Spring is upon us here in the desert southwest, well, let’s call it a summer preview (It’s getting close to triple digits). The sun is shining, plants blooming, and several people I know are already complaining of the heat. I am not judging anyone for their intolerance to temperature changes, but I do find myself a bit startled when I hear a parent or caregiver of young children giving reasons why they can’t go outside to play. Yes, safety measures must be put in place, but just a little effort can afford children valuable time exploring and learning while outdoors.

Let’s explore some basic outdoor safety for children and adults. The sun and heat it provides can be dangerous. Make sure there are shaded areas that adults and children can access. If there are no provided areas of shade, take an umbrella with you. Make sure skin is protected from the sun. Hats, appropriate clothing and sunscreen should be considered carefully. When protecting children ask the pediatrician what they recommend, as well as following these guidelines for children and infants. When temperatures are very high, you can spend time outdoors in small increments of 5-15 minutes, and during the early morning hours. Drinking water is a must. Even if you are staying in your own yard, fill a non-breakable cup or bottle with water. It doesn’t even have to be cold, cool is fine. It is easier to stay hydrated, and children are more likely to drink water, when it is within easy reach. Before giving an infant water, first check with your pediatrician. Infants generally receive enough hydration from breast milk and formula. Finally, scan the outdoor space for hazards. Look for spider webs, ant, bee or other insect colonies nearby, broken objects that are easily accessible for the child, and water deeper than 2″ (buckets, holes, etc). Even if you are supervising your child, which you should be, it is smart to reduce the potential for accidents and injury by clearing away any hazards.

Depending on the setting you may or may not provide toys for your child to play with (by the way, YOU are their most favorite thing to play with). Your child may just enjoy exploring the physical space around them. If you don’t have a yard or park nearby you may choose to take walks with your child. Even in urban settings there are valuable things to see and learn about.

As a very young child I remember picking blades of grass and small wild flowers…weeds probably, and feeling them in my hands. I remember the smell of grass, tree bark, pine needles, and mud as I explored yards, parks and outdoor spaces. I remember playing hide and seek, making ‘houses’ out of twigs and leaves for our Lego cars, the rough bark on my hands and knees as I climbed another tree, making up games with pebbles in the driveway of a friend’s house, and watching the wind blow a paper bag down the sidewalk.

I’ve got so many ideas for outdoor experiences, from my own childhood and from my time as a professional in the early childhood field, that I would love to share, but then this blog would become a book. If you are looking for ideas, please let me know. Urban, suburban or rural, lush or dry, if you’ve got a question I’d love to hear it. If you have a suggestion to share with parents or caregivers, please post.