The Best Healthy Smoothies for Kids in Atlanta (Back-to-School Edition)

One of the questions we hear all the time at Arden’s Garden is, “What are the best smoothies for kids?” With back-to-school season in full swing here in Atlanta, we’ve got your cheat sheet to the best healthy smoothies for kids, and spoiler alert: it’s good for your kids and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters.

Whether you’re picking up your child from the bus stop, swinging by after practice, or making a pit stop on the way to after-school activities, a smoothie stop is the perfect way to slow down from the busyness and connect with your kids. Once summer’s long, lazy mornings and unhurried days turn into early alarms, homework, and jam-packed schedules, time together can feel in short supply. A quick after-school smoothie run is a chance to catch up, laugh, and share those little moments that become big memories.

Here are our three favorite after-school smoothies for kids to make the back-to-school season a little sweeter (and a whole lot healthier).

Spinach Slam Smoothie: A Kid-Friendly Green Smoothie

Ingredients: Mango Lemonade (Mango, Water, Lemon Juice, Agave), Mango, Spinach

If you’ve ever struggled to get your child to eat their greens, Spinach Slam is your secret weapon. But don’t let the bright green color fool you! The juicy sweetness of mango (rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, and antioxidants) will win over their taste buds, while the spinach quietly works behind the scenes as the brains of the operation, packing in fiber, vitamins, and essential minerals. Great for picky eaters and perfect for boosting daily veggie intake without a battle.

PB&J Smoothie: A Healthy Protein Smoothie for Kids

Ingredients: Apple Juice, Banana, Blueberry, Strawberry, Peanut Butter

A lunchbox classic in smoothie form.  Naturally sweet from berries and bananas, with a creamy peanut butter boost for plant-based protein, the PB&J Smoothie is a satisfying after-school snack that supports muscle growth, keeps kids energized for active afternoons until dinner. It’s a familiar flavor with a healthy twist, making it a true after-school all-star.

Happy Smoothie: A Tropical Antioxidant Boost for After School

Ingredients: Mango Base (Mango, Water, Lemon Juice, Agave), Blueberry, Strawberry, Papaya, Mango, Spinach, Supergreen Powder

If sunshine had a flavor, it would be the Happy Smoothie. It’s bursting with antioxidant-rich berries, tropical papaya, sweet mango, and nutrient-dense greens plus an extra boost from our Supergreen powder. It’s a vibrant blend that supports immunity, energy, and overall wellness. One sip and you’ll know: this happy smoothie is worth doing a happy dance for!

The Shake: Your After-School Date Shake 

Ingredients: Bananas, Dates, Cacao Nibs, Almond Milk

What kid ever says no to a shake? Ours is plant-powered, protein-packed, and so tasty your kids will think it’s dessert. We sweeten it naturally with dates, which are full of fiber, antioxidants, and other good-for-you nutrients. (Bonus fun fact: “Phyto” means plant in Greek, so phytonutrients are simply plant nutrients! A perfect new vocab word to learn over smoothies.)

This shake is a healthier twist on the classic milkshake—creamy almond milk, bananas, and crunchy cacao nibs for a hint of chocolate. Got a busy afternoon of soccer practice or dance class? Toss in a spoonful of peanut butter for extra protein, and suddenly it tastes like a chocolate-peanut-butter cup—only this one’s nutrient-rich, plant-based, and made with real goodness.

Build-a-Smoothie: A Fun (and Healthy!) After School Activity

Hand your child a cup with fruits, veggies, and fun add-ins, and watch their creativity come to life in a smoothie of their very own! Our Build-a-Smoothie option is designed to give kids the freedom to experiment, while also opening the door to learning about healthy foods along the way.

Here’s how it works:

Start with a base: Kids can choose apple juice, mango lemonade, multi-green juice, or even water.

Add the fruit: Bananas, mangos, peaches, cherries, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries—pick a favorite or mix in several!

Get creative with extras: Dates (packed with fiber and phytonutrients) and cacao nibs (the purest form of chocolate) add sweetness, crunch, and fun.

Every choice is a chance to learn:

Talk about colors (“What color do you think mango and cherry will make?”).

Explore nutrition (“Did you know raspberries are full of fiber to help your tummy feel good?”).

Encourage creativity (“Are you making a smoothie that’s more like a scientist’s experiment, an artist’s masterpiece, or a chef’s secret recipe?”).

With a little help from our smoothie baristas, kids get to sip on something delicious and parents get the joy of knowing their child is learning and fueling their body with real, wholesome ingredients.

Make After-School Time Delicious and Healthy

No matter which smoothie you choose, these smoothies are a healthy, heartfelt way to refuel and connect after a long school day. With 19 locations around Atlanta, there’s probably an Arden’s Garden just a backpack’s throw away. So grab your kid, choose a smoothie, and turn an ordinary weekday into something special. After all, these little moments make for the biggest memories.