20 Fun School Lunches To Make Going Back To School Easier

Win The School Lunch Battle

The return to school signals a shift back into routines and the daily challenge of packing lunches that kids will actually enjoy. Striking the right balance between nutrition and kid-approved fun can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. Creative yet practical solutions exist to make lunchtime something your child looks forward to, while making your mornings a lot less stressful. So here are 20 fun school lunches crafted to make your mornings easier and your kids happier!

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1. Turkey And Cheese Roll-Ups

For a quick, mess-free lunch, these turkey and cheese roll-ups are a lifesaver for a multi-kid household. They are made with whole-grain tortillas in under five minutes, and are high in protein for sustained energy that can stay fresh for hours.

1. Turkey And Cheese Roll-Ups Ree Drummond's Pinwheels 3 Ways | The Pioneer Woman | Food Network by Food Network

2. Mini Veggie Quesadillas

Get your kids to eat their veggies without a fuss using these mini quesadillas. Their crisp texture is a hit, and they’re a great source of fiber and vitamins. Serve them warm or cold with their favorite fillings for a customizable lunch.

2. Mini Veggie Quesadillas Quick & Cheesy Vegan Quesadillas! by BOSH!

3. Pasta Salad With Chicken

This chicken pasta salad is a perfectly balanced meal that keeps kids full until the final bell. It tastes great chilled or at room temperature and can be made ahead. Plus, the colorful veggies (and maybe even pasta) make it as appealing as it is nutritious.

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4. Hummus And Pita Dippers

For a fun and plant-based protein option, try hummus and pita dippers. Kids love the dipping action, and it’s a great way to get in whole grains and fiber. Serve it in sealed containers next to veggies or cheese.

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5. Apple Sandwiches With Peanut Butter

Ditch the bread with this clever, gluten-free sandwich alternative that kids find delightfully crunchy. Peanut butter on these naturally sweet apple slices requires no added sugar and is incredibly quick to assemble on a busy morning.

5. Apple Sandwiches With Peanut Butter Apple sandwich with peanut butter | GymBeam by GymBeamTV

6. Mini Bagel Pizzas

Give them a taste of their favorite food in a fun, lunchbox-friendly format featuring mini bagel pizzas. Use whole-grain bagels and let them choose the toppings for a customizable meal that’s a great source of calcium and tastes good hot or cold.

6. Mini Bagel Pizzas How To Make The World's Finest Gourmet Pizza Bagels by Gothamist

7. Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

Make use of last night's dinner by turning it into these crisp, low-carb lettuce wraps. This high-protein option is easy for little hands to hold and can be prepared with leftover chicken and a healthy yogurt-based dressing.

7. Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps Chicken Caesar Lettuce Wraps | Delish by Delish

8. Fruit And Cheese Skewers

Encourage balanced snacking through these visually appealing fruit and cheese skewers. Combining sweet with savory, they're packed with calcium and antioxidants. Best of all, they're convenient to eat without utensils. How convenient is that!

8. Fruit And Cheese Skewers Christingles | Cherry Cheese And grape Skewers | Quick Snack Ideas | Party Time by raz recipes

9. Tuna And Crackers Kit

For older kids who have more developed palates, a build-your-own tuna and crackers kit is a fantastic choice. It's high in beneficial omega-3 fatty acids and simple to portion out with whole-grain crackers. Just remember to pack it alongside ice packs for freshness.

9. Tuna And Crackers Kit $1.00 Tuna Salad Kit vs. Big Brand Tuna - WHAT ARE WE EATING? - The Wolfe Pit by TheWolfePit

10. Hard-Boiled Egg Bento

An easy-to-prep batch of hard-boiled eggs is a game-changer for picky eaters. These protein powerhouses are simple to pair with fruit and crackers for a complete meal, and they hold up perfectly in a lunchbox until it’s time to eat.

10. Hard-Boiled Egg Bento HOW TO MAKE BUTTER SLICE WITH BOILED EGG by Mairaz Kitchen

11. Veggie Sushi Rolls

Let your kids play around at mealtime using these fun veggie sushi rolls. This is an interactive way to encourage trying new flavors by combining rice and veggies. Whether vegetarian or including fish, the rolls pack tightly in containers for practical transport.

11. Veggie Sushi Rolls Best VEGETARIAN SUSHI (3 Vegetarian Sushi Rolls) by The Sushi Man

12. Ham And Pineapple Wraps

Sweet and savory ham and pineapple wraps add a fun tropical twist to their lunch routine. Made with lean protein, fruit, and optional low-fat cheese, they're quick to roll up and pack, which is a fun departure from the everyday sandwich routine.

12. Ham And Pineapple Wraps Easy Air Fryer Hot Ham and Cheese Wraps Recipe by Munchy Goddess

13. Yogurt Parfait With Granola

For kids who prefer a lighter meal, a yogurt parfait is a fantastic option. It's high in calcium and probiotics, with fruits for natural sweetness. Layer it in a reusable container alongside granola for a satisfyingly crunchy texture they’ll love.

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14. Grilled Cheese Fingers

Turn a classic comfort food into a fun, dippable lunch by slicing it into fingers. Made with whole-grain bread, these grilled cheese sticks are perfect for dunking in tomato soup and stay warm in an insulated container until lunchtime.

14. Grilled Cheese Fingers Cheese Sticks Recipe by Home Cooking Adventure

15. Sweet Potato And Black Bean Wrap

This sweet potato and black bean wrap offers a slightly sweet flavor that appeals to kids. It's rich in fiber and plant protein, plus it has healthy complex carbs to keep them energized. Serve it warm or cold—it rolls and slices effortlessly.

15. Sweet Potato And Black Bean Wrap Sweet Potato Black Bean & Kale Skillet | goop by goop

16. Banana Oat Muffins

These banana oat muffins are naturally sweet and filling, making them ideal for lunch or even a quick breakfast. Packed with whole grains and fruit, they can be made ahead and frozen, so you always have an easy and on-the-go option available.

16. Banana Oat Muffins Banana Oatmeal muffins by The Cooking Foodie

17. Cheese And Spinach Pinwheels

Sneak some leafy greens into the kids’ diet by making these fun cheese and spinach pinwheels. Kids love the spiral shape, and you'll love that they include both dairy and fiber. Bake a batch ahead; they taste great warm or chilled.

17. Cheese And Spinach Pinwheels Quick Cheesy Spinach Pinwheels! by Bright Minds Tutoring

18. Sliders With Turkey Patties

Let your kids customize the toppings for this one. As a great alternative to traditional sandwiches, these mini turkey sliders are perfectly sized for small hands. They’re high in lean protein and can be served with veggie sticks.

18. Sliders With Turkey Patties Turkey Burger Sliders by Platein28

19. Rice And Veggie Stir-Fry

A rice and veggie stir-fry offers a fantastic variety of textures and flavors to keep lunch interesting. It’s easy to prepare in bulk, which can later be reheated for freshness. Plus, the whole grains and veggies keep kids full and focused.

19. Rice And Veggie Stir-Fry Vegetable Stir Fry Rice Recipe | How to Make Stir Fry Rice Recipe | Fried Rice Recipe | Infoods by Infoods Specials

20. PB&J Sushi Rolls

This twist on a classic dish is sure to delight even the pickiest eaters. Made with whole wheat bread, this creative format is convenient to eat and includes both protein and fruit, making it a simple and no-fuss lunch solution.

20. Pb&J Sushi Rolls How to Make Peanut Butter and Jelly Sushi Rolls by Baby Gizmo