Are you trying to get your family outdoors this spring? The outdoors are awesome places for your family! However, it’s important to make sure that kids are protected from the sun, the heat, and other elements and pests. Here is a five-step checklist of everything you might need to safely enjoy the outdoors with the family.

Wear comfortable shoes

One thing that will help get the families outdoors and keep them out there are comfortable shoes. Make sure that your kids are not taking sandals on a hike or sneakers to the beach.

When you’re wearing the right shoes, it makes hiking, playing, and exploring a whole lot easier and safer.

Bring lots of water

When you’re outside and active, your body will be losing a lot of essential hydration. When outside, it’s important to drink lots of water, regardless of the temperature (yes, on the cool days, too). Bring several bottles of water per person, or bring a refillable water bottle.

Check the safety of the location

When visiting a new outdoor location, make sure you check the safety of its terrain. Understand if there’s a body of water, if the location is heavily populated, or if there are wild animal dangers. Educating yourself doesn’t make you a panicky person, it makes you a smart parent and explorer.

Protect the skin

When getting the family outdoors, one of the most important things to remember is sunscreen. A natural, zinc-based sunscreen can help keep your family safe from the sun without all the harmful chemicals in most sunscreens. Reapply every few hours, especially if your family is sweating or swimming.

While sunscreen is important, don’t forget the hats and sunglasses! Even make sure to bring lip balm. Proper sun protection is a must when getting your family outdoors.

Protecting skin means being cautious of the biggest pests of summer: mosquitos. Insect repellant with Deet protects from bug-borne illnesses like West Nile virus and tick-borne diseases. It’s especially important to apply in the dusk hours when virus-carrying mosquitos are most active.

Have a good park in mind

These days, it can be difficult to find family-friendly activities that are easy on the wallet. Finding a good park for your family to enjoy is one of the best ways to be active together outside without spending any cash. Kids are often extra motivated to get outside when they know there is an outing to the park involved. Keep the park as a backup plan, in case your other outdoor plans don’t work out. Letting your kids run around and have free play is an awesome thing to offer.

Getting your family outside is one of the best gifts you can grant your family. Sunshine and exploring is something everyone needs. Make sure your family is physically prepared for the outdoors, so that all you need to worry about is enjoying yourselves.

For more tips and tricks for safely getting active, visit Intermountain LiVe Well.

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