Life Outside

Get Outside! – 8 Tips for Taking the Kids to Splash Pads and Swimming Pools this Summer

May 9, 2014 by danawyyc 8 Comments

My family spends a lot of time outside. I try to do it all year round, but the Summer is my favourite time for outdoor play. There’s an ease about going outside in the summer. It seems like there is less you have to deal with – no coats or boots, mittens or scarves. Although I really like the ability to just hang out in the warm weather, what I look forward to the most is taking the kids to the spray parks and wading pools. We’ve been to every public splash pad in Calgary and love them all. They do take a little more planning than a trip to the park though.

The single biggest tip that I can share (after making this mistake more times than I can count) is if you are going anywhere near a water feature – even if you have no intention of playing in the water – make sure you bring along swim clothes and Huggies Little Swimmers just in case. Once you get there the water always seems irresistible. Below I have eight tips to make your family’s trip to the local splash pad or swimming pool safe and fun.

1. Sun protection – Being near the cool water will make it less likely for you to notice the heat of the sun. Make sure to protect your family from sunburns by applying waterproof sunscreen and wearing hats and sunglasses. Swim shirts can be helpful for protecting against frequently sunburned areas like the chest and back. Many splash pads lack good shade so you may even want to consider bringing a portable sunshade especially if you have a small baby.

2. Towels – Bring big beach towels, which can double as blankets.

3. Swim Diapers – Most pools and splash pads require little ones to wear swim diapers. I used Huggies Little Swimmers for my son and still use them for my daughter. They are great because they hold in what they should, but don’t take on water like regular diapers. The easy open sides make clean up a breeze. Don’t forget to bring a couple more than you think you’ll need just in case.

4. Wear swim clothes on the way there and bring clothes to change into. This makes everything a little more streamlined once you are there. I usually wait to put the Little Swimmers on until we get there to make everything as fresh as possible. Don’t forget to pack underpants and diapers!

5. Snacks and drinks – Running around in the water will make your kids hungry and thirsty so these are a must. Also, make sure your kids know not to drink the water in the pool or from spray features. It’s safe for playing, but it’s not tap water.

6. Toys – This seems like something you could easily skip, but I always regret it when I do. If you’re going to a pool or wading pool that allows them, floaty toys are tons of fun, but a couple small buckets will add fun to your water play no matter where you are going.

7. Sandals or water shoes – One of the most annoying things in the world is trying to put socks on wet feet. Make sure everyone is wearing sandals that are easy to get on and off. My kids usually prefer to go barefoot in the water, but you may want to consider bringing water shoes particularly if the ground is rough or slippery.

8. Pack everything in a big bag or a wagon – Make travelling to and from the water easier by using a big bag to hold everything. If you have longer to walk and the place you are going has room, a wagon can make your life a lot easier. You’ll want to bring a smaller plastic or water-resistant bag along, too, so you can throw all the wet clothes and towels in it at the end of the day.

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* Disclosure: This post was brought to you by the HUGGIES® LITTLE SWIMMERS® brand via Glam Media Canada. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of the HUGGIES® LITTLE SWIMMERS® brand.

Life Outside–What Does it Take to Say You Went Outside Today?

September 30, 2011 by danawyyc 2 Comments

After starting the Life Outside Fall Challenge I started to think about how I would decide whether we had achieved success for that day. How will I define “going outside” with Gordie?

Time

Although I can’t see counting the amount of time it takes to go from the house to the car, on really busy days, or days with bad weather, I’m not sure that requiring a minimum amount of time is going to be helpful. I think even if it’s a short time any time outside is a win, particularly if you don’t feel like going out in the first place.

Activity

At first I was thinking that this would be about playing outside. But that’s really just part of what we can do outside. Going for a walk is still good time, so is raking the leaves or watering the garden. I’m going to try to do some different things and make it fun for me and for Gordie, but just being outside is enough.

What I’ve Realized

It turns out that I have more expectations and “rules” for outside time than I thought I did. Unfortunately this makes it so we go outside less. It makes it seem like a lot of work. Instead of spending whatever amount of time doing whatever outside, it seems easier to just stay in. This is something that I’m really going to try to work on this Fall – taking advantage of time outside no matter how short and not worrying so much about what we are doing once we are there.

How do you define spending time outside with your kids? Are your expectations making it so you don’t go out as much as you’d like?

8 Things I Love About Cooler Weather

September 28, 2011 by danawyyc Leave a Comment

I can be a bit of a weather whiner – I don’t like it too hot, or too cold, or too windy. Luckily Calgary weather provides a lot of opportunities for people who like to complain about the weather. If you’re not unhappy with the weather right now, just wait, it’ll change soon enough. To shake things up a bit, instead of complaining I thought I’d write a list of things I look forward to with the cooling temperatures.

1. My Winter Duvet – there is nothing better than snuggling into a big fluffy duvet.

2. My Oven – Most of my favorite recipes involve my oven. Cooking is so much more fun when you don’t melt while you do it.

3. No Bugs! – The best thing about freezing cold weather – it kills off all the bugs.

4. Hot Drinks – I love warming my hands on a hot mug of tea.

5. Jackets – my seatbelt always sits better when I’m wearing a jacket, I hate it rubbing against my skin.

6. No sunscreen – I don’t have to worry about Gordie getting a sunburn while we are playing outside.

7. You can always put on more clothes but there is a limit to how much you can take off.

8. Fall TV – What can I say? I love my TV shows.

I was going for 10 things but I still really miss summer. Maybe I’ll have to read my list again.

I’m Finding Myself Unable to Resist a Good Challenge–Outdoor Play Challenge

September 23, 2011 by danawyyc 8 Comments

My friend Misty wrote a post called “Life Outside – Making Myself Responsible” where she challenges herself to take her son outside everyday.

I’ve decided to take up the challenge with her. During the summer, this was not something I had much trouble with, but this month, I’ve been kind of bad. Even though the weather has often been lovely, I haven’t felt like going anywhere. We’re expecting another baby in March and pregnancy makes me feel soooo tired.

Although I’m starting to feel a bit more energetic now that I’m in my 2nd trimester, the weather is not going to be making it more attractive for me to go outside as it gets colder.

I think outdoor play is so important for kids. I also think it makes it easier to care for them too. Way less mess to clean up, less to get into and they love it so much!

Today was the first day of our challenge and happily it was successful. We went for a walk to the grocery store (at which I was an impulsive sucker, buying a halloween cup, mini pumpkin, decorative corn and monkey stickers) and collected leaves and pinecones along the way.

Although the walk isn’t far, our neighborhood is VERY hilly. Getting to the store isn’t bad, but getting back is basically uphill the whole way. I had to take a lot of breaks. I have a feeling that perhaps there is some middle ground between doing nothing and trying to kill myself. Is it just me that has this problem?

We stopped off at a playground on the way home (Mama needed a break) and saw a woodpecker a couple blocks from home.

I’m sure most of our outdoor play won’t take all morning, especially when it gets cold, but I’m excited to try to keep it up and make it fun.

Anyone interested in taking the challenge too?

Life Outside

Time

Activity

What I’ve Realized

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