Keeping Children Safe and Active

Planning walks and outdoor play time for children can be quite challenging for caregivers, and parents. Parents, guardians, and adults who care for children face constant challenges when trying to help keep children safe and active. . Many barriers and hazards exist in cities, and towns: busy traffic areas, lack of outdoor “green” spaces, inadequate play equipments, etc.  Before venturing out on a walk or to the play area, consider these guiding questions you may need to answer to ensure children are safe and having fun:

Destination:

• Do you have a specific destination in mind for your walk?

• Do you have activities planned during the walk or once you’ve reached the destination to keep children busy?

  Activities/Equipment:

• Which toys do you need to pack?

• Are the children dressed appropriately for the current temperature/weather?

• Will you need to bring sunscreen?

• Do you have sufficient drinks for the children?

• Have you packed a first aid kit, is it stocked with all necessary supplies?

• Are there adequate bathroom facilities?

  Emergencies:

• Do you have an emergency plan if the weather turns bad, if there is a stray dog, if a child strays, etc)

• Do you have a cell phone available?

• Are children aware of a location place, in case a child stays?

Following these few basic safety steps can help assure that children will have a safe and happy out door play time.

Additional Summer Safety info

>Tipsheet: Surviving the Sunny Season