{"id":348227,"date":"2025-11-07T12:27:31","date_gmt":"2025-11-07T17:27:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/?p=348227"},"modified":"2025-11-07T12:27:31","modified_gmt":"2025-11-07T17:27:31","slug":"outdoor-safety-tips-for-children","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/home\/security-systems\/outdoor-safety-tips-for-children\/","title":{"rendered":"Outdoor Safety Tips for Children"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why It\u2019s Important for Children to Play Outside<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Outdoor play is essential for healthy development, yet it competes with very high daily screen use. U.S. teens average about <a href=\"https:\/\/news.gallup.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">4.8 hours\/day on social media<\/a>, and total entertainment screen media (excluding schoolwork) is roughly <a href=\"https:\/\/www.commonsensemedia.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">nine hours\/day for teens<\/a> and about six hours\/day for tweens. Nearly half of U.S. high school students report <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">3+ hours\/day of recreational screen time on school days<\/a>. While youth outdoor participation has rebounded since the pandemic, it varies by family and season and does not fully offset increased screen exposure (<a href=\"https:\/\/outdoorindustry.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Outdoor Foundation 2024<\/a>). Longstanding concerns about a <a href=\"https:\/\/e360.yale.edu\/digest\/u-s-study-shows-widening-disconnect-with-nature-and-potential-solutions\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">disconnect from nature<\/a> remain relevant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Outdoor play supports attention, working memory, and behavior through physical activity and contact with nature. Beyond individual studies of green play and cognition (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC6176023\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">attention\/memory in natural settings<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pubmed\/30486416\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">green space and ADHD-related symptoms<\/a>), major reviews conclude that physical activity and access to green environments improve cognition and on-task behavior in youth (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">CDC<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/health.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">HHS Midcourse Report<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">WHO Europe<\/a>). These benefits also extend to mental well-being and stress reduction, and regular activity supports better sleep\u2014key outcomes that families increasingly value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Parents widely endorse outdoor time and unstructured play, yet they juggle safety concerns alongside rising worries about screens and youth mental health (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pewresearch.org\/social-trends\/2023\/01\/24\/parenting-in-america-today\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Pew<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.commonsensemedia.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Common Sense Media<\/a>). Framing outdoor play as a daily counterweight to screen time\u2014and planning around environmental conditions\u2014helps families protect both safety and well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Simple planning tools make outdoor time safer and more predictable: check <a href=\"https:\/\/heat.gov\/pages\/heatrisk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">HeatRisk<\/a> for heat, follow <a href=\"https:\/\/www.airnow.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">EPA\u2019s AQI activity guidance<\/a> for air quality and wildfire smoke, and use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.weather.gov\/safety\/lightning\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">lightning safety<\/a> rules. With these in mind, families can build dependable outdoor routines that support attention, behavior, mental health, and sleep (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">CDC<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">WHO Europe<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n  <style>\n    .myFinance-widget {\n    min-height: 670px;\n    }\n  <\/style>\n  <div class=\"myFinance-widget\" data-widget-id=\"7c9fe833-dde7-4eb5-b71f-d741b8cccd66\" data-campaign=\"reviews-non-monitored-security\"><\/div>\n\n<script async=\"\" type=\"text\/javascript\" id=\"myFinance-widget-script\">\n  !function () {function e() {var s = \"myFinance-widget-ad-script\";if (!document.getElementById(s)) {var e = document.createElement(\"script\"), n = document.getElementById(\"myFinance-widget-script\"), a = t + \"widget\/myFinance.js\";e.id = s, e.type = \"text\/javascript\", e.async = !0, e.src = a, n.parentNode.insertBefore(e, n);}var c = \"myFinance-widget-css\";if (!document.getElementById(c)) {var d = document.getElementsByTagName(\"head\")[0], i = document.createElement(\"link\");i.id = c, i.rel = \"stylesheet\", i.type = \"text\/css\", i.href = t + \"widget\/myFinance.css\", i.media = \"all\", d.appendChild(i)}}var t = \"https:\/\/static.myfinance.com\/\";document.attachEvent ? document.attachEvent(\"onreadystatechange\", function () {\"complete\" === document.readyState && e()}) : document.