Summer is here and with it comes sunshine, splashy playdates and lots of opportunities to gather and graze. Whether you’re heading to a picnic, planning a backyard cookout or packing for a beach day, we’ve got some fresh ideas to keep things cool, colorful and kid-approved.

Salads with a Sunny Twist

Let’s face it, summer salads can sometimes fall into a rut. (Looking at you, plain lettuce.) This season, give your salad lineup a fun refresh with vibrant fruits and unexpected combos.

Try a strawberry cucumber salad that’s crisp, juicy and full of flavor. Or fold sweet corn into your favorite dishes, like a classic succotash or a zippy orzo salad. Fresh, simple and oh-so-satisfying.

Snack hack: No picnic table? No problem. Serve your salad on a stick! Turn fruit salad into colorful kebabs or make a mini meal with pasta salad skewers that are easy to grab, fun to eat and no forks are required.

Smart Snacks for Big Adventures

Here’s the deal, grown-ups love a leisurely meal. Kids? Not so much. When the games begin, food becomes an afterthought until they hit the car ride home and suddenly… starving. That’s where smart snacks save the day. Think of it like packing a tiny picnic just for them. Combine protein or dairy with fruits, veggies or whole grains to fuel the fun and support their growth. Some quick ideas:

• Carrot sticks with hummus
• Apple slices and cheese cubes
• DIY trail mix (let the kids mix their own!)
• Frozen yogurt bark topped with berries for a sweet, cool crunch
  
  

Pro tip: Grown-ups love a good snack combo too. Keep a stash for yourself—hydrated and happy parents = more summer joy.

Sips to Keep Everyone Cool

Staying hydrated is a must in the summer heat and luckily, it doesn’t have to be boring. Fill your cooler with parent- and kid-friendly sips like flavored seltzers, coconut water, and Guiding Star® rated juice boxes. Want to level up your drinks? Try these cool combos:

• Frozen Strawberry Lemonade – part slushie, part classic refresher
• Blueberry-Basil Tea Spritzer – sounds fancy, tastes fantastic
• Watermelon Coconut Slushie – a real hydration hero for hot days
• Coconut Water Berry Popsicles – smoothie meets frozen treat
  
  

With these simple ideas, your next summer gathering can be just as refreshing as the snacks you serve. Bonus: fewer complaints, fuller bellies and more time for fun in the sun.

Let the good times (and the snacks) roll!