Summer Safety Tips for Kids
Long summer days bring sunshine, outdoor fun and lots of opportunities for little ones to explore the world around them.
Whether you’re heading to the park, the beach, or just playing in the garden, it’s important to keep children safe while they enjoy the season.
Here are our top summer safety tips for kids – helping you balance fun, freedom and peace of mind.
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11 Summer Safety Tips for Children
These simple summer safety tips for kids will help you keep your little ones protected, comfortable and thriving through every warm-weather activity. Keep reading to soak up all the sunny safety tips you’ll need this season!
1. Stay Sun Safe with Hats and SPF
Children’s skin is much more sensitive than adults’, so sun protection is a must. Apply child-friendly SPF 50 at least 20 minutes before going outside, and reapply every 2 hours – more often if water play is involved. Don’t forget areas like the tops of ears, back of the neck and feet!
A wide-brimmed sun hat and lightweight clothing with sleeves help protect against UV rays too. Try to keep little ones in the shade during peak sunshine hours (11am–3pm), especially during nursery outings or garden play.
2. Keep Hydration Fun and Easy
In warm weather, children can become dehydrated quickly. Offer water regularly, even if they say they’re not thirsty. Fun cups with straws, colourful water bottles, or adding fruit like strawberries or oranges to their drink can help make hydration more exciting.
At My Ohana, we always encourage regular drinks during summer activities, especially when taking part in outdoor nursery activities like nature hunts or garden games.
3. Use Bug Protection in Green Spaces
Whether you’re exploring a meadow, enjoying a picnic or doing a nature scavenger hunt, insect bites can be an unwelcome part of summer. Dress children in long sleeves and trousers when in grassy or wooded areas and consider using a child-safe insect repellent.
Check for ticks after outdoor play, especially if you’ve been walking through long grass or wooded areas.
4. Supervise Water Play
From paddling pools to beach trips, summer often includes lots of water fun. But even shallow water can be dangerous without supervision. Always watch children closely when they’re around water – whether that’s splashing in the garden, dipping toes in a stream, or visiting a local pool.
Our nurseries offer safe and supervised water play as part of our daily routines, and we always ensure staff are fully trained in water safety.
5. Dress for Comfort and Protection
Hot weather means dressing your child in cool, breathable clothing – but it’s also important to choose outfits that offer protection from the sun, insects and rough surfaces.
Opt for cotton clothing that covers the shoulders and knees, and shoes that are suitable for outdoor play. If your child is heading to nursery, label their sun hats and spare clothes so nothing gets lost during those busy, active days.
6. Watch Out for Heat Exhaustion
Children can overheat quickly, especially when running around or playing in direct sun. Look out for signs of heat exhaustion, including:
Flushed skin
Headache or dizziness
Tiredness or irritability
Feeling sick or faint
Encourage regular rest breaks in the shade, and offer plenty of water and cooling snacks like fruit or yoghurt.
7. Keep Outdoor Activities Age-Appropriate
Summer is the perfect time to explore new things – from outdoor painting to messy play in the garden. Just make sure summer activities are suitable for your child’s age and stage of development.
Need some ideas? Take a look at our blog on Fun Spring Activities for Pre-schoolers and Nursery Children – many of the suggestions work beautifully all summer long too!
8. Practise Safe Travel
Whether you’re heading out for a day trip or a family holiday, keeping little ones safe in transit is essential. Use properly fitted car seats, apply window shades to block harsh sunlight, and pack a summer safety kit with hats, sunscreen, water and a few snacks.
For nursery travel or outings, My Ohana follows robust safety procedures to ensure all children are safe, secure, and happy while exploring the world around them.
9. Stick to a Soothing Summer Routine
With longer daylight hours and busy social calendars, it’s easy for routines to slip. But young children thrive on rhythm and predictability – even during the holidays. Try to stick to regular nap times, mealtimes and wind-down routines to help your child feel secure and well-rested.
To learn how we balance flexibility and structure in early years, read our post on Nursery Daily Routines.
10. Encourage Safe Independence
Summer is a great time for children to practise independence – choosing their own clothes, helping pack a picnic, or applying sun cream with guidance. These little moments help build confidence, coordination and decision-making.
At My Ohana, we believe that every day brings chances to grow. From role play to creative expression, our nursery environments are designed to support safe, child-led learning.
Find out more in our blog on Why Early Years Education is Important for Your Child’s Development.
11. Don’t Forget the Fun!
Safety matters, but summer is also about magic, adventure and memory-making.
Let your child explore, get a little messy, and enjoy the wonder of the season – while knowing you’ve put the right precautions in place.
Looking for more activity inspiration? Our blog on 10 Fun and Engaging Nursery Activities is packed with ideas to try at home or in your local nursery garden.
Useful Resources
NHS – Sun safety for children
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/sunscreen-and-sun-safety/
Covers how to protect children's skin, sunscreen advice, and what to do in case of sunburn.
Met Office – UV Index & Sun Safety
Useful for checking daily UV levels and understanding sun exposure risks.
Public Health England – Beat the Heat
Information on keeping children safe and healthy during heatwaves.
Water Safety Advice from the RNLI
Great tips for families visiting beaches, including water safety and tide awareness.
British Red Cross – First Aid Advice for Heatwaves
https://www.redcross.org.uk/stories/health-and-social-care/first-aid/first-aid-heatwave
Quick, reliable tips for dealing with heatwaves in children and infants.
Looking for a Summer-Ready Nursery?
At My Ohana, we believe in balancing care, creativity and connection. Our nurseries are warm, welcoming spaces where safety, learning and joy go hand in hand – whatever the season.
Find a My Ohana nursery near you and join a family that puts your child’s wellbeing first.
