Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family gatherings, and delicious food! At Kare-A-Lot Childcare, we love to celebrate the season with fun, festive, and healthy Thanksgiving snacks for kids that bring holiday cheer without the sugar overload. Children love being involved in creating colorful, tasty snacks—and parents love knowing these treats are packed with good-for-you ingredients.
Whether you’re looking for daycare snack ideas or something simple to make at home with your little ones, these fall snacks for preschoolers are perfect for small hands, big imaginations, and growing appetites.
1. Turkey-Shaped Fruit Platters
Turn healthy fruit into a playful Thanksgiving centerpiece!
How to make it:
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Start with a pear or apple half for the turkey’s body.
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Create the “feathers” by fanning slices of strawberries, orange wedges, grapes, and kiwi around it.
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Use raisins or blueberries for eyes and a small piece of red strawberry for the wattle.
This fun and festive snack teaches children about healthy choices while giving them a hands-on way to help decorate the Thanksgiving table. It’s always a favorite during our classroom parties at Kare-A-Lot!
Nutrition benefits: Packed with vitamin C, fiber, and natural sweetness—no added sugar required.
2. Pumpkin Hummus with Veggie Sticks
Pumpkin isn’t just for pies! This easy dip is a great way to sneak in extra veggies while celebrating the flavors of fall.
Ingredients:
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1 cup canned pumpkin
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1 cup cooked chickpeas
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
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½ tsp cinnamon
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A pinch of salt
Blend everything until smooth and creamy, then serve with carrot sticks, celery, bell peppers, or whole-grain crackers.
At Kare-A-Lot Childcare, we love serving healthy holiday treats for children that offer both flavor and nutrition—and this one is always a hit!
Nutrition benefits: Full of fiber, protein, and antioxidants to keep energy levels steady and tummies full.
3. Mini Apple Pies with Whole-Grain Crusts
Nothing says “Thanksgiving” quite like the smell of baked apples and cinnamon! These mini pies are bite-sized, easy for kids to hold, and much lower in sugar than traditional desserts.
How to make them:
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Fill muffin tins with small rounds of whole-grain pie dough.
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Add diced apples, cinnamon, and a drizzle of honey.
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Top with a small dough cut-out (a leaf or heart shape looks adorable!).
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Bake at 350°F for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown.
This is a great snack to make together as a family—kids can help mix the filling, cut the dough, or brush on the egg wash.
Nutrition benefits: Whole grains provide lasting energy, and apples are rich in fiber and natural sweetness.
4. Cornucopia Snack Cones
For a creative twist, fill waffle cones with a mix of dried fruit, nuts (if age-appropriate), and whole-grain cereal. Kids love the fun “cornucopia” shape, and it’s a quick, mess-free snack option for classroom parties or afternoon treats.
Tip: For daycare-friendly versions, swap nuts for pumpkin seeds or pretzel sticks.
Nutrition benefits: A balanced blend of carbohydrates, protein, and healthy fats.
5. Sweet Potato “Cookies”
Slice sweet potatoes into thin rounds, bake them until soft, and top each one with a small dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of cinnamon. These fall snacks for preschoolers taste like dessert but are full of vitamins and fiber!
Nutrition benefits: Sweet potatoes are packed with vitamin A, potassium, and fiber—perfect for keeping immune systems strong during the cooler months.
Nourishing Little Bodies and Big Smiles
At Kare-A-Lot Childcare, we know that holiday treats for children can be both healthy and exciting. We focus on balanced nutrition, offering snacks that provide real nourishment while still letting kids experience the fun and flavor of the season.
Cooking and creating together also builds confidence and independence. When children help prepare food—whether by stirring ingredients or arranging fruit—they feel proud of their accomplishments and more eager to try new things.
This Thanksgiving, fill your kitchen (and your hearts) with laughter, love, and the sweet scent of seasonal snacks. Because when children are involved in making healthy choices, they’re not just learning about food—they’re building lifelong habits of joy and gratitude.