Active Living

What to wear for active play

For indoor active play, kids need to wear loose fitting clothing and comfortable shoes, such as running shoes. This type of clothing gives them freedom to move and enjoy being active.  

For outdoor active play children need to be comfortable but also dress for the weather. Here is a check list to help you be ready for outdoor active play.

 Spring
Two children playing in the puddles
  • Comfortable play clothes
  • Waterproof and wind resistant coat
  • Comfortable shoes for vigorous active play
  • Waterproof boots for rainy days
  • Wide brimmed hat to cover face, ears, and neck
 Summer
  •  Comfortable and lightweight play clothes like linen or cotton A toddler climbing a play structure
  • Light coloured clothing to reflect the sunlight
  • Comfortable shoes for vigorous active play
  • Wide brimmed hat to cover face, ears, and neck
 Fall
  •  Comfortable play clothesTwo children playing in fallen leaves
  • Waterproof and wind resistant coat
  • Comfortable shoes for vigorous active play
  • Waterproof boots for rainy days
  • Hat
  • Scarf
  • Gloves
 Winter
  •  Comfortable play clothesAn adult building a snowman with 2 children
    • Inner layer: long sleeve shirt and pants made with polyester or silk
    • Middle layer: fleece or wool sweater
    • Outer layer: waterproof and wind resistant snowsuit or winter coat and snow pants
  • Warm socks
  • Waterproof winter boots with room for an extra layer of socks
  • Hat
  • Scarf
  • Mittens tucked under the cuffs of the coat

Whatever the season, sun safety is an important part of children's dress code too. Remember sun safety for children every day:

  • Check UV index each day
  • Wear sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection
  • Limit time in the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  • Play in the shade under a tree, umbrella or in the shade of a building.
  • Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen and lip balm that block UVA and UVB rays with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.
  • Apply sunscreen generously 20 minutes before going into the sun.
  • Reapply sunscreen every two hours or after swimming, drying off or sweating.
  • Keep babies less than one year out of direct sunlight at all times.
  • Do not apply sunscreen to babies less than six months old.
  • Remember to have water within reach for children to drink at all times.

BOKS Bursts

Activity ideas to help you plan opportunities for active play and to help you teach fundamental movement skills throughout the daily child care program.

Physical Literacy

For more information on physical literacy and activity ideas

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