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\", e, !1)}();\n<\/script>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Potential Outdoor Risks to Remember<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It\u2019s normal to worry about safety, and today\u2019s outdoor time can be affected by traffic, falls, water, weather, air quality, and newer trends like micromobility (e-bikes\/e-scooters). Recognizing specific risks lets you take targeted steps\u2014so children keep the developmental gains of outdoor play while you reduce the chance of serious harm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Unintentional injuries are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">the most common cause<\/a> of hospital visits among young children. Around water, apply CDC\u2019s \u201clayers of protection\u201d\u2014close, constant supervision; four-sided fencing; U.S. Coast Guard\u2013approved life jackets; swim lessons; and CPR readiness\u2014because drowning remains a leading cause of child death (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">CDC: leading for ages 1\u20134; second leading for 5\u201314<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Roadways and highways:<\/strong> Neighborhood play often intersects with vehicle traffic, and drivers today are <a href=\"https:\/\/crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov\/Api\/Public\/ViewPublication\/812517\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">more distracted than ever<\/a>. Pedestrian crashes are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">more likely<\/a> in urban areas, at non\u2011intersections, and at night, and recent analyses indicate U.S. pedestrian fatalities remain near modern highs (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ghsa.org\/resources\/Pedestrians24\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">GHSA<\/a>). Teach kids to cross with adults, use marked crossings, and wear bright\/reflective gear; supervise young children near driveways and set a \u201chome by dark\u201d rule.<\/li><li><strong>Falls and injuries: <\/strong>Outdoor play can bring <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">physical injury<\/a> risks, especially on wheeled toys and bikes. Require properly fitted helmets that meet the U.S. CPSC standard (check the label) and add wrist, knee, and elbow protection as needed (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhtsa.gov\/road-safety\/bicycle-safety\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">NHTSA helmet guidance<\/a>). Be extra cautious with e-bikes\/e\u2011scooters: injuries and deaths involving micromobility devices have surged, so follow local age laws and manufacturer size\/age guidance, require helmets, limit speed, and ride only where allowed (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cpsc.gov\/Newsroom\/News-Releases\/2024\/CPSC-Reports-Surge-in-ER-Visits-and-Deaths-Involving-Micromobility-Products\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">CPSC advisory<\/a>).<\/li><li><strong>Outdoor spaces: <\/strong>Scan for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.parents.com\/kids\/safety\/outdoor\/hidden-outdoor-dangers\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">potential safety hazards<\/a>\u2014open water, animals, chemicals, insects\/reptiles, construction areas, and attractive nuisances like trampolines and tree houses. Near any water, use \u201clayers of protection\u201d and ensure pools have four\u2011sided, self\u2011closing, self\u2011latching fencing with locked gates (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">CDC<\/a>).<\/li><li><strong>Stranger danger: <\/strong>Teaching about <a href=\"https:\/\/archive.ncpc.org\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">\u201cstranger danger\u201d<\/a> is helpful, but add practical layers: active supervision for younger kids, a buddy system for older children, and clear check\u2011in times. Technology (cameras, kid wearables, family location apps) can support supervision when used thoughtfully and with privacy in mind.<\/li><li><strong>Protection from the elements: <\/strong>Plan for heat, air quality, sun, and insects. Modify or reschedule vigorous outdoor play at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.airnow.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">AQI \u2265100<\/a> (especially for young or asthmatic children) and move activities indoors at AQI \u2265151; follow <a href=\"https:\/\/heat.gov\/pages\/heatrisk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">HeatRisk<\/a> guidance to shorten sessions, add shade and breaks, or postpone during orange\/red levels; and at first thunder, go indoors and wait 30 minutes after the last thunder (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.weather.gov\/safety\/lightning\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">NWS<\/a>). Use EPA\u2011registered repellents and perform tick checks after grassy\/wooded play; avoid oil of lemon eucalyptus\/PMD in children under 3 (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">CDC tick guidance<\/a>).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Limiting Risks Without Restricting Outdoor Play<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Children need challenge to learn. Rather than eliminating all risk, aim for play spaces that are \u201cas safe as <em>necessary<\/em>\u201d (not \u201cas safe as <em>possible<\/em>\u201d) so kids can practice judgment and self\u2011regulation while you manage serious hazards (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC3499858\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">risk\u2013benefit approach<\/a>). Pair this with daily outdoor time that supports cognition, behavior, and mental health (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">CDC<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/health.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">HHS<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Create a safe place to play<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Define a child-friendly outdoor zone you can see and manage. Set clear boundaries together to build independence and buy\u2011in, then reduce known hazards in advance. Consider traffic exposure, surfaces, shade, and access to water and bathrooms. If there\u2019s a pool or nearby open water, use four\u2011sided barriers and locked gates, and designate a \u201cwater watcher\u201d during use (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">CDC<\/a>). Some additional steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Educate your child.