Fall is here, and the weather is cooling down. If summer’s high temps kept you inside, now is the perfect time to get outside and enjoy those fall temperatures. Even better? Getting outside with your grandkids. Kids love to be outside no matter the weather, so they will be glad to spend time with you.

Let’s talk about outdoor safety.

Before we get into all the fun activities, let’s take a minute to talk about outdoor safety. Here are some things to remember:

Apply sunscreen. Even though the sun is not as hot, kids still need to wear it.

Wear the right clothing. Make sure the kids are wearing comfortable clothes like long-sleeved shirts, pants, and sneakers. Closed-toe shoes are a must this time of year; the days of flip-flops are over.

Make sure you spray them with insect repellant so the bugs don’t attack.

Keep a first aid kit on hand in your car or in your backpack if hiking or camping. You never know when someone will scrape a knee or a hand.

Stay hydrated. Keep bottles of water and juice on hand.

Disinfectant wipes. These will be very helpful if someone falls and gets their hands dirty or if they need to use them after going to the bathroom when a sink with soap and water isn’t available.

Light snacks. Keep packs of cookies or crackers or small pieces of fruit on hand for a snack.

Your cell phone. Always make sure to fully charge your cell phone and add both emergency numbers and parent numbers to your contacts. If possible, keep a portable charger on hand.

A camera. This is an extra reason to keep your cell phone charged. So you can take a lot of pictures. These outdoor activities will become cherished memories one day.

Make sure you tell someone where you’re going, who is with you, and what you are doing. We live in an uncertain world and you never know when your life will change in an instant. It’s always good to let someone know where you are or are going to be.