Technology, hot weather, and busy families all make it difficult for kids to simply play outside during summer break in Phoenix. Whether you have a backyard pool or visit a community pool, swimming time is limited by your ability to supervise the pool area. You want to avoid heat-related illnesses, and you might have summer camp and vacation plans. Add that to the lure of devices, required summer reading and generally busy schedules and summer vacation flies by.
Yet playing outside remains an important part of raising healthy kids. Here’s how you can help your kids enjoy the benefits of outdoor play.
Play During Cooler Times of Day
Little kids tend to get up early. Conveniently enough, we experience the coolest temperatures early in the morning. Even when heat lingers long after dusk, morning temperatures remain more tolerable.
Play Safely at Night
Sundown doesn’t have to mean it’s time to come in. If your kids play in the yard, make sure areas are well-lit. By evening, playground equipment and surfaces have had some time to cool off. Use flashlights and reflective gear if you are walking or biking anywhere. As always, practice traffic safety.
Some family-friendly locations plan evening activities for kids and their guardians. For example, the Desert Botanical Garden offers flashlight tours during the summer.
Go Jump in a Lake (Or On One)
Water recreation abounds in the Phoenix area. Depending on the location, you can hike, bike, rent boats, fish and/or swim. Be sure to check the rules at each location:
With a little planning and appropriate precautions, you can make outdoor play a healthy part of your summer routine. Always practice sun safety and know the signs of heat exhaustion. If you’d rather play in the air conditioning, check out our list of indoor activities in Phoenix.