<\/strong> Practice safe street\u2011crossing, visibility (bright\/reflective clothing, lights at dusk), and where play is allowed. Explain that pedestrian risks are higher at night and away from intersections; emphasize crossing with an adult until they\u2019re ready (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">CDC<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ghsa.org\/resources\/Pedestrians24\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">GHSA<\/a>).<\/li><li><strong>Set up signs.<\/strong> Post \u201cchildren at play\u201d and speed\u2011reminder signs at driveways\/curb edges where allowed. Position toys away from parked cars and driveways to avoid back\u2011over risks.<\/li><li><strong>Identify potential hazards. <\/strong>Walk the area to remove sharp objects, secure chemicals, check equipment stability, and clear climbing zones. Manage attractive nuisances (trampolines, tree houses) with rules and supervision; add surfacing where falls are possible.<\/li><li><strong>Utilize fencing.<\/strong> Use fences or natural barriers to keep young children within sight. Around pools, install four\u2011sided, self\u2011closing, self\u2011latching fencing and keep gates locked; add door\/window alarms where appropriate (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">CDC<\/a>).<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Monitor outdoor spaces<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Use simple tools to extend supervision without hovering. Combine direct monitoring (eyes on, video where appropriate) with predictable check\u2011ins. For location sharing, prefer purpose\u2011built family tools and kids\u2019 LTE wearables over item trackers, which are for belongings and trigger anti\u2011stalking alerts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Install security cameras.<\/strong> Use outdoor <a href=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/home\/security-systems\/best\/\">home security<\/a> cameras to see a live feed of your yard and monitor children as they play. These cameras can send a live feed to your phone or computer around the clock, which can give parents more control over spotting potential dangers before they become threats. This concept is especially helpful if you are working from home or need to do other things inside, but want to allow children to play outdoors.<\/li><li><strong>Set check-in timers.<\/strong> Set reminders to check on your children at regular intervals using your smartphone or devices like Alexa. You can also give children their own device with an alarm or reminder to come and check in with you at regular intervals. That way, you&#8217;ll never go for too long without setting eyes on your child.<\/li><li><strong>Monitor with apps.<\/strong> Install smartphone apps or purchase devices that allow you to track your teen\u2019s whereabouts while they are outside. The <a href=\"https:\/\/famisafe.wondershare.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">FamiSafe app<\/a> has a GPS tracker for your child&#8217;s smartphone to monitor their physical location (and location history so you don&#8217;t have to stare at a dot on a map all day), as well as the ability to block dangerous apps on their phone. For younger children, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.myxplora.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Xplora 2<\/a> watch provides GPS tracking without a smartphone. There are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.online-tech-tips.com\/software-reviews\/5-best-child-tracking-apps-and-gadgets-to-monitor-location\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">many devices available today<\/a> suitable for teens and young children to help you monitor their whereabouts when you can&#8217;t be with them. Also consider platform options like setting up an <a href=\"https:\/\/support.apple.com\/en-us\/HT211768\">Apple Watch for a child (Family Setup)<\/a>, using <a href=\"https:\/\/families.google.com\/familylink\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Google Family Link<\/a>, or choosing kid LTE wearables such as <a href=\"https:\/\/store.google.com\/product\/fitbit_ace_lte\">Fitbit Ace LTE<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.garmin.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Garmin Bounce<\/a>, and cross\u2011platform family apps like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.life360.com\/safety-features\">Life360<\/a>. Avoid Bluetooth item trackers for children\u2014they\u2019re intended for belongings and now trigger unknown\u2011tracker alerts on <a href=\"https:\/\/support.apple.com\/en-us\/HT212227\">Apple<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.android.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Android<\/a> devices.<\/li><li><strong>Use a \u201cbuddy system.&#8221;<\/strong> Pair your child with a sibling or someone else in the neighborhood to help you monitor your child, and to ensure they are never alone when outside exploring \u2014 especially when beyond your property line.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Protection for your child<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Kids will get bumps and scrapes. Reduce the risk of serious injury with the right gear, environment checks, and weather-aware plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><strong>Dress for the outdoors. <\/strong>Choose closed\u2011toe shoes with good traction and weather\u2011appropriate, sun\u2011protective clothing (hats, long sleeves when feasible). Pack a spare layer for changing conditions.