All-in-one lunch food for outdoor kids' party in the height of summer?

buggles

For a quick two-hour birthday party for 4 year olds that will be held around lunchtime in hot weather, what do you suggest that can be served (just one item) for everyone including kids to enjoy before cake is served?

I was thinking something along the lines of a tray of sliced sandwich wraps filled with chicken and/or mozzarella, basil, tomatoes. It would include everything in one (no having to make a sandwich) and could be easily pick up with one hand. ALTHOUGH, in the summer heat, I don't think many items with cheese will hold up well.

Is there something I could serve besides pizza for this event?

6fsn

Mozzarella, tomato, basil for 4 yo?

My first thought was to go to McD's and get the 50 pack of mcnuggets.  Or some pb&j.  If it's just kids keep it simple- pb&j, watermelon, carrot and celery sticks, raisins.  If it's not too many kids I might even consider prepacking each plate/box with the food then you don't have to spend time serving.  You could get some sort of cute paper box, wrap a sandwich, a small bag of veggies and ranch dip, a box of raisins, and a small bag of Goldfish.  You could have the boxes do double duty as favors.

grahamsm3

You didn't say where the party was (at a home v. the park), but I think that sandwiches or wraps would hold up fine if you kept them refrigerated until you want people to eat them. It's only a 2 hour party, if you bring out sandwiches after 30 min, the kids eat for 20-30 min, bring leftovers in the house, do gifts/a game, then serve cake. Put out some carrot sticks and chips to go with the sandwiches.

I am not sure mozz, tom, basil is the best 4 y.o. choice, but you know the kids coming. Turkey sounds like a good choice.

11:00 arrival 

11:30 lunch

12:00 gifts and games

12:30 cake

1:00 home

Maybride2

I don't know a single 4 year old who would eat a wrap with tomato and basil.

Pizza is the stand-by because it's quick, cheap, and something most kids love. If pizza is a no go, how about bologna sandwiches?

SBS0628

If it's at your home, I think you could serve almost anything. I agree with everyone that pizza is the stand-by because of the convenience, especially if you're going to be at a park or somewhere where you can't have kitchen access. Plus, you did say everyone to enjoy; not just the kids -- pizza tends to be a crowd pleaser for all ages.

I think the sandwiches sound good, and I know 4yo-s who would eat them; however, these kids also eat tempura and veggie sushi, so I'm guessing they're in the minority. How many kids are coming? Do you know their normal diets? Unless they're all close to you and you know they'd be "adventerous" eaters, my guess is that there will be at least one or two who eat nothing but chicken nuggets and mac & cheese and will not eat the sandwiches you've described.

kcpokergal

I think sandwiches would be okay, but people may be picky about mayo, tomatoes, pickles, mustard or even cheese. And PB is a common allergy. Chicken nuggets or pizza sound like better crowd pleasers.

Adjudi-Kate

Tacos, hot dogs, or hamburgers/sliders. 

6fsn

Adjudi-Kate:

Tacos, hot dogs, or hamburgers/sliders. 

This made me think of what they call walking tacos around here.  Get the small bags of fritos, let people top with taco meat and cheese, stuff in a fork, and people eat out of the bag.  Simple food.  Simple clean up.

ohno3636

6fsn:

Adjudi-Kate:

Tacos, hot dogs, or hamburgers/sliders. 

This made me think of what they call walking tacos around here.  Get the small bags of fritos, let people top with taco meat and cheese, stuff in a fork, and people eat out of the bag.  Simple food.  Simple clean up.

I'm sorry but if I ever went to a party and someone handed me a bag of fritos and told me to throw some meat and cheese in and that would be my lunch I would rather not eat.

sraexx

I am anti-pizza and nuggets but I do see the easy factor. What about Peanut butter, honey and banana, a little nicer than PB&J. 

melly&jimmy

Kids love pizza - but if you're anti-pizza how about mac and cheese, pigs in a blanket, pizza bagels, chicken tenders or hot dogs.  If you do sandwiches, I honestly wouldn't do a wrap.  I have a five year old and two year old and know they would not be able to hold it togehter.  Simple finger sandwiches would do.  I'd stay away from peanut butter because of allergies. 

6fsn

ohno3636:

6fsn:

Adjudi-Kate:

Tacos, hot dogs, or hamburgers/sliders. 

This made me think of what they call walking tacos around here.  Get the small bags of fritos, let people top with taco meat and cheese, stuff in a fork, and people eat out of the bag.  Simple food.  Simple clean up.

I'm sorry but if I ever went to a party and someone handed me a bag of fritos and told me to throw some meat and cheese in and that would be my lunch I would rather not eat.

Eh, you're not 4 and it's really no different then serving tacos.  I've never actually seen it at a party though.  Mainly street fairs and fundraisers.