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21 Summer Activities That Could Be Unsafe for Children

Happy family at a lake having fun and splashing water in summer Robert Kneschke Shutterstock

Summer is a time for fun and adventure, but comes with its own set of risks for children engaging in outdoor activities.

As parents and guardians, be vigilant and proactive in ensuring our children’s safety. From seemingly harmless backyard trampolines to the dangers of unsupervised swimming, the hazards are varied and require careful management to prevent accidents.

Each year, over 100,000 injuries are linked to backyard trampolines alone.

Read on to learn how to keep your children protected during their summer adventures.

Unsupervised Swimming

Little girl on slide at water park child kid swimming summer fun splash pool New Africa Shutterstock
image credit: New Africa/Shutterstock

Even shallow waters pose serious risks to unsupervised children. Lifeguards or adult supervision reduce the risk of drowning, which remains a leading cause of accidental death in children under fourteen. Teach kids never to swim alone and always have a responsible adult watching.

Backyard Trampolines

Summer kids fun children jumping on a trampoline in the backyard Halfpoint Shutterstock
image credit: Halfpoint/Shutterstock

Trampolines cause over 100,000 injuries each year, making them a hidden hazard in many family homes. While bouncing can seem like harmless fun, improper landings lead to broken bones, concussions, and spinal injuries. Ensure trampolines have safety nets and padding, and supervise all activity.

Bike Riding Without Helmets

Happy african american family father teaches boy son to ride bike in park Evgeny Atamanenko Shutterstock
image credit: Evgeny Atamanenko/Shutterstock

Cycling without a helmet increases the risk of traumatic brain injuries. A properly fitting helmet reduces the risk of head injuries by up to 85%. Instill the habit of helmet-wearing whenever your child rides a bike, no matter how short the trip.

Climbing Trees Near Power Lines

Kid Child Climbing Trees Outdoor Volodymyr TVERDOKHLIB Shutterstock
image credit: Volodymyr TVERDOKHLIB/Shutterstock

The allure of a tall tree is irresistible to adventurous young climbers. Trees situated near power lines increase the risk of electrocution, especially in wet conditions. Teach children to recognize and avoid these dangerous situations.

Using Fireworks

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image credit: saifi.skandar/Shutterstock

Fireworks symbolize festive fun, but they are responsible for thousands of injuries in minors every summer. They cause serious burns, lacerations, and eye injuries, sometimes permanent. Leave fireworks to the professionals and enjoy displays from a safe distance.

DIY Tree Houses

Girl Child Kid Outdoor Treehouse Maria Symchych Shutterstock
image credit: Maria Symchych/Shutterstock

Building a tree house is an appealing summer project, yet improper construction lead to collapses and falls. A structurally sound design and sturdy materials are essential for safety. Consider professional help or a pre-designed kit to ensure stability.

Tackling Steep Hiking Trails

Family with small children hiking outdoors in summer nature exercise hike mountain national park forest Ground Picture Shutterstock
image credit: Ground Picture/Shutterstock

Steep trails pose a challenge and risk to young hikers, as falls can lead to severe injuries. Assess the difficulty of the trail and the fitness level of your child before setting out. Bring plenty of water, and a first aid kit, and ensure everyone stays within sight.

Skateboarding Without Protective Gear

Boy Kid Skateboarding Arsenii Palivoda Shutterstock
image credit: Arsenii Palivoda/Shutterstock

Skateboarding can lead to severe injuries, particularly when protective gear is neglected. Thousands of children end up in emergency rooms due to falls due to no helmets and pads. Enforce a strict rule: no gear, no skateboarding.

Leaving Children in Cars

Cars parking lot JAMPHON Shutterstock
image credit: J.AMPHON/Shutterstock

Temperatures in a closed car soar to deadly levels within minutes, making it a lethal trap for children left inside. Heatstroke occurs rapidly, leading to devastating neurological damage or death. Check the backseat every time you park your vehicle.

Playing Near Roads

Twin african american black sisters kids children playing running toy airplane siblings Tint Media Shutterstock
image credit: Tint Media/Shutterstock

Children underestimate the dangers posed by roadside play. Accidents involving vehicles happen swiftly and are often fatal due to the high-speed impact. Establish a safe play area far from any traffic.

