Summer Safety Tips for Kids Parents Should Know About
Summer is a time for play, exploration, and soaking up the sunshine, but it can also bring a few safety concerns for kids. Whether it’s the scorching sun, buzzing insects, or more time spent outdoors, there are a handful of precautions parents can take to help ensure kids enjoy summer safely.
Let’s break down the simple but important summer safety tips every parent should keep in mind.
Practice Consistent Hand Hygiene
Kids are always on the go. They’re touching playground equipment, eating snacks with their hands, or petting animals. While summer might seem like a break from illness, that is not always the case.
Encourage your child to wash their hands frequently, especially before meals and after playing outside. If soap and water aren’t available, hand sanitizer is a great backup, just make sure it’s at least 60% alcohol-based. Not only does this reduce the risk of gastrointestinal bugs, but it also helps prevent skin infections that are more common in the summer due to sweating and heat.
Keep Them Away From Burn Hazards
Summer fun often includes grilling, bonfires, and fireworks—but these can pose real dangers to little ones.
Teach your child to stay a safe distance from grills and fire pits. If you're hosting a cookout, assign an adult to be on “burn hazard patrol” to ensure curious kids don’t wander too close. And remember, sparklers (often thought of as kid-friendly) can burn at temperatures up to 2,000°F. That’s hotter than a blowtorch!
SPF is a Must
While we do need some sunshine to help make vitamin D, and other benefits of light, let’s prevent sunburn! Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 about 15–30 minutes before your child heads outside. Reapply every two hours, and even more often if they’ve been swimming or sweating. Don’t forget tricky spots like ears, the back of the neck, and the tops of feet.
Incorporate Sun-Protective Clothing Within Their Wardrobe
Sunscreen is great, but it shouldn’t be your only defense. Lightweight, long-sleeved shirts, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses can help shield delicate skin and eyes from harmful UV rays.
Look for clothing labeled with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating as these are specially designed to block out more of the sun’s rays while still keeping kids cool.
Stay Hydrated
With all the running around and rising temperatures, kids can become dehydrated before they even realize they’re thirsty.
Make hydration fun and frequent. Offer water throughout the day, and pack a reusable water bottle wherever you go. If they’re not a fan of plain water, try infusing it with fruit like strawberries or cucumbers for a splash of flavor. Popsicles made with 100% juice can also be a sneaky way to hydrate on a hot afternoon.
Apply Insect Repellent
Mosquitoes, ticks, and other biting bugs thrive in summer. Not only are the bites annoying, but they can sometimes spread illnesses like Lyme disease or West Nile virus.
Apply insect repellent that’s appropriate for your child’s age. DEET is generally safe for kids over 2 months, but just make sure to always follow the label directions, use the lowest concentration that is effective, and apply sparingly, avoiding the hands, face, cuts, or irritated skin, and wash off after returning indoors. For a more natural route, oils like lemon eucalyptus (for kids over 3 years) can be effective too. And remember to check your child’s scalp, ankles, and behind their ears for ticks after time spent in wooded or grassy areas.
Don’t Ditch the Helmet
Whether they’re on a bike, scooter, skateboard, or rollerblades—helmets aren’t optional. Head injuries are one of the most serious types of injuries kids can sustain, and they’re almost always preventable with proper gear.
Make it a rule: no helmet, no wheels. Choose a helmet that fits snugly and is certified by safety standards. Bonus points for letting your child pick one with their favorite color or character, it increases the chance they’ll actually want to wear it!
Other Important Summer Safety Tips for Kids
Supervise around water: Whether it's a pool, lake, or backyard sprinkler, always have an adult keeping an eye on kids near water. Even strong swimmers can run into trouble quickly.
Limit (but don’t avoid) outdoor time during peak sun hours (10am–4pm): Try scheduling outdoor play for early morning or later in the evening to reduce sun exposure.
Be cautious of hot surfaces: Playground equipment, car seats, and even pavement can get hot enough to cause burns. Do a quick hand-check before your child touches any surfaces.
Watch for signs of heat exhaustion: Look out for excessive sweating, weakness, or nausea. If your child seems unusually tired or flushed, it’s time to take a break in the shade or indoors.
Final Thoughts
Summer should be a season of carefree joy and exploration and not ER visits and sunburns. With a few mindful habits, you can help your child make the most of their summer adventures while staying safe and healthy.
Not sure if your child’s summer sniffles, sunburn, or bug bites are something to worry about? The team at Grove Health Pediatrics is here to help you navigate seasonal concerns with confidence. Connect with us today to get expert guidance tailored to your child’s summer health and safety needs.
Here’s to a sunny, safe, and splash-filled summer!
Thank you for being a part of the Grove Health community! We’re honored to support your family’s health and wellness. Stay connected with us through our monthly newsletters and blog posts—we love sharing helpful tips and inspiration with you.
At Grove Health, our mission is to provide thoughtful, compassionate care that supports the whole child and empowers families. Your trust in us strengthens that mission, and we’re so grateful to walk alongside you on this journey.
With Gratitude,
The Grove Health Pediatrics Team