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Chilled dips and blended drinks are a pleasing change of pace from the lunchbox doldrums.

• Pineapple–yogurt dip: Mix together 2 tablespoons (29 ml) of pineapple juice concentrate, 1 cup (236 ml) plain yogurt, 1/8 teaspoon (0.61 ml) vanilla, and 1/2 cup (118 ml) finely chopped, fresh pineapple. Serve with sliced fruits or berries.
• Peanut butter–orange dip: Mix 1/2 cup (118 ml) peanut butter with 2 tablespoons (29 ml) orange juice concentrate, 1 tablespoon (14.5 ml) brown sugar, and 1/3 cup (80 ml) orange juice. Run through food processor and accompany with crackers or sliced fruit.
• Smoothies: Combine 1 cup (236 ml) of apple or orange juice with blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries, add ice, a touch of yogurt or silken tofu, and blend. For a creamier drink, replace juice with milk—regular, soy, or rice.

Entice kids to help you assemble these chilly treats.

• Popsicles: Blend ice cream or frozen yogurt with milk, soy milk, or rice milk, and pour into popsicle molds. Use molds to make fresh fruit juice popsicles as well.
• Fresh fruit salad: Cut up apples, pineapple, bananas, oranges, and berries. Throw in dried cranberries or raisins, and sunflower seeds or slivered almonds. Top with a dollop of yogurt.
• Berry parfaits: Layer fresh raspberries, cherries, or blueberries with granola and yogurt or freshly whipped cream.

Traveling near or far by car, bike, train, or plane? Keep small hands busy with a selection of sturdy snacks.

• Make your own snack mix with a combination of nuts, dried fruit, carob or chocolate chips, and cereal pieces. Try a savory selection of several cereals, pretzels, nuts, and rice crackers.
• Dried fruit—banana chips, mango, and apple, papaya, pear, or peach slices.
• Plain popcorn sprinkled with brewer’s yeast or Parmesan cheese.
• Baked pita or bagel chips.
• Bake your own potato, beet, or sweet potato chips. Slice vegetables thinly, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and bake in oven at 350°F (177°C) until crispy.
• Skewer cubes of firm cheese (cheddar, Swiss, Monterey jack), alternating with hunks of melon or apple.