During the summer, make health and safety for kids a priority. Make sure they’re protected during outdoor play, travel, and heat. Stay up to date with doctor’s checkups, recommended vaccines, and routine screenings to help your child stay healthy and safe all year long.
Meals and Sleep
Mental Health
Mental health matters, whether you're enjoying summer break or getting ready to go back to school. Taking care of your emotional well-being helps you feel your best all year long.
Check in with friends and family regularly.
Spend time with friends in-person or virtually.
Join community programs at your local library or park.
Journal, draw, and play to spark joy and reduce stress.
Download the EriePath app for resources on mental health, child development, relationships and more. A desktop version is also available.
Unplug & Play
Taking a break from screens is a great way to boost mood, creativity, and physical health. Make time for fun, movement, and connection every day.
- Encourage outdoor play.
- Go for a walk with a buddy or a pet.
- Explore parks in Buffalo and Erie County.
- NFTA has a free Parks Adventure Bus - see the schedule!
- Check out books, games and sports equipment from your local library.
- Stock up on sidewalk chalk, bubbles, board games.
- Limit screen time to 2 hours a day.
Safety Reminders
Keeping kids safe at home and outdoors starts with a few simple steps. Help them build lifelong habits that protect their health and well-being.
- Teach children when and how to call 9-1-1.
- Add the Upstate NY Poison Center phone number to all phones: 1-800-222-1222. They have a very detailed set of summer safety recommendations on their web site.
- Always have a first-aid kit on hand for emergencies.
- Wear helmets when riding bikes, skateboards or roller skates.
- Wear sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat when outside.
- Hydrate! Drink water, avoid sugary drinks and caffeine. See our resources for handling extreme heat.
- Supervise children near pools and bodies of water.
- Protect against tick and mosquito bites with insect repellent.
- Lock up firearms & medications.
- Pay attention to local air quality, especially if your child has allergies, asthma or a respiratory (lung) or cardiac (heart) condition.
- Going fishing? Keep up with NYS advisories for eating fish in certain waterbodies, including the Niagara River.
Swimming and Water Safety
Many people go to swimming pools, lakes or streams, and beaches in hot weather. Review and share these important swim safety tips:
- Always supervise children when swimming. Never allow swimming without a lifeguard or a fully attentive adult.
- Designate a "Water Watcher" to focus on the water without distractions. Rotate every 15 minutes.
- Avoid distractions such as cell phones while supervising.
- Learn CPR and basic water rescue skills.
- Dress children in bright, visible swimwear to make them easier to see in pools and open water. Neon pink and neon orange are most visible colors in most water conditions.
- Apply and reapply sunscreen every 2 hours and after swimming.
- Remember that "floaties" (air-filled tubes placed around children's arms) do not prevent drowning. Use a US Coast Guard approved life jacket instead.
- Teach children how to swim, either through swim classes or at home.
- Encourage swimming with a buddy at all times.
- Swimming in open water is different than in pools. Children should always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket in open water.
- Check weather conditions frequently throughout the day.
- Swimming pools
- If you have a pool, make sure it has a 4-sided fence with a self-closing gate.
- Stay away from pool drains, which can pose a serious hazard.
- Keep pool chemicals away from children and pets.
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