Snacks are an important part of a child’s day, especially during hot weather. These mini meals can help keep kids hydrated and provide a perfect opportunity for them to take in the nutrients they need to grow and develop, including iron, protein, calcium and vitamin D. A perfect time for a snack is if there is a long stretch of time between meals (about four to five hours).

Start with Creamy Lemon-Poppy Seed Ice Pops that are easy to make together with kids. Serve them up after a day outside, when kids are looking to cool off. The sweetened condensed milk provides essential nutrients like calcium and protein, which can help nourish children’s growing bodies and bones.

This fun way to serve delicious and nutritious cantaloupe is perfect for a hot day. Add the hot honey if your kid likes a little sweet heat, otherwise just use a touch of traditional honey or leave it out altogether.

Bananas, peanuts and a small amount of dark chocolate come together to make these refreshing snacks. They’re perfect for when kids come home exhausted from camp. Make a batch or two to store in the freezer.

Made with berries, granola and yogurt, kids can help assemble these scrumptious, well-balanced treats. It’s a fabulous way to get tiny hands in the kitchen.

Kids love dipping, especially their veggies! Serve with tortilla chips and add veggies like carrots, celery and bell peppers to make this snack even healthier.

These bite-sized goodies are made with lots of nutritious ingredients: dates, coconut flakes and almonds.

Fruits not only provide antioxidants, potassium and fiber, but they also provide water to help keep your child hydrated. Making snack time fun with a dip can help kids enjoy their fruit.

Your kids will scream for vanilla banana ice cream, which is made with just two ingredients: bananas and vanilla bean or extract. This favorite fruit is filled with fiber, potassium, vitamin C, vitamin B6 and numerous antioxidants and phytonutrients.

Keep your kids hydrated with these delicious ice pops made from watermelon, coconut milk and avocado — plus a few mini chocolate chips.

Perfect for little or big kids, this simple-to-make toast is topped with calcium-filled ricotta and refreshing fiber-filled fruit.

Dip dried pieces of mango, papaya or apricots in a small amount of dark chocolate. It’s a fun way for kids to enjoy fruit — and a little chocolate goes a long way.

Whip up a refreshing fruit smoothie made with berries, banana, 100-percent orange juice and vanilla yogurt. Not only is this drink hydrating, it also provides nutrients like calcium, protein, potassium and vitamin C.

For a more savory option, make a quick pizza in your toaster oven. In this recipe, half a portion is reasonable for a snack for a younger child, while the full portion is perfect for an active teen.