Summer is chaotic, unstructured, and (most of all) FUN. Everyone in the family looks forward to the freedom and excitement that comes with warmer weather! But as you head out for a little fun in the sun, added risks can creep in. And what does this mean? Carefree days quickly turn into stressful ones. No mom needs that this summer!
As a parent, you’re probably already on top of the big safety stuff. Still, one of the best ways to keep your kids safe this summer is to teach them simple safety habits. When you teach them young, those habits tend to stick for life, not just for the season.
Not sure what safety rules your kids should know this summer? We’ve got you covered! Teach children these sunny safety tips to make memories and stay safe:
30 Summer Safety Tips For Kids
Sun & Heat Safety Tips
- Always apply sunscreen before you go outside. (sun protection factor of 30+)
- On those extra sunny days, opt for sun-protective clothing.
- If your skin looks red or feels hot, tell a grown-up.
- Tell an adult if you feel dizzy or too hot.
- Touch playground slides and swings to see if they’re hot before playing.
- Choose water instead of soda/pop or juice.
Water & Pool Safety Tips
- Never go near water without a grown-up.
- Only swim with permission and when a grown-up is watching.
- Don’t push or dunk others in the water.
- Never run near the pool.
Outdoor Play & Activity Safety Tips
- Wear shoes or sandals outside.
- Always wear a helmet when riding a bike or scooter.
- Ride your bike on the sidewalk.
- Stay away from lawnmowers and tools.
- Never play with fireworks or sparklers.
Health & Hygiene Tips
- Wash your hands before eating, especially after playing outside.
- Use insect repellents to keep mosquitoes and other bugs away.
- Check for ticks after playing outside.
- Tell an adult if you get a sting or bite.
- Drink plenty of water, even if you’re not thirsty.
- Cover cuts or scrapes with bandaids to keep them clean.
Car & Travel Safety Tips
- Never stay in a car alone.
- Always wear your seatbelt/keep your car seat buckled in the car.
- Always tell an adult where you are going.
- Be home before dark.
Personal Safety Tips
- Look both ways before crossing the street.
- Never go anywhere with someone you don’t know.
- Don’t approach any animals you don’t know, even pets.
- Know your full name and address.
- Don’t open the door if someone knocks and you’re home alone.
- If you get lost, look for a police officer, a teacher, or another mom with kids.
- If a stranger makes you uncomfortable or scared, yell, “This is not my parent!” and run to a safe place.
- Don’t be afraid to call 911 in an emergency, cops are there to help!
What Summer Activities Are Safe For Kids and Which Aren’t
Not Safe: Going to the Pool or Beach Without an Adult
If you have a neighborhood pool and a strong swimmer at home, it might feel perfectly safe to let your pre-teen or teen head off for a solo swim. This is especially true if there are lifeguards on duty!
But, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics, drowning risk actually increases for older kids and teens. Why? This age group is often overconfident in their abilities and likely to engage in risky play with peers.
On top of all that, lifeguards aren’t babysitters. They’re not replacements for a dedicated supervisor. So, stick to this one core water safety rule: No matter how old your child is, always supervise them while swimming.
Safe: Splashing in a Sprinkler, Splash Pad, or Water Table at Home
If you can’t get to the pool with your child, that’s okay. There are lots of great ways to beat the heat in the hot months and play in the water without the risk of drowning. Your kids can splash in a sprinkler, run around a backyard splash pad, or play in a water table. There’s no shortage of ways to enjoy some H2O safely at home.
Of course, you can go to the pool, too! Just make sure you can supervise all your kids when you go. And, if spending time in natural bodies of water like rivers or lakes, make sure you and your kids wear properly fitted Coast Guard-approved life jackets. You should also wear life vests on boats or other water recreation vehicles. And, of course, we always recommend wearing swimsuits with bright colors for instant visibility.
Not Safe: Playing with Sparklers or Other Fireworks
Fireworks and sparklers may have been a big part of your childhood, but that doesn’t mean your kids should partake! Fireworks are extremely dangerous—and did you know sparklers can get hotter than a blowtorch? It’s no wonder over 2,000 kids are injured by fireworks every year!
Needless to say, skip the fireworks and sparklers on Independence Day. Let the adults handle the display or head to a local professional show. You’ll still get to enjoy the magic of fireworks, but there’s no stress about a potential ER trip!
Safe: Playing with Glow Sticks, Flashlights, and LED Wands
A fun and safe way to celebrate this summer that doesn't involve explosions and fire? Glow sticks! Kids love them, and they’re an easy way to add color, sparkle, and excitement to any celebration. You can also hand out flashlights, LED wands, or light-up toys to enjoy the summer festivities without the risks.
Not Safe: Using Lawnmowers, Weed Wackers, and Other Outdoor Tools
Lawn equipment isn’t safe for kids. It’s as simple as that! Young children should not be outside when people are mowing, using a weed eater, or utilizing other tools. (That means no riding on the lawnmower, either.)
As for the older kids, don’t be so quick to put them behind the mower. The American Academy of Pediatrics states that children ages 12 and under need to stay far away from walking lawnmowers. And for riding lawnmowers, that age requirement bumps up to 16. It’s still a very dangerous machine, even if your child is generally responsible. Keep these tasks for license holders and older individuals.
Safe: Helping Water Plants, Pull Weeds, Plant Seeds, and Harvest Produce
If your child really wants to help with gardening and landscaping, there’s still a lot they can do. They can plant seeds and harvest produce. They can pull weeds. And they can even enjoy watering the plants with a watering can or sprinkler. It’s a great way for them to stay safe, stay busy, and feel like a real part of the action.
Not Safe: Going to Public Parks Alone
Just like kids shouldn’t go to the pool alone, they shouldn’t go to public parks alone, either. Though there’s probably no water to worry about, parks can still be dangerous. From stranger danger and unleashed animals to unexpected falls and moving cars, supervision is so important! Always attend the park with them and stay vigilant while you’re there!
Safe: Going on a Family Walk or Playing in the Yard with Chalk, Balls, or Other Toys
Remember, your home is full of safe opportunities to play! Take your kids outside to use chalk, blow bubbles, throw a ball, ride bikes, and more. You could even go on a family walk where you chat about your day and get some great exercise.
Not Safe: Staying in the Car Alone
Never leave a child unattended in a car, not even for a few minutes. On warm days, the temperature inside a vehicle can rise dangerously fast—even with the windows cracked. This puts children, especially infants, at serious risk of heatstroke, dehydration, or worse. Always take your child with you, even if you're just running a quick errand.
Here’s more on how to prevent hot car deaths.
Safe: Helping with Errands or Tasks to Develop Independence
Though it might feel easier to leave your child behind or rush through errands alone, bringing them along can be a valuable opportunity. Everyday tasks like grocery shopping, mailing packages, returning library books, or using the ATM can help kids build real-life skills and confidence. Don’t be afraid to get them involved instead of just dragging them along. You might be surprised how much fun you both have!
These summer safety tips will keep your season fun, safe, and exciting!
Summer is meant for making lots of memories! Looking back, you should remember laughter, exploration, and adventure—not ER trips, medical bills, and long injury recovery times. A little preparation and supervision go a long way when protecting your family and preserving the fun-filled season.
For more safety rules and best practices, check out the Safe in the Seat blog! Here are some other tips for seasons to come:
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