Kids love to snack, but choosing healthy, nutritious options -- that they'll actually eat -- can be a challenge. Here are our suggestions for fun and easy ideas for after school, after dinner, or anytime they're hungry.

Children (and adults) of all ages will love this whimsical twist on sophisticated sushi, complete with a sweet sauce for dipping. Makes 4 servings (273 calories each).

Puree 1 1/2 cups low-fat buttermilk, 1 banana, 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen berries, and 1/4 cup honey or agave syrup in a blender until smooth. Pour mixture into ice pop molds and freeze. Makes 10 pops (75 calories each).

Kids will love the color of this unusual gelato, made in part with fat-free milk. Makes 4 servings (166 calories).

Introduce your kids to protein-packed edamame: They'll have fun sucking the salty seeds out of their pods. Makes 4 servings (70 calories each).

Frozen mango lends this smoothie its sweetness and smooth texture while adding vitamins B6, C, and E. Makes one 8-ounce smoothie (52 calories).

A fun twist on a warm-weather classic gives this not-too-sweet treat a beautiful presentation. Makes 4 servings (130 calories each).

This shortbread calls for a combination of whole-wheat and traditional flour, and is rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Makes 16 servings (178 calories each).

These open-faced sandwiches serve up a grown-up taste in kid-size portions (32 calories per slice).

This dough is excellent with mix-ins such as nuts, chocolate, or fennel seed; experiment to find your favorite. And get the kids involved -- forming the twisty shape is a fun activity for little helpers. Makes 8 pretzels (202 calories each).

Making these cookies is a perfect family activity -- the absence of flour means there's no fuss and no mess, and they're safe even for family members with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Makes 24 cookies (228 calories each).

A perfect gift for someone you love: Rolled oats and whole-wheat flour give these sweet treats added fiber. Makes 30 sandwich cookies (208 calories for 2).

When the kids cry for candy, keep them happy with these colorful, all-natural treats. Serve them as a sweet finish to a meal, or dip them in chocolate, let set, and pack them as a gift (155 calories per 1/4 cup serving).

You can't go wrong with pizza -- and topping it with yellow pepper is a great way to get children used to eating vegetables. Whole-wheat pita bread forms the crust for these wedges topped with mozzarella and homemade tomato sauce. Makes 48 wedges (24 calories each).

Who wants boring old yellow chips when you can have bright red ones? To create thin, evenly sliced beets, use a mandoline slicer -- plastic models are available at housewares stores. Makes 4 servings (47 calories each).

A familiar fruit salad is a great way to introduce kids to exotic flavors like ginger and coconut. Makes 4 servings (299 calories each).

This drink makes a refreshing and nutritious snack -- especially once you swirl in fresh fruit. Makes 4 shakes (188 calories each).

Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco sauce, and Old Bay seasonings give rice and corn cereal a delicious kick. The ingredients may sound grown up, but when all combined, kids can't resist! Makes 12 cups (171 calories per 1/2 cup serving).

This creamy shake derives its deep flavor and color from blackberries, rich in vitamin C, mixed with a few spoonfuls of honey. Ground cardamom provides a counter-balance to the sweetness. Makes 4 servings (158 calories each).

Instead of using regular cookies as the "bread" for ice cream sandwiches, use thin and crispy low-cal waffle cookies (166 calories each, with vanilla ice cream).

For breakfast or an afternoon snack, an egg provides protein and healthy fat. Get kids to eat their veggies with a cleverly constructed bell-pepper border. Makes 4 servings (189 calories each).

Adventurous children will be delighted by flavors in this sorbet, made with red papaya and a zingy dose of freshly squeezed lime juice. Makes 4 servings (221 calories each).

These cupcakes use orange marmalade, a citrus preserve that includes shreds or chunks of the peel, as an ingredient and a topping. If you find it too bitter, look for "sweet" on the label or purchase marmalade made from sweet oranges. Makes 18 cupcakes (237 calories each).

This delightful summer slushie blends bananas, pineapple, orange and lemon juice, and sugar. Lemon-lime soda and mint sprigs are optional. Makes 6 servings (165 calories each).

