You know those days when you’re chasing a sweaty toddler around the park? One hand’s got snacks, the other has a water bottle, and there’s probably a half-melted popsicle hiding somewhere in your bag. Yeah, I’ve had those days too. Last summer, I thought I had it all under control. I packed sunscreen. Hats. Extra clothes. All the things. But by lunchtime, my 4-year-old was red, sweaty, crying, and holding her head. She wasn’t just tired. She was overheated. It was heat exhaustion. And I felt awful. Since then, I’ve learned a few simple things that really help. I now know how to keep kids cool and safe during summer outings. So I’m here sharing what worked for me. Hopefully, some tips will be helpful for you, too.

7 Tips on How to Keep Kids Cool and Safe During Summer Outings

So, summertime is fun for all of us. The kids are outside more, and we all love the sunshine. But it also brings some big questions for us moms, like: 

• How to keep kids safe in extreme heat?

• How to keep children cool in summer?

• How can kids stay safe in the summer?

These are things I used to wonder about, too. And after a few hot day struggles, I found some simple ways that really helped. Let me share them with you.

1. Start With Hydration (Always!)

Hydration sounds basic, right? But it’s the number one thing I missed that day at the park.

 Kids dehydrate faster than adults. They’re small. They sweat more. And honestly, they often don’t notice they’re thirsty until it’s too late.

 So now, I do this:

• I ask my kids to drink water before we leave. Even just a few sips.

• I always bring their favorite reusable water bottles. We love the stainless steel kind. It stays cold all day.

• I freeze watermelon and cucumbers in snack bags. They’re over 90% water!

Brandon Smith, an associate medical director of the Harriet Lane Clinic at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, says that you should take a water bottle with you and your children wherever you go to help prevent dehydration.

Here’s the breakdown of how much water children need (source collected from the HealthyChildren.org — American Academy of Pediatrics parenting website).

Babies around 6 months can start drinking a little water, about 4–8 ounces a day, since most of their fluids still come from breastmilk or formula. Toddlers aged 1–3 need about 4 cups of fluids daily, kids aged 4–8 need around 5 cups, and older children need 7–8 cups a day. Remember that these amounts can change depending on how active they are or how hot it is, so always carry a water bottle to keep them hydrated. 

Also, one more thing you should know is that you shouldn’t make your small child drink too much water, either. Forcing a small child to drink too much water a day could actually be harmful. 

Too much water at once can lead to something called water intoxication, which is dangerous. So, just give small amounts often and follow your child’s cues.

2. Avoid the Hottest Part of the Day

I used to plan outings whenever it was convenient. But not anymore. Now, I plan around the heat. Here’s what works better:

• Morning trips. We head out by 8 or 9 a.m. It’s cooler, quieter, and way more peaceful.

• Late afternoon/evening park time. After 5 p.m., it’s breezy and feels so much better.

According to CHOC experts, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. is the hottest window. That’s when heat-related illness is most common in kids. I learned this the hard way. So now, I try to schedule something big outside of those hours.

3. Pack Light, Breathable Clothes

I’ve made the mistake of dressing my kids in dark, tight cotton tees on hot days. Big no-no. Now, I stick to:

• Light colors.
• Loose fits.
• Breathable materials like cotton.

Also, I always bring an extra outfit. Wet shirts from water play? Swap. Sweaty clothes? Swap.  And honestly, my Swaddle Tote super functional diaper backpack makes it so easy. It’s roomy but not bulky. I can fit clothes, snacks, and even frozen juice pops in it. It also has a waterproof pocket, so wet stuff doesn’t mess up everything else. I use it as my diaper bag, but it holds way more than just diapers. It’s become my go-to bag for everything.

 4. Cool Off With Water (Whenever You Can)

Water play is my go-to trick when my kids start getting too hot or too cranky. No pool? No problem. Here’s what we do:

• Kiddie pool in the backyard.
• Spray bottle “misting” game (they love spraying me, too).
• Sponge relay races (just a bucket of water and some sponges)
  

5. Watch for Heat Illness (It Can Sneak Up)

This one’s personal. That day at the park, my daughter had a headache. She was super tired. Her skin was cool but clammy. She got dizzy when standing up. I thought she was just cranky. But it was early heat exhaustion. So, please, make yourself introduce to these signs like:

• Thirst, nausea, irritability.
• Sweating too much.
• Red or pale face.
• Weakness or dizziness.

If you see these signs in them, here’s what to do:

• Get them in the shade or indoors ASAP.
• Give water or electrolyte drinks.
  Wipe them down with a cool, wet cloth.
• Remove any tight clothes.

And always trust your gut. If something feels off, call your pediatrician. Planning a trip with the kids this summer? Don’t miss these simple tips on how to keep your kids healthy while traveling for summer vacation.

6. Don’t forget Sunscreen (And Reapply!)

This one’s big. Even on cloudy days, the UV rays are strong. I use:

• SPF 50 broad-spectrum.
• Spray for wiggly kids.
• Set a reminder on my phone to reapply every 2 hours.

Want to add more heart to your summer? Join the 2025 Summer of Kindness Challenge and spread some joy with your kids.

7. Have a “Cool Kit” Ready To Go

Here’s what’s in mine:

• Water bottles for everyone.
• Electrolyte packs.
• Snacks with water content (grapes, oranges).
• Cooling towels.
• A spray bottle.
• Extra outfits.
• Sunscreen.
• Wet wipes (a must).
  

And yes, packed in my trusty Swaddle Tote Diaper Bag. It’s light, holds everything, and I can throw it over my shoulder without thinking.

A Little Final Mom-to-Mom Reminder

Some days, it’s just too hot. And that’s okay. At that moment, staying indoors, doing puzzles, making frozen yogurt bites, or watching a movie under the fan is still summer fun. That’s how to keep kids cool and safe during summer outings at home.

Looking for fun stuff to do with the family? Check out the 2025 summer festivals and events around Northeast Ohio. There’s something for everyone!