Hot Topics     Home and Family     Healthy Kids     Family Fun    

Go to your local playground…the safe way



6 steps to take before stepping out the door

playgrounds, safety, social distancing

The kids have been patient. They’ve seen police tape around your favorite playgrounds, which tells them to just wait a bit longer. Now that tape’s down, how do you, as a parent, feel it’s safe enough for your young charges to go play among others, and their smudged fingerprints, safely?

Anna Weih of Motherly has a piece that weights the pros and cons and offers some helpful advice with the help of experts.

The key questions to ask yourself:

Are cases on the rise in your community?
Experts agree that while there's no such thing as a "risk-free" activity this summer, the top consideration is whether there is a high level of virus activity in your community. If there's a lot of community spread in your area, the safest place for kids to play is at home.

Does your household include any individuals who are especially at risk?
If you have any elderly, pregnant or immunocompromised household members, it's safer to play at home than at the playground.

Are playgrounds in your area open?
This may seem like an obvious one, but make sure to check your community's parks department website or social media sites before you head out to make sure you're not met with a locked gate—and a lot of disappointment.


Once you’ve decided it’s officially okay to go, try these recommendations:

1. Visit at off times and limit the length of your stay.
Typically, it is best to go early in the morning or late afternoon. Try to avoid lunchtime visits or times you know there will be large crowds so you can minimize your interaction with others. And manage expectations beforehand by letting children know there's a limit on playtime: "We'll be here until 10:30, and when I say it's time to go, it's time to go. Have fun!"

2. Wear a mask + bring extras.
Although you will be outside, it is still important to wear a mask especially if you cannot maintain a safe social distance. It doesn't hurt to bring a few extras in case they rip or get sweaty from your little ones playing.

3. Do not plan to eat at the playground.
Bringing snacks to the playground may seem like Parenting 101, but kids may be tempted to touch their face with unwashed hands while eating.

4. Bring water + avoid drinking fountains.

5. Bring sanitizer.

6. Closely monitor your child to ensure they're keeping a distance from other children.

 The playground will still be just as fun while practicing social distancing.




Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • Understanding 'Warning Strokes'

    What to expect if you experience stroke symptoms, even if they disappear

    Diagnosing a transient ischemic attack (TIA), sometimes called a “warning stroke,” can be challenging because symptoms often disappear within an hour. However, it’s important to seek emergency assessment to help prevent a full-blown stroke. read more »
  • Managing your family's year-round health

    Protect everyone from infectious diseases

    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), vaccines help create protective antibodies that fight off infections. read more »
  • What to know about Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

    treatment can help control symptoms and improve quality of life

    Each year, an estimated 500-1,000 people nationwide are diagnosed with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). While there’s currently no cure, treatment can help control symptoms and improve quality of life. read more »
  • Bring back family bonding this fall

    3 ways to free up busy schedules to spend time with loved ones

    Busy fall schedules often leave little time for the things that matter most – sharing special moments with those you love. This year, as time seems to speed up during another school year, making family bonding a priority in your household can start with a few simple tricks. read more »
  • Top tips for a more organized kitchen

    Save time and money

    Better organization in the kitchen means spending less time searching for the right ingredient or tool so you can have more time for savoring meals with family and friends, and more time for personal pursuits. read more »
  • 6 small, kind gestures to make a big impact each day

    Performing acts of kindness improves individual well-being

    Everywhere you look, you can see moments of kindness. From a friend sending a thoughtful text message to a stranger holding the bus for someone running late or a person paying for someone else’s coffee, acts of kindness happen every day. read more »
  • Keeping babies safe

    Tips to help prevent some of the biggest dangers

    Tips to help prevent some of the biggest dangers for babies include safe sleeping habits, product recalls, baby proofing & car safety read more »
  • Tips to get tour student prepped for college entrance exams

    Help get your teen ready

    Is the SAT or ACT on the horizon for your high schooler? A lot of emphasis is placed on college entrance exams, and your child may be anxious about their scores. read more »
  • More than two-thirds of Americans plan to get a flu shot this season

    CVS Pharmacy® and MinuteClinic® encourage consumers to get an annual flu shot and stay up to date on routine vaccinations

    CVS Health® (NYSE: CVS) is prepared to meet patients' vaccination and other preventive health care needs as flu season approaches. CVS Pharmacy® and MinuteClinic® are offering the annual flu vaccine at locations nationwide. CVS Pharmacy is also offering the new respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, which has been approved for adults ages 60 and up. read more »
  • 10 phrases to say to children every day

    Instill valuable life skills and boost their self-esteem

    As parents, you play a pivotal role in shaping your child’s character, confidence, and overall development. Every interaction is an opportunity to instill valuable life skills and boost their self-esteem. read more »