These swirly snack bars can be refrigerated, covered with plastic wrap or foil, for up to two days. Makes 24 bars (202 calories each).

Have fun making sweet, flavorful swirls when you pour this mixture into their ice-pop molds. Makes 10 pops (59 calories each).

You don't need a campfire to create a summer-camp vibe -- any outdoor grill will do. Makes 4 s'mores (117 calories each).

These cookies are quick and easy to make, using not-too-sweet, store-bought chocolate wafers. Makes 16 cookies (80 calories each).

Zucchini makes these treats nice and moist. You can substitute pecans for the walnuts, and serve them instead of high-calorie cupcakes. Makes 24 muffins (176 calories each).

These pretty pink sandwiches look especially nice dusted with confectioners' sugar. Makes 15 pies (240 calories each).

With leaner ground sirloin, the sliders have less fat and the rolls won't get soggy. Makes 8 sandwiches (189 calories each).

Spoil the kids for special occasions -- without feeling guilty about it -- with brownies made with whole-wheat flour and unsweetened applesauce, topped with frozen yogurt. Makes 8 sundaes (275 calories each, without extra toppings).

This sweet and crunchy afternoon snack can be ready in five minutes. Makes 6 servings (108 calories each).

Kids and adults will both love these tiny, savory tuna-topped crackers. Makes 16 mini melts (20 calories each).

Using assorted dried fruit adds a colorful twist to this classic after-school snack. Makes 2 servings (102 calories each).

This anytime snack can be stored at room temperature for up to a month. Makes 6 servings (322 calories each).

Rich in fiber and heart-healthy omega-3s, this recipe has 20 percent to 30 percent fewer calories and 30 percent to 60 percent less fat than most store-bought brands. Makes two cups (194 calories per serving).

1/2 ounce mini whole-grain pretzel sticks -- approximately 11 sticks (65 calories) 1 teaspoon peanut butter (30 calories).

Instead of dousing popcorn in butter, season plain kernels with chili powder, lime, and coarse salt. The movie-night snack will be just as tasty but lower in calories -- and cholesterol-free. Makes eight 1-cup servings (58 calories each). 

A coating of toasted almonds and coconut around these inventive rice pudding balls keeps them from sticking to your fingers, and adds a satisfying crunch. Makes about 24 balls (95 calories each).

A healthy redo of French fries, this popular "vegetable" curbs the fat and sodium but keeps the crunch and flavor. Makes 4 to 6 servings (167 calories each).

In a small jar, layer 1/2 cup fruit cut into 1/2-inch cubes (kiwis, mangos, and pineapples are nice) with 1/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt. Top with 1 tablespoon toasted sliced almonds. Makes 1 serving (100 calories each).

Dates and applesauce -- full of fiber, vitamins, and natural sugars -- create a complex caramel flavor when combined with honey (50 calories each).

The nutritional value of traditional chocolate chip cookies is upped by using bittersweet dark chocolate, oat flour, brown rice syrup, and natural almonds. Makes 4 dozen cookies (104 calories each).

The secret ingredients in these brownies-made-healthier are whole-wheat flour and sweet potato puree. Makes 12 brownies (148 calories each).

This dairy-free cocoa will keep the kids warm on cold winter days. Makes 4 servings (327 calories each).

This year, don't reach for powdered ginger. Fresh ginger gives this traditional dessert a healthy, flavorful update. Makes 12 servings (252 calories each).

Our pomegranate gelee replaces gelatin with agar, a natural setting agent made from seaweed. Makes 8 servings (157 calories each).

Pizza for dessert! Ricotta holds the berries in place while providing a wonderfully creamy texture and slightly sweet flavor. Makes 4 servings (282 calories per serving).

Kanten, also called agar-agar, is a vegetable gelatin. This dish is a great alternative to store-bought cups of the jiggly stuff. Makes 6 to 8 servings (about 175 calories each).

Nonfat frozen yogurt and egg whites lighten up this indulgent ice cream cookie. Makes 12 sandwiches (90 calories each).