Tasty Treats

kid-friendly summer snacking

(Family Features)

Summer sun means it’s time for warm-weather fun for kids of all ages, and all that activity and playing calls for snacks and hydration to recharge. Whether your children like to play poolside or take a bicycle adventure through the neighborhood, the right nutrient-dense foods can keep the fun going all day long.

For an option that quenches hunger (and thirst) without sacrificing nutrition, try an assortment of ways to enjoy watermelon. As a refreshing ingredient or stand-alone treat, watermelon includes just 80 calories and no fat while providing an excellent source of vitamin C (25 percent) and higher levels of lycopene (12.7 mg per 2-cup serving)—an antioxidant being studied for its role in sun protection—than any other fresh fruit or vegetable. Plus, it’s made of 92 percent water, meaning it’s a flavorful way to encourage kids to rehydrate during some fun in the sun.

Make watermelon part of a balanced snack plate with this Kids Charcuterie Snack Board that includes assorted watermelon, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, sliced veggies, sliced fruits, crackers, pretzels and more. In addition to the nutritional benefits, the simplicity of this snack means children can help assemble it while showing off their creativity.

Visit Watermelon.org to find more kid-friendly recipe ideas.

kids charcuterie snack board

Recipe courtesy of the National Watermelon Promotion Board

Cubed watermelon Watermelon balls, skewered Watermelon wedges Watermelon sticks Flower-shaped watermelon cutouts Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, halved Ham and cheese pinwheels Sliced veggies, such as cucumbers, carrots, sweet peppers and celery Sliced fruit Pretzels Crackers Small bowl of candy (optional)

Prepare watermelon, sandwiches, pinwheels, veggies, fruit, pretzels, crackers and candy, if desired.

Treat the kids to breakfast before you head out for back-to-school shopping! We’ve rounded up our favorite pancakes in town:

BIGGEST Pancakes

The City Diner in the River Market is known for its “you’re one of the neighbors” atmosphere and delicious diner fare. Pancake aficionados will revel at the sheer size of the pancakes—all nearly 13 inches in diameter! Finishing one pancake is a feat, finishing two is nearly impossible … but it can be done, as proven by the signatures adorning the walls from customers who are proud to boast the achievement. TIP: The City Diner accepts cash only. The City Diner, 301 Grand Blvd., Kansas City, MO, 816.471.5121

Silliest Pancakes

IHOP (multiple locations: IHOP.com) is known for their variety of delicious pancakes. Our staff is partial to the Harvest Nut and Grain Pancakes and the Pumpkin Pancakes every autumn, but our children LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the Create-a-Face Pancake! Children are served a buttermilk pancake with strawberry eyes, a whipped topping nose and a fresh banana smile along with a tube of strawberry yogurt to add their own special touch.

Homestyle Variety

You won’t leave hungry after a trip to the Big Biscuit (BigBiscuit.com). The Big Biscuit offers one of the biggest homestyle breakfast menus in town, with an entire section devoted just to pancakes. Whatever your pancake preference, you’ll find it at Big Biscuit! A sampling of the choices includes buttermilk, blueberry, strawberry, chocolate chip, pecan, banana pecan and cranberry pecan pancakes, as well as the truly decadent Southern Delight with strawberries, bananas and pecans, topped with caramel and whipped cream! The Big Biscuit has four locations.

Signature Specialties

With 10 local restaurants, First Watch (FirstWatch.com), the daytime café, is one of the most popular breakfast restaurants across the metro! You’ll love their delicious and nutritious breakfast menu with an outstanding array of pancakes, crepes and more. Specialty pancakes include wheat germ, blueberry, cranberry nut, chocolate chip, banana crunch with granola, pecan and our staff favorite … carrot cake!

Best Nutritious Pancakes

Eggtc. is known for their eggs … from omelets to eggs Benedict to any breakfast egg preparation you can imagine, but they also serve a delicious and nutritious pancake! You can order traditional or honey whole wheat pancakes and add banana and nuts, blueberries, chocolate chips or ricotta for $1 more. Eggtc. has two locations in the metro: 5107 Main St., Kansas City, MO, 816.561.0116 and 7182 Renner Rd., Shawnee, 913.631.4400.