make turkey, ham, or PB&J sliders
- Cut into halves or quarters
- Add a cute summer-themed party toothpick for flair
- Tip: Wrap in parchment to keep hands clean
4. Frozen Yogurt Drops
A fun twist on frozen treats that’s also sneakily healthy! These tiny frozen yogurt dots are refreshing and easy to pop into your mouth, plus they keep kids cool without dripping everywhere. Tip: make the night before and keep cold until serving.
- Pipe dots of yogurt onto wax paper and freeze
- Use various yogurt flavors for a tasty selection.
- Optional: Add sprinkles or crushed cereal
- Serve straight from the freezer for a chilly treat
5. Oreo Flower Snacks
Edible crafts are always a hit, and these Oreo flower snacks are just as cute as they are tasty. They double as table decor and make snack time feel extra special, especially for garden- or rainbow-themed parties.
- Use white chocolate-dipped Oreos as the center of a “flower”
- Arrange colorful candy petals around each cookie
- Great as an edible craft or table centerpiece treat
- Tip: Use a dab of frosting to help everything stick
6. M&Ms Beach Ball Cake
This M&Ms Beach Ball Cake is the ultimate showstopper for any summer party! I made this one myself, and it’s been a favorite every year since. It’s so bright and fun, and honestly, way easier than it looks! The colorful M&M pattern instantly brings the beach party vibes, and kids love helping place the candies.
- Using round cake pans, bake the cakes. I used this pan one by Wilton.
- Cover with white frosting
- Use red, blue, yellow, and green M&Ms to form beach ball sections
- Tip: Chill slightly before serving so the candy stays in place
Kid-Friendly Summer Party Drinks
1. Lemonade Bar
Letting kids mix their own lemonade at a lemonade bar is a simple way to make drinks more exciting. I love using big drink dispensers and setting out fresh fruit add-ins, it’s basically a drink station and activity in one!
- Offer classic lemonade, strawberry lemonade, pink lemonade, and blueberry lemonade!
- Set out mix-ins like sliced lemons, strawberries, or blueberries
- Use plastic mason jars or colorful cups with paper straws
- Grab reusable drink cups and colorful straws
2. DIY Slushies (No Machine Needed!)
No slushie machine? No problem. This trick is a total lifesaver on hot days. Just freeze juice pouches Capri Sun pouches or even Gatorade pouches until slushy and watch the kids go wild for them.
- Freeze until slushy, then knead gently
- Cut open and serve with a spoon or pour into a cup
- Kids love these, especially after games
3. Fruity Ice Cubes in Water
We all know the struggle, getting kids to drink plain water isn’t always easy. But toss in a few fruit-filled ice cubes, and suddenly it feels like a fancy drink. Bonus: they’re fun to prep ahead of time!
- Freeze chopped fruit into ice cube trays
- Drop into water cups for a colorful twist
- Add mint leaves for extra chill
4. Cherry Cream Soda
This fizzy treat is sweet, nostalgic, and a major crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike. I make this one every summer, it’s colorful, super creamy, and tastes like a carnival in a cup! You only need a few ingredients, and it comes together in seconds.
- Pour cream soda into a pitcher over crushed ice
- Add heavy cream and stir gently
- Mix in grenadine syrup until fully combined
- Pour into individual cups or glasses
- Garnish with a maraschino cherry and serve in clear cups with a fun straw
Party Food Tips for Kids:
Keep the snack station simple and stress-free with a mix of healthy, sweet, and silly treats. Presentation is key, kids eat with their eyes first! Go for finger foods, colorful displays, and drinks that feel fun but don’t make a mess.
- Keep everything grab-and-go
- Stick with familiar flavors, but make the presentation fun
- Use kid-sized serving pieces to reduce mess
- Always have extra napkins — trust me
FAQs:
Q: Can I prep these snacks the night before?
A: Yes! Fruit skewers, sandwich sliders, and frozen yogurt drops are all great make-ahead options.
Q: What’s the best way to keep snacks cool outside?
A: Use trays over ice, shaded tables, or pop everything in a cooler until snack time.
Q: Are there any no-allergen options?
A: Fruit skewers, veggie sticks, and frozen yogurt (dairy-free versions) are always safe bets — just label everything clearly.
Show Me What You’ve Got!
Did you try any of these snacks or drinks at your summer party? I’d love to see your fun setup! Tag me @bullocksbuzz or use #bullocksbuzz so I can celebrate with you!
Don’t forget to save or pin this post for later — and share it with other parents looking for party snack inspiration!