Handling Wild Animals

Kids Children boys and girls in casual clothes with backpacks making bonfire with magnifying glass together in green forest during school camping activity outdoor nature Evgeny Atamanenko Shutterstock
image credit: Evgeny Atamanenko/Shutterstock

Curiosity about wildlife can lead to dangerous encounters, especially with seemingly harmless creatures. Many small animals carry diseases or react aggressively when frightened. Teach children to observe from a distance and never touch unknown animals.

Solo Camping in the Backyard

Kids Children Theater Shadow Puppets Tatiana Bobkova Shutterstock
image credit: Tatiana Bobkova/Shutterstock

Backyard camping may appear safe, but leaving children to sleep outside alone exposes them to risks. Ensure someone responsible is present, and the area is secured against potential hazards. Check weather conditions and prepare for a change in plans if necessary.

Riding ATVs

ATV with driver quad bike four wheeler helmet recreation vehicle all terrain vehicle forest FOTOGRIN Shutterstock
image credit: FOTOGRIN/Shutterstock

All-terrain vehicles are not child’s play; they require strength and skill to operate safely. ATV accidents are a leading cause of severe injuries among youths, often due to a lack of proper training and oversight. Children under 16 should not operate ATVs, and helmets are a must.

Overexposure to the Sun

Lunch box backpack kid child girl eating outside on the beach everst Shutterstock
image credit: everst/Shutterstock

Sunburns can occur quickly and have long-lasting effects, including increased risk of skin cancer. Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and limiting sun exposure during peak hours is essential. Keep your children shaded and hydrated.

Playing with Lawn Equipment

backyard jobs electric lawn mower for cutting grass garden landscaping maintenance Virrage Images Shutterstock
image credit: Virrage Images/Shutterstock

Lawnmowers and other garden tools are dangerous in the hands of children. Severe injuries from blades and moving parts can be life-altering. Keep garden tools locked away and supervise yard work closely.

Rafting Without Experience

White Water Rafting Kayaking Extreme Water Sports Artur Didyk Shutterstock
image credit: Artur Didyk/Shutterstock

Water currents can be unpredictable and dangerous, especially for those without rafting experience. Have a professional guide and the proper safety equipment when navigating rivers. Never underestimate the power of water, particularly in unfamiliar or rough terrains.

Exploring Abandoned Structures

Old abandoned industrial building warehouse eerie broken windows Vladimir Mulder Shutterstock
image credit: Vladimir Mulder/Shutterstock

The mystery of an abandoned building can be tempting, but structures may be unstable and unsafe. Hazards such as sharp objects, unstable floors, and toxic substances pose serious risks. Discourage such explorations and educate about the potential dangers.

Contact Sports Without Proper Training

Soccer ball field sports topseller shutterstock
image credit: topseller/shutterstock

Engaging in sports like football or soccer without proper technique and preparation leads to injuries. Ensure children are adequately trained and equipped, and play is supervised and age-appropriate. Understanding and enforcing the rules of the game can prevent injuries.

Ignoring Weather Warnings

Weather app icon on phone screen rain storm natural disaster Tada Images Shutterstock
image credit: Tada Images/Shutterstock

Disregarding weather alerts turns a day at the beach or park into a dangerous situation. Sudden storms and high winds have the potential to cause serious injuries. Heed local weather advice and have a safety plan.

Street Racing Bicycles

Young boy kid child riding bike to school with helmet Irina Wilhauk Shutterstock
image credit: Irina Wilhauk/Shutterstock

The thrill of speed can push children to race bicycles on busy streets, increasing the risk of collisions. Establish strict rules about where and how fast they can ride. Encourage racing in designated areas under supervision instead.

Horseback Riding Without Helmets

Portrait of smiling female jockey standing by horse in stable wavebreakmedia shutterstock
image credit: wavebreakmedia/shutterstock

Horseback riding is an enjoyable but risky activity without the right protective gear. Falls from horses lead to serious head injuries. Ensuring your child wears a helmet every time they ride can prevent life-threatening injuries.

Joe Frankel

Joe Frankel is a seasoned writer with a degree in Philosophy who enjoys covering entertainment and money topics. He's a coffee aficionado who enjoys roasting his own beans and making cold brew at home.