Getting kids to try new foods is no easy task, but if you find yourself battling your little ones over their mealtime choices, take heart in knowing it's not uncommon.

However, mealtime doesn't have to be stressful. Try to make it playful and fun for your children. Teaching them to roll out dough, mash vegetables or create artwork with their meals are all great ways to introduce new and interesting foods, and enjoy each other's company at the same time.

Here are 10 playful and delicious lunches your kids will love. (Photos credit to respective blogs.)

1. Pizza rolls

Make your own dough, or don't; we won't judge you. Roll out the dough and then let your kids top with sauce and cheese. Roll it up and cut into bite-size pinwheels. Older kids can help with this step if you feel comfortable letting them use a knife. They're delicious and easy to throw into a lunch box while racing out the door.

2. Pretzel dogs

Not all of your lunches have to be super healthy and chock-full of veggies. Sometimes it's fun to indulge here or there and make a lunch you know your kids will be crazy about. The pretzel dough requires a bit more work on your part, so you may want to set this one aside when you've got a couples hours in the afternoon. The kids will have fun with all the measuring and mixing they get to do and devour the final product.

3. Make your own face wrap

Unleash the hidden artists in your kids. Making your face wrap lets your child have complete control over what he or she wants in their wrap and have fun while doing it. Set out toppings like raisins, carrots, bell peppers and hummus and let your kids go wild. Pull out the camera while you're at it and take pictures of their lovely creations. It's a craft and a meal all in one.


4. Macaroni and cheese with hidden veggies

Here is a healthy one that'll make your kids lick their bowls clean. It might not require as much hands-on action as others, but it's a deliciously healthy twist on a classic favorite. For this one, let your kids take turns mashing the vegetables for the sauce, and then stirring it at the end to make the final concoction. Check out this video for a great tutorial.

5. PB&J Spiders

Simple and scrumptious, you can't really go wrong with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Let your children cut out circles in the sandwiches, stick in the pretzel legs and top it off with chocolate chip "eyes." They'll have a great time and you'll appreciate how few ingredients it requires, most of which you might already have on hand. Paired with some carrot sticks and string cheese, it's the perfect quick and easy lunch for your child to take off to school.

6. Ham and cheese pockets

Canned dough comes in handy here and makes for an even quicker prep time. Roll or shape your dough into the desired size and let those kiddies fill away to their heart's content. You can do ham and cheese, or even throw in some broccoli for more veggies. The flavor combinations are endless. If you're feeling extra fun and really want your kids to love you, try some dessert combos.

7. Mini lasagna cups

Making mini versions of this comfort food is sure to be a hit with your kiddos. All this takes is a cupcake pan and layering wonton wrappers with your ground beef mixture and different cheeses. They're the perfect size for your bite-sized eaters, and even more fun to assemble and make together.

8. Lunch kabobs

With these, you can basically get as creative as you'd like. Try different flavor combinations, like pepperoni pizza or chicken quesadilla, and layer out the separate ingredients onto a long skewer. Package them away in a Tupperware and your child has a fun lunch to look forward to during school.

9. Cheeseburger minis

This recipe is a unique way to enjoy a traditional favorite in a slightly different form and your kids will eat it right up. Press biscuit dough firmly into the bottom of a cupcake pan and then fill it up with your hamburger mixture. Top with your usual favorite cheeseburger toppings, like ketchup and mustard, and you and your kids have yourselves a tasty lunch.

10. Walking tacos

Once your kids realize they get to eat this one out of a bag of Fritos, they'll be asking for it every day. The prep is simple and the outcome is delicious. Make your taco meat, set out any toppings you'd like — lettuce, cheese, sour cream and salsa are all great options — and throw it right into your bag of Fritos. It doesn't really get any simpler, or more fun, than that.

Whether eating at home or at school, making sure our children get nutritious meals can be a challenge. But when it's fun and playful for all, they'll enjoy eating it almost as much as they did making it, which makes for some happy, full kiddos and some equally happy parents.

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