<\/li><li><strong>Wear proper equipment.<\/strong> Outdoor play often means sports and games that may require <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">special safety equipment<\/a>, such as helmets, wrist guards, and knee and elbow pads. Make sure you have the proper equipment on hand, that it\u2019s in good working condition, and that your child wears or uses it as needed. For bikes, scooters, and e\u2011bikes\/e\u2011scooters, select helmets that state they meet CPSC standards and fit them correctly (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhtsa.gov\/road-safety\/bicycle-safety\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">NHTSA guidance<\/a>).<\/li><li><strong>Check the weather. <\/strong>Before encouraging your child to head outdoors for a long day of play, check the local weather report for extreme heat, rain, thunderstorms, and other dangers. If you know there is likely to be dangerous weather, modify your activities and bring children to an indoor play area instead. Use <a href=\"https:\/\/heat.gov\/pages\/heatrisk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">HeatRisk<\/a> to shorten sessions, add shade and breaks, and reschedule high\u2011exertion play during orange\/red levels; follow the EPA\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.airnow.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">AQI school activity guide<\/a> to reduce intensity at AQI \u2265100 and move activities indoors at AQI \u2265151; and follow <a href=\"https:\/\/www.weather.gov\/safety\/lightning\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">lightning safety rules<\/a> (indoors at first thunder; 30\u2011minute wait after the last thunder).<\/li><li><strong>Offer plenty of fluids.<\/strong> Ensure frequent water access and scheduled hydration breaks, especially in heat; add cool\u2011down rests in the shade.<\/li><li><strong>Apply sunscreen and insect repellent.<\/strong> Apply sunscreen that&#8217;s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">at least 15 SPF<\/a> before your child heads outside. If they&#8217;ll be in an area that&#8217;s buggy, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">apply insect repellent<\/a> after applying the sunscreen. Reapply at regular intervals to avoid sunburns and bug bites.&nbsp; For ticks, use EPA\u2011registered repellents as labeled, avoid oil of lemon eucalyptus\/PMD in children under 3, consider permethrin\u2011treated clothing, and perform tick checks after play (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">CDC guidance<\/a>).<\/li><li><strong>Identify and manage allergies.<\/strong> Keep needed medications handy for pollen or stinging\u2011insect allergies. Pollen seasons are lengthening in many regions, increasing symptom days for sensitive children (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\/climate-indicators\/climate-change-indicators-ragweed-pollen-season\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">EPA indicator<\/a>).<\/li><li><strong>Establish an injury plan.<\/strong> Set a simple protocol for where to go and whom to call if someone gets hurt. Keep a stocked first\u2011aid kit and emergency contacts accessible.<\/li><li><strong>Discuss \u201cstranger danger.\u201d<\/strong> Remind children to avoid talking to unknown adults, stick to agreed\u2011upon play areas, and seek help from trusted adults if they feel unsafe. Practice what to do and where to go.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Talking to Your Child About Safety<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Keep messages clear, calm, and actionable. Young children interpret risk differently than adults, so use simple rules and practice them: cross with an adult, stay inside boundaries, check in on a timer, and come in at the first sound of thunder. Explain environmental rules using easy cues (e.g., \u201corange HeatRisk means we take more shade breaks,\u201d \u201cAQI over 100 means we play easier or go inside\u201d). These routines protect safety while preserving the benefits of outdoor time for attention, mental health, and sleep (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">CDC<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">WHO Europe<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Let children ask questions, respond in short, memorable steps, and revisit plans regularly. Normalize safety talk by comparing it to seat belts or bike helmets and by practicing \u201cwhat if\u201d scenarios together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The Bottom Line<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Daily outdoor play delivers measurable gains for cognition, behavior, mental health, and sleep, especially in green spaces (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">CDC<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/health.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">HHS<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">WHO Europe<\/a>). You can preserve those benefits by planning around traffic and environmental risks: use helmets and life jackets where appropriate; apply drowning \u201clayers of protection\u201d; check HeatRisk, AQI, and lightning; and favor shade and hydration. In a warming world\u2014<a href=\"https:\/\/www.climate.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">2024 was the warmest year on record<\/a>\u2014these habits keep outdoor time safe and sustainable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are also plenty of resources for parents to turn to for help keeping their kids safe while they play outside in both structured and unstructured environments. Here are a few:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/ncbddd\/actearly\/pdf\/ccp_pdfs\/GOP_kit.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Go Out and Play Kit<\/a> from the CDC \u2014 Pair with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">physical activity basics for kids<\/a> and school strategies from <a href=\"https:\/\/health.