Summer Lunch Ideas for Kids: From Grilled Cheese Quesadillas to PB&J Sushi!

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Discussion Overview

This thread explores various creative lunch ideas for kids, with participants sharing their personal experiences and suggestions for making meals more engaging. The focus is on fun and interactive meal presentations that can help alleviate boredom during the summer months.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based

Main Points Raised

  • One participant shares their experience of creating a buffet-style lunch with grilled cheese quesadillas, turkey roll-ups, and PB&J sushi, which their kids enjoyed.
  • Another participant mentions that their older children prepare lunch for themselves, indicating a more hands-off approach to meal preparation.
  • One participant expresses excitement about using the buffet idea for a daytime cooking show with kids, highlighting its fun potential.
  • Another participant enthusiastically agrees with the buffet concept, stating they plan to implement it soon.
  • One participant notes that their kids now request a buffet for every meal after trying it once.
  • Another participant describes a successful peanut butter and jelly bar at a MOM's club show, where kids made their own sandwiches with various toppings.
  • One participant shares a dinner idea where they transformed sloppy joes into a pizza, which their kids enjoyed without making a mess.
  • Another participant mentions doing similar interactive meals with their young children, noting that it encourages better eating habits.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express enthusiasm for creative meal ideas, with several agreeing on the effectiveness of interactive meals. However, there is no clear consensus on specific methods or preferences, as experiences vary.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects personal experiences and ideas shared by parents looking to make lunchtime more enjoyable for their children during the summer.

Who May Find This Useful

Parents and caregivers within the consultant community who are seeking inspiration for fun and engaging meal ideas for kids.

dannyzmom
dannyzmom
Gold Member
Messages
9,271
My kids were getting bored of the same old same old lunch -- so since they are big fans of buffets, I made a buffet lunch for them the other day.

I made one grilled cheese quesadilla & cut it into wedges - arranged it on a plate w/fresh blueberries & raspberries

Turkey roll-ups speared with little pretzel rods...arranged all pretty on a plate w/berries

PB&J sushi - I spread a flour tortilla w/PB&J then rolled it like a sushi roll and sliced it sushi style...laid it on a platter all pretty like the sushi chefs do

Then each kid got a plate and tongs...they got to choose what they wanted to eat - they had a BLAST!
So - all ya'll with kids getting bored this summer - shake things up!!
 
Cute idea! However, I'm of the lazy mom variety. My oldest is 10 and the next is 8 so they make lunch for themselves and the sisters. Under my supervision of course!
 
What a good idea!

I have a daytime Power Cooking Show this month w/ a Mom's Group, and they are bringing their kids (the host is providing sitters, and everyone chips in a couple dollars to help pay). I've been trying to think of something fun to do for the kids - this sounds like so much fun!
Thanks Carolyn!
 
That idea is GENIUS!!!!!!!! I'm so going to use that this week!!!
 
  • Thread starter
  • #5
of course now they ask for a buffet at EVERY meal - LOL
 
I have done a peanut butter and jelly bar at a MOM's club show. It went over well. We just set out peanut butter (chunky and smooth), a couple of flavors of jelly, some raisins, mini marshmallows, and chocolate chips. Then the moms helped each kid make their sandwich and we used the cut and seal to finish them up.
 
Cute ideas ladies!
 
I did a fun dinner last night that my kids LOVED! We eat sloppy joes a lot because we are broke but the kids make such a mess! I put the sloppy joe mixture on a boboli (sp?) crust and covered it with mozz cheese. I threw it in the oven for 15 mins to warm up and to melt the cheese. My picky kids downed the "pizza" and hardly made a mess. It was fun to change it up a bit...
 
  • Thread starter
  • #9
gilliandanielle said:
I did a fun dinner last night that my kids LOVED! We eat sloppy joes a lot because we are broke but the kids make such a mess! I put the sloppy joe mixture on a boboli (sp?) crust and covered it with mozz cheese. I threw it in the oven for 15 mins to warm up and to melt the cheese. My picky kids downed the "pizza" and hardly made a mess. It was fun to change it up a bit...
Click to expand...

Sounds awesome! I love Sloppy Joes with cheddar cheese but my kids won't touch sloppy joes...or ground meat of any kind :P
 
I do this with my little ones from time to time! They eat so much better and so much more than they would if I put a sandwich in front of them!
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some easy summer lunch ideas for kids?

Some easy summer lunch ideas for kids include grilled cheese quesadillas, PB&J sushi, fruit and yogurt parfaits, veggie wraps, and mini pizzas. These options are not only simple to prepare but also fun and appealing to children.

How can I make grilled cheese quesadillas more interesting?

You can make grilled cheese quesadillas more interesting by adding ingredients like sliced tomatoes, avocado, or different types of cheese. You can also use whole wheat or flavored tortillas to enhance the taste and nutritional value.

What ingredients do I need for PB&J sushi?

To make PB&J sushi, you will need bread (white or whole wheat), peanut butter, jelly or jam, and a rolling pin. You can also add banana slices or honey for extra flavor. Simply flatten the bread, spread the fillings, roll it up, and slice it into bite-sized pieces.

Are there any healthy alternatives for summer lunches?

Yes, there are many healthy alternatives for summer lunches. You can use whole grain wraps, lean proteins like turkey or chicken, and plenty of fresh vegetables. Additionally, incorporating fruits like berries or melon can add natural sweetness and nutrients to meals.

Can kids help prepare these summer lunch ideas?

Absolutely! Involving kids in the preparation of their meals can be a fun activity. They can help with spreading peanut butter and jelly, assembling quesadillas, or even choosing their favorite toppings for mini pizzas. This not only makes lunch preparation easier but also encourages healthy eating habits.

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