A field trip brown bag lunch needs to be portable, non-perishable, and palatable. A brown bag lunch for field trip should be well thought out to satisfy enough energy for an active day yet easy to eat on the go.
Easy and Good Brown Bag Lunch Ideas
Sandwiches: The classic and rather obvious brown bag lunch ideas to take for the field trip are the good, old sandwiches. Sandwiches are relatively easy to prepare and are very versatile. You could do a classic PB&J, mix it up a bit with turkey and cheese, or even go for something like a veggie-filled hummus sandwich.
Wraps: Another great brown bag lunch idea that is perfect for a field trip is wraps. Since they are small, they won’t be messy and will keep fine all day. Sandwich a whole-grain wrap with ingredients like grilled chicken, lettuce, and avocado, or for a veggie-only option, stuff a wrap with black beans, corn, and salsa.
They don’t need utensils and are easily maneuvered in tight spaces, making them great for active field trips.
Pasta: Something a bit more substantial would be a pasta salad. Pasta salads are filling, can be enjoyed cold, and easily packed in a container. Make refreshing packaging by tossing some pasta with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and a light vinaigrette. Being very satisfying but easy to eat, a pasta salad makes for a perfect brown bag lunch for a field trip.
Kid-Friendly Sack Lunch
Pack a wide variety of fun foods with nutritious foods. Bento lunch boxes do a great job of mixing up any kid’s lunch. Small portions of cheese cubes, crackers, baby carrots, and grapes are all put into the lunch box. Each compartment is separate, so the children do not mix the flavors and have everything separate and easy to eat.
Another kid-approved option would be a DIY Lunchable. Crackers, deli meat, cheese slices, and fruit, all in their own containers. This way, kids could actually make their own lunch, which can be fun and rewarding in its own way.
Other great sack lunch ideas for a field trip include bagels with cream cheese or a nut butter spread. They are filling and relatively easy to eat, and they won’t fall apart during the day. Add an apple or banana, and you have a complete meal that is both portable and nutritious.
Snacks and Sides to Complete the Meal
Certainly, no field trip brown bag lunch would be complete without a few snacks and sides. Of course, fresh fruit is always a good choice, with some delicious ones such as apple slices, grapes, and berries. Crudités of carrot, cucumber, or celery sticks also add some nice crunch and freshness to the meal.
Granola bars or energy balls are excellent to have on the go. They are portable, mess-free, give an energy boost, and will not easily spoil. Another favorite is trail mix, combining nuts and dried fruit with the sweet and salty treat of chocolate chips or yogurt-covered pretzels.
For a salty snack, think popcorn or pretzels. They’re light and easy to munch on but bring some variety to the meal. Just be sure to put everything in resealable bags or containers.
Tips for Packing the Perfect Field Trip Lunch
Take along an insulated lunch bag with a cold pack so that your field trip brown bag lunch ideas work out well. This works even better for edibles such as yogurt, cheese, or even meats that need refrigeration. Label all containers and bags with your child’s name so that there is no confusion throughout school trips.
