Lunchbox Ideas for Homeschool Field Trips and Outings
Planning a homeschool field trip or outing is exciting, but packing a lunch that’s nutritious, kid-approved, and cost-effective can be a challenge. With busy days exploring new places, it’s tempting to grab food on the go—but that can quickly add up. By packing homemade lunches, you can not only ensure your kids are eating healthy meals they’ll actually enjoy, but also save money in the process.
Let’s be real—when you’re out with kids all day, the last thing you need is hangry little ones! Over the years, I’ve figured out some tried-and-true lunchbox ideas that keep my crew happy, energized, and excited to open their boxes. Whether you’re planning a homeschool co-op day or just a spontaneous outing to explore the world, these lunchbox ideas will help you pack easy meals that your kids will love.
Bento Box Lunches: Field Trip Favorites
Bento-box-style lunchboxes have been a lifesaver for our outings. They make it super easy to keep everything organized (and I love that nothing gets squished!). These boxes are perfect for homeschool days on the go—whether it’s a trip to the museum or a trip to the park. Check out some cute Bento lunchboxes here
Easy Side Ideas for Field Trip Lunchboxes
Before we dive into the main course, let’s talk about sides. I try to pack a mix of veggies, fruits, proteins, and snacks to keep things balanced (and avoid the inevitable sugar crash!). Here are some of sides that travel well:
Veggies: cucumber slices, baby carrots, bell pepper strips, snap peas
Fruits: grapes, apple slices, berries, mandarin oranges (peel ahead of time!)
Protein/Dairy: string cheese, hard-boiled eggs, yogurt tubes
Snacks: pretzels, graham crackers, homemade muffins, granola bars
20 Easy, Kid-Approved Lunchbox Ideas for Homeschool Outings
Waffle Sandwich: A fun twist with sunbutter and jelly between waffles. Pair it with apple slices and a yogurt tube.
Chicken Salad & Crackers: Pack chicken salad with some whole grain crackers and veggies for dipping.
DIY Pizza: English muffin pizzas are a hit! Pack sauce, cheese, and veggies separately for kids to assemble their own.
Waffle & PB Yogurt Dip: Serve waffles with a peanut butter yogurt dip, paired with fruit and graham crackers.
Turkey Cheese Wrap: Easy to pack and eat, this turkey and cheese wrap goes well with berries and a granola bar.
Pesto Pasta Salad: A great cold option—toss pasta with pesto and mozzarella pearls, then pack with fresh fruit.
Mini Pancakes: Make your own or use store-bought mini pancakes, served with a side of syrup, fruit, and a protein bar.
Hard-Boiled Eggs: Packed with protein, these are easy to include with cucumber slices and some crackers.
DIY Lunchables: Let your kids make their own! Pack cheese, crackers, turkey slices, and fruits for a balanced meal.
Hummus & Veggies: This is one of our go-to's—pack hummus with naan, cucumbers, and some pretzels for dipping.
Tuna Salad & Crackers: Tuna salad is a filling option that pairs well with crackers and some fresh veggies on the side.
Yogurt Parfait: Pack yogurt with honey and fruit for a nutritious meal on the go. Add granola bites for crunch!
Chicken Salad Sandwich: On a croissant or sandwich bread, chicken salad makes a perfect main, paired with some veggie sticks and fruit.
Banana Pinwheels: Spread peanut butter on a tortilla, add a banana, and roll up into bite-sized pinwheels. Pack with grapes and yogurt.
Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad with cherry tomatoes, cheese, and cucumbers is refreshing for warm days.
PB&J: This classic sandwich never fails! Add some mandarin oranges, cucumbers, and pretzels on the side.
Mini Bagel Sandwich: Use mini bagels with cream cheese and jelly or turkey and cheese, served with fruits and crackers.
Turkey Roll-Ups: Wrap turkey around string cheese and pair it with veggie sticks and a granola bar.
Croissant Sandwich: A turkey and cheese croissant is a delicious option, served with apples and yogurt pretzels.
Quesadilla: Perfect for on-the-go, served with a side of salsa or sour cream. Add some carrot sticks and grapes to round it out.
Tips for Packing Lunch for Field Trips
Keep it simple: Pack meals that are easy for kids to eat independently while exploring.
Stay organized: Bento boxes are perfect for keeping food fresh and separate.
Use ice packs: Keep perishable items cool, especially on warm days.
With these ideas, you can keep your homeschool days full of exciting outdoor adventures while making sure everyone is well-fed and energized for learning!
