Tips for Keeping Kids Safe During Outdoor Play

Playing outside is key to children’s development and well-being. They get physical activity, fresh air, and the chance to explore nature. With all of the fun, however, comes risk. Even in organized sports, there is always an injury threat or unexpected situations. Activities like hiking and boating present other hazards. As a caregiver, ensure your kids can take advantage of outdoor fun by helping them stay safe. Here are several ways to mitigate the risks and focus on the enjoyment.

Wear Proper Gear

Providing seasonally-appropriate clothing and activity-appropriate gear is a sound first step to keeping kids safe while playing outdoors. Here are some items to consider before you head out there.

Safety equipment

Helmets are essential for sports like bike riding, rollerblading, and rock climbing to cradle and protect young developing brains. Consider knee and elbow pads for these sports as well. Coastguard-approved life vests are required for kids out in boats, even if they can swim. If your kids will be out of your eyesight, have them carry a whistle for emergencies.

Clothing

Being prepared for changes in weather with appropriate clothes is critical. If you’re hiking in the hills or mountains, temperatures can drop, and storms can roll in quickly. Bring a waterproof jacket and have it available for quick response. Appropriate footwear is also vital! Sturdy shoes with in-tact tread are a must for hiking and rock climbing. Many sports have clothing and footwear guidelines that you can help your kids learn to follow.

Know the Rules

Whether your kids are playing organized sports or heading out for a game of tag with friends, they must learn the rules for that activity. As a caregiver, you can verify your kids understand the rules before heading out. Playground guidelines might be simple: stay within eyesight and respect the equipment. Rules for hiking are a bit more complicated: stay on the trail, don’t disrupt nature, stay alert for wildlife, etc. Make it clear that everyone is responsible for knowing the rules before they can start having fun!

Teach Awareness

Being alert to potential dangers in the immediate area is the best way to stay safe. Teach your kids how to check a site for hazards before playing. Discuss how to listen for wildlife on a hike. If you’ll be on the water, practice paying attention to the current, tides, and storm clouds in the distance. Awareness is essential in organized sports, too. Is the equipment set up correctly? Are spectators safely out of the way? Your kids will stay safer in any outdoor environment by modeling and teaching awareness. Remember: preparation is prevention!

Make (and Practice) an Emergency Plan

Having a plan to address emergencies and unexpected events is paramount. If a different adult is in charge (like a coach), ask that they discuss emergency procedures with all parents and children. If you’re heading out for family fun, here are three scenarios to discuss and practice with your kids ahead of time.

Getting lost

When kids get lost, they panic. Practicing how to handle this event beforehand will make them a little bit calmer in the moment. There are two primary solutions to getting lost: stay put and make noise or head to a meeting spot. Decide which strategy is best for your kids before each new outing. Your choice will depend on your kids’ ages, the type of activity, the venue, and the crowd size. Review the plan when you arrive.

Dangerous situations

A “dangerous situation” could be anything from a threatening stranger to an unexpected thunderstorm. Whatever the problem, the typical solutions are to stay alert and call for help. Have kids practice blowing an alert whistle, screaming for help, and running towards safety.

Physical injury

The primary reason to practice an injury response is to give kids a chance to feel in control. Injuries are scary; kids can forget what to do when they see blood or have intense pain. With any physical injury, kids should loudly get an adult’s attention. The need to alert an adult is another reason to have a whistle when they might be out of sight. When you practice, make sure they take deep breaths and remind themselves that an adult is coming to help.

Support Healthy Bodies

Safety isn’t just about preventing accidents or emergencies. Taking care of your kids’ health when they’re outside is a priority, too. Here are a few ways to protect their physical health while outdoors..

Sun protection

No matter the season or activity, kids should always wear sunscreen when playing outdoors. A good sunscreen provides a high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) and dual-spectrum ultraviolet protection. Look for products advertising SPF of 30 or higher and “broad spectrum UV” or “UV-A and UV-B” coverage. Choose a mineral-based lotion if you’re worried about chemicals in kids’ sunscreens. Wearing a hat and sunglasses is also essential for sun protection when the activity allows.

Food and drinks

Kids get hungry and thirsty when they’re playing outside. Provide healthy foods and plenty of water for them to refuel throughout the day. Electrolyte drinks are a good option, but remember that kids need more water than anything else. Snacks that combine protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates are the best for keeping kids nourished.

With some preparation, you can help your kids stay safe outside all year long!

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One of America’s premier metropolitan park systems, the Huron-Clinton Metroparks have served the people of Southeast Michigan since 1940. Managed by the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority, the Metroparks are made up of 13 properties in Livingston, Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties. Available activities include fishing, swimming, boating, hiking, nature study, biking, golf, winter sports and more. The Metroparks also provide educational resources on science, nature, history and the environment. Learn more at Metroparks.com.