Easy Ideas for Peanut-fueled Fun

If it feels like the kids have played every game, read every book, and possibly even reached the end of Disney+, then it’s time for a little creativity to keep them busy. Using in-shell peanuts and other items you already have around the house, here are three fun ways to entertain kids of all ages.

Speed Shelling

Not to brag, but at Hampton Farms, we’re lightning fast at shelling peanuts. After all, the quicker you shell, the sooner you snack! We challenge your family to the nuttiest race around and invite you to get in on the peanut shelling fun. A little healthy competition might be just what your family needs!

Give each child the same number of peanuts, then challenge them to see who can shell all of them the fastest. To level the playing field, make older kids perform the task while blindfolded or wearing gloves or oven mitts.

If you have a large family, you can divide into two teams and make the challenge into a relay. Each person must shell five peanuts before passing the hypothetical baton to their teammate, and the first team to complete the task wins. And yes, your shelled peanuts provide the most nutritious post-game snack.

Painting with Peanuts

After a few rounds of Speed Shelling, it might be time to ease up on the competition a little bit and get a little crafty instead. Have you ever thought of painting with peanuts? Don’t worry, we have! Read on to find out how you can use peanuts to keep your kids occupied and release their inner Van Gogh. That’s a win-win! Here’s what you’ll need:

• Paper that’s a heavier stock, like poster board or cardboard
• Peanut shells
• Paints
• Paint brushes
• Glue
• Markers, crayons or coloring pencils 

Ask your child what he or she would like to create with peanuts as art supplies. Animals, landscapes and flowers work particularly well for this activity. Then have your kid sketch out the design on their page. Mom or dad, you might have to help the younger ones with this step.

Next, have your kid paint the shells that will be part of the image. Let the shells dry completely before gluing them onto the page to fill in the design. Add any smaller details using markers, colored pencils or crayons.

We’d love to see what your little artists create. Share their peanut-influenced masterpieces online and be sure to tag it with #HamptonFarmsCrafts.

Make Your Own Trail Mix

All these activities are sure to work up an appetite, and there’s no time like the present to make all your favorite homemade snacks. Get the kids to help make homemade peanut trail mix that’s jam-packed with protein and features all their favorite goodies.

First, the kids will need to help shell the peanuts. Once shelled, place all the peanuts in one compartment of a muffin tin. Then fill up the other muffin slots with other items from your pantry.

Ingredients can include:

• Hampton Farms Shelled Peanuts
• Hampton Farms Honey Roasted Nuts
• Dried fruit
• Seeds
• Chocolate pieces
• Cereal
• Crackers
• Pretzels

If you’re using larger pieces of dried fruit, like apricots, it helps to dice them up so you get more flavors in every bite.

Give each kid a plastic baggie with their name on it and let them fill it up a spoonful at a time to make their very own customized trail mix. When their next snack attack hits—you’ll be ready to satisfy their cravings with a healthy, hand-picked treat.

Hampton Farms has been delivering the freshest, best quality peanuts from seed to shelf since 1917. Our business is family owned and operated, and we are committed to producing the finest nut-based snacks and services with integrity, honesty and the pride of American farmers. If you’re looking for a heart-healthy, nutritious snack that can also entertain your kids, order nuts from Hampton Farms today!