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Summer is a season full of sunshine, play, and discovery. For children, it’s a chance to explore, get messy, try new things. For caregivers, it’s a wonderful opportunity to support that joyful energy while keeping a watchful eye on safety. The goal isn’t to eliminate every risk, but to create an environment where kids can thrive, try new things, and build resilience — all with a little thoughtful planning.
Embracing the Joy (and Growth!) of Risky Play While Ensuring Summer Safety
Risky play is the kind of fun that gets hearts racing and minds growing — like climbing, balancing, or exploring new spaces. When kids take age-appropriate risks, they learn confidence, coordination, and decision-making. Our research shows that children who regularly engage in this kind of play tend to become better at managing risks in the long run.
Rather than trying to remove every potential hazard, we can support children in exploring safely. That means setting up spaces that let them stretch their boundaries while staying within a safe framework. Here are a few simple ways to support summer safety and adventure.
1. Sun Smarts: Keeping Cool and Covered
Outdoor fun means lots of sun, so a few easy steps can help keep kids comfortable and protected.
Sunscreen First: Apply SPF 30 or higher about 20 minutes before heading out and reapply every couple of hours — or after water play.
Dress for the Weather: Light, breathable clothes and wide-brimmed hats offer great coverage.
Find the Shade: Breaks in the shade are a perfect chance to cool down and recharge.
Stay Hydrated: Encourage water breaks regularly, even if kids say they’re not thirsty.
Keep an Eye on Energy: If a child looks flushed or tired, offer a rest in the shade and a cool drink — it’s often all they need.
2. Water Play the Safe Way
Splash pads, pools, lakes — water is a summer favourite. A few simple habits help keep it safe and stress-free.
Always Supervise: Whether it’s a kiddie pool or the beach, an adult should always be within reach and focused.
Swim Skills Help: Lessons can build both safety and confidence.
Use Life Jackets Near Open Water: Especially for little ones or early swimmers.
Make Pools Secure: A fence and latched gate are key to preventing unsupervised dips.
Talk About Water Safety: Let kids know they should never swim alone and teach them to recognize what deeper water looks like.
3. Playground Confidence
Scraped knees and big smiles often go hand in hand at the playground. With a quick summer safety check, you can keep the focus on fun.
Inspect the Equipment: Give slides and climbing structures a once-over for anything loose or broken, and to check temperature.
Soft Landings: Mulch, sand, or rubber surfacing cushions feels better than concrete.
Watch Without Hovering: Let kids challenge themselves while you stay nearby to support when needed.
Climb with Care: Teach children to climb with both hands and come down feet first — it soon becomes second nature.
4. On the Move: Bike and Road Smarts
Whether biking, scootering, or rollerblading, moving fast is part of summer fun. A few gentle summer safety reminders help safeguard kids as they zoom along.
Helmet First, Every Time: A snug helmet is the best way to protect little adventurers.
Know the Rules: Help kids learn to stop, look, and follow traffic signals, even in quieter neighbourhoods.
Be Seen: Bright clothes, reflectors, and bike lights help with visibility.
Choose Safe Routes: Younger children do best in quieter areas like parks or trails.
5. Nature’s Little Surprises: Bugs and Critters
Outdoor time means bugs, birds, and the occasional curious critter. Most of the time, it’s just part of the adventure!
Bug Protection: A gentle, kid-friendly repellent keeps mosquitoes and ticks at bay.
Quick Tick Checks: After time in the woods or tall grass, do a quick scan — just to be safe.
Buzzing Visitors: Teach kids to stay calm around bees or wasps. A still body is usually all it takes to avoid stings.
Observe, Don’t Approach: Watching animals from a distance is fascinating — and safer for everyone.
6. Encouraging Independence (with a Safety Net)
Long summer days often come with new freedoms. Whether it’s walking to a friend’s house or playing in the park, a few guidelines help kids build independence safely.
Use the Buddy System: It’s more fun — and safer — with a friend.
Clear Boundaries: Agree on safe play areas and expected check-ins.
Emergency Know-How: Help children memorize their address and a trusted adult’s phone number.
Stay Connected: A set time to touch base (or a quick text for older kids) keeps everyone in the loop.
Summer Safety and Adventure Can Go Hand in Hand
Risk doesn’t mean recklessness—it means learning, growing, and stretching just a little beyond what feels easy. As caregivers, we’re here to guide, not bubble-wrap. Letting children explore while keeping an eye on key safety points helps them build confidence, resilience, and joy in their own capabilities.
Think “Risk” Over “Hazard”: A challenge with support is healthy; an unseen danger isn’t.
Invite Kids into the Process: Ask, “What’s your plan?” instead of giving step-by-step instructions.
Model Curiosity, Bravery, Consideration, and Confidence: Model a learning mindset and courage, engaging children in assessing risk. Find teachable moments to show them how to you enjoy exploring safely — whether it’s balancing on a log or trying a new sport. Think about your language: “I trust you to make good choices” vs. “Be careful!”
Let Little Stumbles Teach: Scraped knees heal, and the learning lasts far longer.
Here’s to a Happy, Healthy Summer
This summer let’s give children the space to climb, splash, ride, and roam — safely and confidently. With a few simple habits and a focus on thoughtful exploration, caregivers can create a season full of fun, growth, and sunshine-filled memories. If you are looking for something for your children to do this summer, why not check out Upper Canada Child Care – Summer Camp
So, let’s make this a season of adventure, laughter, and just the right balance of summer safety and fun!
For more on risky play: Risky play for children: Why we should let kids go outside and then get out of the way | Nature of Things
By Marjorie LePoidevin, Director Communications and Marketing