Wild Child: Warm Weather Outdoor Play

In winter we wear layers to stay warm and dry in the cold and snow. In summer it is also important to get ready before heading outside for fun.

To set yourself up to succeed every time you head outside remember: prepare, explore, wash up!

Warm weather habits for outdoor exploration: prepare, explore, wash up. Image shows children wearing long sleeves, long pants, closed toed shoes, and a hat, and a child in a bath tub.

Prepare

Dress for success.

Wearing the right clothing. Usually in natural and forested spaces in the summer this means long sleeves, long pants, long socks and closed toe shoes. Near water it may mean grabbing a rash guard or long sleeved swim shirt to protect your arms and shoulders. Wherever you are remember a sun hat. Depending on the place you might also want sunscreen.

Why long sleeves? Clothes that cover your body protect you from scratches, irritating plants, bugs, and burns. They also act as portable shade, keeping your skin away from the sun’s heat. Just make sure to choose light-weight and light coloured fabrics. On super hot days, pouring water on the sleeves can help provide extra cooling.

Deter the bugs

Depending on where you play you might want bug repellent. Deet, Icaridin, or Permethrin containing clothing are the most commonly recommended ways to deter ticks in Canada.

Tip: Bug repellent doesn’t have to be applied to skin. If you don’t want to put bug repellent on your skin you can apply it to clothing instead. Be aware that some types of repellent may be oil based and stain some clothing.

Remember the drinks/snacks

Even on cooler days it is always good to take some water and a snack along.

Explore

Head outside and have fun. Either take a friend or let someone know where you are going. That way someone will know to get help if you don’t return when you expected to.

While you play or hike take time to notice the place around you. Enjoy your experience and make happy memories.

Wash up

Wash up after each adventure and do a body check. Look for scratches or bug bites that need treating, wash off dirt, and make sure that no creepy-crawlies came home with you. If you do find a tick attached to yourself or your child, gently remove it with tweezers and identify it using eTick. If the tick is one that can carry vector borne illnesses put it into a ziplock bag with some damp paper towel and contact your health care provider for next steps.

It’s that simple.

Written by Tandy Morton, Wild Child Outdoor Playgroup facilitator

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