Getting kids outside can feel like more of a decision than it used to be. There is always something else to do, and most days, screens are just easier. Schedules fill up quickly, and sometimes it feels like you can’t fit in even one more activity.
But once outside being active, something shifts. Kids move differently, settle into play faster, and stay in play longer without needing much direction. Follow these easy tips from Sun Safe BC to enjoy your time outside:
the magic of being outside
Outdoor play gives kids space to move, explore, and be a little louder or messier than usual. It also gives them room to figure things out on their own, without everything needing to be structured.
Places like the Vancouver International Children’s Festival bring this together, with both indoor and outdoor spaces that let kids explore and take things at their own pace.
Don’t let a sunny day stop you
Sunny days in Vancouver are few and far between, and that’s what makes us want to take advantage of those brighter days when they do show up.
At the same time, when the sun does come out, it can feel like you need to be more cautious, or that it might just be easier to stay inside. But skipping those moments often means missing out on some of the easiest opportunities to get outside and let kids move and reset.
set yourself up for an easy yes
Being sun smart is not about adding more rules to your day. It is about making outdoor time feel manageable.
For most families, that looks like adding some important habits to their routine. Checking the UV Index before heading out, sticking to shaded areas when it is hottest, or making sure a hat and sunscreen are within reach.
It doesn’t have to be perfect. It just needs to be consistent enough that you don’t have to think about it too much once you’re out.
COMFORT IS A GAME CHANGER
When kids are comfortable, everything else tends to fall into place.
They stay outside longer, move more freely, and get deeper into what they are doing. And those moments, unstructured, active, and shared, are often the ones that matter most.
DON’T OVERTHINK IT
It does not have to be a big plan.
Sometimes it is just saying yes to going out when the sun shows up, bringing what you need without overthinking it, and taking breaks when the day calls for it.
That is usually enough to make outdoor time feel doable.
Sunny days are not something to avoid. They are something to be ready for.
A little preparation in the background can make it easier to enjoy them when they come, and to keep outdoor time feeling easy instead of overwhelming.
Make sure to swing by Sun Safe BC in the Activity Village on the weekend for Sun Smart Fun—a quick, easy way to reset, pick up free sunscreen, and keep the day going!