5 Fun Ways to Get Kids Excited About Fruits & Veggies (No Bribes Required!)

Let's face it—convincing kids to eat their fruits and veggies isn't always a walk in the garden. One day they love carrots, the next day carrots are the worst thing ever. And while we could go the route of sneaky purees or pleading at the dinner table... there's a more magical (and honestly, more joyful) way.

At Maddy & Apollo, we believe wellness should feel fun, not forced. That's exactly what inspired my children's book Maddy & Apollo's Magical Garden Adventures —a whimsical, feel-good story that gently encourages little ones to see fruits and veggies as colorful, magical helpers that make them stronger, kinder, and full of energy.

Here are five creative, screen-free ways to get your kids curious and excited about fruits and veggies—no bribes, battles, or bland broccoli required.

1. Turn fruits and veggies into superpowers.

In Maddy & Apollo's Magical Garden Adventures, each fruit or veggie comes with its own "superpower". Just like in real life, fruits and veggies give us real-life superpowers—carrots help you see in the dark, strawberries keep your heart happy, and broccoli makes you strong like a tree.

Try this: At mealtime, let your child "pick a power." Ask, "Do you want brain power (blueberries) or superhero strength (spinach) today?"

2. Add a dash of magic to the lunchbox.

A fun surprise can go a long way in making foods feel exciting. That's why we created a set of free printable lunchbox notes—each one features Maddy or Apollo with a sweet message like "You've got banana-fueled brainpower today!" or "Crunch like a carrot, shine like a star."

[Link to download coming soon!]

3. Garden together —even if it's just a pot on the porch.

Kids are way more likely to eat something they've helped grow. Whether you have space for a backyard patch or just a sunny windowsill, growing something simple like cherry tomatoes, strawberries or herbs gives kids a sense of ownership and curiosity.

Bonus idea: Let your child decorate the plant pot with their name and call it "Maddy's Magic Garden" or "Apollo's Super Salad Spot." You can also check out our selection of kid's Gardens in a Bag here. They're perfect for bedroom and kitchen windowsills!

4. Make snack time story time.

Pair snack time with a page or two from a garden-themed book (like... wink wink ours!). The story gives meaning to the food, and the food makes the story come alive.

Reading about Maddy discovering the deliciousness of raspberries or Apollo picking a rainbow of fruit makes trying those foods more magical —and less of a chore.

5. Play with your food (in the best way!).

Let your child build a rainbow fruit skewer, arrange their veggies into a silly face, or help make "caterpillar cucumbers" with a little peanut butter and raisins. When kids have permission to get creative, they build a positive relationship with food—and that's what lasts.

Not sure where to start? Try our garden-themed snack ideas:

• Rainbow skewers - strawberries, oranges, pineapple, kiwi, blueberries, grapes
• Cucumber snails - cucumber rounds + celery + pretzel stick antennas
  
• "Dirt" cups - chia seed pudding + crushed Simple Mills cookies + a strawberry "planted" on top
  

Because healthy habits should feel like an adventure.

Helping kids build healthy habits doesn't have to feel heavy. When we make fruits and veggies feel fun, magical, and full of meaning, they naturally become something kids want to explore. That's the heart of Maddy & Apollo's Magical Garden Adventures—sparking a love for nature, kindness, and wellness that sticks with them long after the story ends.

Want more playful ideas, printables, and garden magic? Join our email list and stay in the loop!

With kindness and carrots,

Ali + Maddy & Apollo