Outdoor play is vital for children’s well-being, offering opportunities for physical activity, exploration, and connection with nature. In Australia, however, educators face a unique challenge: how to balance children’s right to outdoor play with the risks of extreme heat and high UV exposure. With summer temperatures often exceeding 35°C, services must make careful, informed decisions about when it is safe to go outside.
When Is It Too Hot?
There is no single “magic number,” but most services adopt a risk management approach that considers:
- Air temperature—Above 35°C, outdoor play is generally discouraged.
- UV index—Outdoor play should be modified or avoided when UV levels are extreme (8+).
- Surface temperatures—Rubber mats, metal slides, and asphalt can cause burns even at lower air temperatures.
- Children’s vulnerability—Younger children overheat faster and may not recognise early signs of heat stress.
Key Considerations for Outdoor Play in Hot Weather
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Children are more vulnerable than adults: They overheat faster, dehydrate quickly, and may not recognise early signs of heat stress.
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Surface temperatures matter: Playground equipment, rubber mats, and asphalt can reach dangerous levels even when air temperature feels manageable. Contact burns are a common risk for children under 2.
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UV index is critical: UV levels can be extreme even on cooler days. Policies generally recommend avoiding outdoor play when the UV index is 3 or above without sun protection and being extra cautious when it reaches 8+ (very high to extreme).
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Risk management approach: Services are expected to have a hot weather and sun protection policy under the National Quality Framework. This includes shaded areas, hydration routines, and educator judgment calls.
Practical Examples for Centres
1. Time-of-Day Adjustments
- Example: A Sydney preschool schedules outdoor play before 10am and after 3pm during summer.
- Practice: Shift high-energy activities indoors during midday heat, while offering shaded outdoor quiet play (reading, drawing).
2. Shaded Outdoor Play
- Example: A Queensland centre sets up a “cool corner” under large shade sails with water play tubs and sensory bins.
- Practice: Use portable gazebos, umbrellas, or natural shade (trees) to create safe micro-environments.
3. Hydration Routines
- Example: Children bring labelled water bottles to council meetings outdoors, with educators prompting water breaks every 15 minutes.
- Practice: Incorporate hydration into transitions—before and after outdoor play, snack times, and group activities.
4. Surface Safety Checks
- Example: Educators at a Melbourne service test playground equipment with their hands before allowing children to climb.
- Practice: Document “surface checks” in daily risk assessments, especially for slides, swings, and rubber flooring.
5. Indoor Alternatives to Outdoor Play
- Example: On a 37°C day, a Sydney centre recreated “outdoor play indoors” by setting up tents, sand trays, and nature baskets inside.
- Practice: Rotate indoor play stations to mimic outdoor exploration—gardening in pots, obstacle courses, or dramatic play “picnic areas.”
Practical Guidelines
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Check UV and temperature together: Use apps like the Cancer Council’s SunSmart app to monitor UV levels hourly.
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Avoid peak heat times: Outdoor play is safest before 10am and after 3pm in summer.
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Surface checks: Always touch equipment and ground surfaces before allowing children to play.
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Hydration and rest: Ensure frequent water breaks and access to cool indoor spaces.
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Modify activities: Shift to shaded, quiet outdoor areas or bring “outdoor” experiences inside when conditions are unsafe.
Linking to Policy and Frameworks
- EYLF (Early Years Learning Framework): Emphasises children’s agency and wellbeing, requiring educators to balance safety with opportunities for play.
- NQS (National Quality Standard): Quality Area 2 (Children’s Health and Safety) requires services to manage risks like heat exposure.
- SunSmart Guidelines: Recommend avoiding outdoor play during peak UV hours and ensuring protective clothing, hats, and sunscreen.
Sample Hot Weather Decision-Making Flow
- Check UV index and temperature each morning.
- Assess surfaces for heat hazards.
- Plan alternatives if conditions exceed thresholds (e.g., 35°C or UV 8+).
- Communicate with families about policy—so expectations are clear.
- Document decisions in daily reflections and risk assessments.
Outdoor play in hot weather requires flexibility, vigilance, and creativity. By combining environmental checks with practical strategies like shaded play, hydration routines, and indoor alternatives, educators can safeguard children while still honouring their right to explore and play.
Further Reading
Sun Safety In Early Childhood Service
No Hat Stay In The Shade Today
Free SunSmart App For Educators To Detect UV and Sun Protection
Free SunSmart Webinar For Educators