Healthy Class Party Alternatives

Healthy Classroom Celebrations

Birthday parties and holiday celebrations at school provide a unique opportunity to help

make healthful eating fun and exciting for children. Take advantage during these

classroom celebrations to serve food that tastes, good, is nutritious, and provides

students with an opportunity for nutrition education experiences.

Promote a positive learning environment by providing healthy celebrations that shift the

focus from the food to the child. Choose a variety of activities, games and crafts that

children enjoy. When food is served, make it count with healthy choices! Try these

ideas for fun activities and healthy foods at school parties and other celebrations.

How-To’s for a Happy Healthy Party

Variety is the key. Plan several contrasting activities – active and quite, indoor

and outdoor, individual and group.

Try something new. Children like adventure. In addition to familiar games and

food, offer something different.

Plan creative experiences such as art and music.

Involve children in planning and preparing the party. Let them make decorations

and favors.

Put food in its proper place. Refreshments should compliment the fun, not

become the “main event.”

Don’t use food as rewards or prizes.

Choose foods for fun, good taste and health. Parties that provide opportunities

for children to practice making wise food choices.

Healthy Food Ideas

Low-fat or nonfat flavored milk, 100% juice, water, flavored water (without added

sugars or sweeteners)

Fruit smoothies

Fresh fruit assortment, fruit and cheese kabobs, fruit salad, fruit with lowfat

whipped topping

Dried fruit, 100% fruit snacks

Vegetable trays with low-fat dip, celery with peanut butter

Whole-grain crackers with cheese cubes or string cheese

Pretzels, low-fat popcorn, graham cracker, animal crackers

Angel food cake with fruit topping

Bagels, English muffins, pretzels

Pizza with low-fat toppings

Ham, cheese or turkey sandwiches or wraps (with low-fat condiments)

Low-fat pudding, low-fat yogurt, squeezable yogurt

Breakfast or granola bars

Tortilla chips with salsa or bean dip

Trail/cereal mix

Note: Many children have food allergies, and, when parents send in food, it is difficult to

ensure the safety of children with food allergies. It is recommended that store-bought

treats be used. Unlike in homemade treats, the ingredients in store-bought goods are

clearly labeled. They're also prepared in commercial kitchens visited regularly by health

inspectors.

Snack ideas:

https://www.pbs.org/food/kitchen-explorers/healthy-class-birthday-celebrations/

Food Alternative ideas:

art project from Dollar Tree

Bubbles

Coloring pages

Make your own bookmarks

Paper bag puppets

Bring chalk to class and let students decorate the sidewalks