Long, bright days are made for learning outdoors. Time outside builds children’s strength, sparks curiosity, and lifts their mood. A few sensible measures around sun, heat, and allergies keep everyone comfortable and safe.
Why step outside?
Physical growth
Running, climbing, balancing, and swinging work every large muscle group in ways indoor spaces rarely manage.
Sensory discovery
Grass between toes, birdsong overhead, the scent of crushed mint—nature feeds all the senses and fuels early thinking.
Emotional wellbeing
Fresh air and natural light can calm anxious minds and nurture resilience as children test boundaries and solve little problems on their own.
Social confidence
Building a den or inventing a new game outdoors encourages sharing, turn-taking, and clear communication.
Summer safety essentials
🌞 Sun care
- Put on high-factor sunscreen (SPF 30 or above) before heading out and reapply every two hours – see the NHS guide.
- Wide-brimmed hats and light, long sleeves shield delicate skin.
- Aim for shade between 11 am and 3 pm. The Met Office UV index helps you choose the best time to play.
💧 Hydration
- Keep fresh water within reach and prompt regular sips – children may not recognise thirst. The NHS hydration page offers handy tips.
- Snack on hydrating foods such as watermelon, cucumber, and oranges.
🌿 Pollen and hay fever
- Check the daily pollen forecast. On high-count days, shorten sessions for hay-fever sufferers.
- Wipe faces and hands after play and keep prescribed antihistamines to hand (with parental consent). More advice is on the NHS hay fever page.
🐝 Insects and plants
- Teach children to watch bees and wasps rather than swat at them. First-aid guidance is on the NHS site.
- Check for harmful plants such as giant hogweed or nettles. The RHS list of risky plants is a good reference.
🌡️ Heat exhaustion
- Look out for flushed skin, unusual tiredness, or dizziness. The NHS heat-exhaustion advice explains warning signs and treatment.
- On very hot days, choose quieter, shaded activities and offer plenty of rest breaks.
Making summer memories
Water trays, nature trails, shady picnics, or simply cloud-spotting—when precautions are in place, outdoor learning becomes the highlight of the season.
For more detailed guidance:
By blending good sense with a spirit of adventure, practitioners can give children all the joys of summer while keeping them safe and thriving.