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">HHS\u2019s Midcourse Report<\/a>.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/home\/security-systems\/best\/\">Home security systems<\/a> to monitor kids outside \u2014 supplement with kid wearables (e.g., <a href=\"https:\/\/support.apple.com\/en-us\/HT211768\">Apple Watch Family Setup<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/families.google.com\/familylink\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Google Family Link<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/store.google.com\/product\/fitbit_ace_lte\">Fitbit Ace LTE<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.garmin.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Garmin Bounce<\/a>).<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.safewise.com\/blog\/make-your-backyard-a-safer-place-to-play\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Backyard safety tips<\/a> from Safewise \u2014 also check daily <a href=\"https:\/\/heat.gov\/pages\/heatrisk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">HeatRisk<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.airnow.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">AQI activity guidance<\/a> for outdoor decisions.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/kidshealth.org\/en\/parents\/playground.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Playground safety tips<\/a> from KidsHealth \u2014 for bikes and scooters, see <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhtsa.gov\/road-safety\/bicycle-safety\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">NHTSA helmet guidance<\/a>.<\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.npr.org\/2020\/03\/19\/817423237\/yes-you-can-take-your-kids-for-a-walk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Expert safety advice<\/a> on outdoor play from NPR \u2014 and the EPA\u2019s child-focused wildfire smoke tips: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.epa.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener noreferrer\">Protecting Children from Wildfire Smoke<\/a>.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n  <style>\n    .myFinance-widget {\n    min-height: 670px;\n    }\n  <\/style>\n  <div class=\"myFinance-widget\" data-widget-id=\"7c9fe833-dde7-4eb5-b71f-d741b8cccd66\" data-campaign=\"reviews-non-monitored-security\"><\/div>\n\n<script async=\"\" type=\"text\/javascript\" id=\"myFinance-widget-script\">\n  !function () {function e() {var s = \"myFinance-widget-ad-script\";if (!document.getElementById(s)) {var e = document.createElement(\"script\"), n = document.getElementById(\"myFinance-widget-script\"), a = t + \"widget\/myFinance.js\";e.id = s, e.type = \"text\/javascript\", e.async = !0, e.src = a, n.parentNode.insertBefore(e, n);}var c = \"myFinance-widget-css\";if (!document.getElementById(c)) {var d = document.getElementsByTagName(\"head\")[0], i = document.createElement(\"link\");i.id = c, i.rel = \"stylesheet\", i.type = \"text\/css\", i.href = t + \"widget\/myFinance.css\", i.media = \"all\", d.appendChild(i)}}var t = \"https:\/\/static.myfinance.com\/\";document.attachEvent ? document.attachEvent(\"onreadystatechange\", function () {\"complete\" === document.readyState && e()}) : document.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\", e, !1)}();\n<\/script>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Why It\u2019s Important for Children to Play Outside Outdoor play is essential for healthy development, yet it competes with very high daily screen use. U.S. teens average about 4.8 hours\/day on social media, and total entertainment screen media (excluding schoolwork) is roughly nine hours\/day for teens and about six hours\/day for tweens. Nearly half of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":345,"featured_media":348233,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1286],"tags":[],"post_author":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v20.8 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Outdoor Safety Tips for Children - Reviews.com<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"A guide to Outdoor Safety Tips for Children\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/home\/security-systems\/outdoor-safety-tips-for-children\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Outdoor Safety Tips for Children - Reviews.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"A guide to Outdoor Safety Tips for Children\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/home\/security-systems\/outdoor-safety-tips-for-children\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Reviews.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/Reviewscom\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-11-07T17:27:31+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/shutterstock_1119406481-scaled.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1440\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"960\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Reviews Staff\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@Reviews\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@Reviews\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Reviews Staff\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"11 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/home\/security-systems\/outdoor-safety-tips-for-children\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Outdoor Safety Tips for Children\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/\",\"name\":\"Reviews.com\",\"description\":\"Your Guide to the Best Services\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.reviews.com\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Outdoor Safety Tips for Children - 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