Summer is the busiest time of year for Parks and Recreation professionals because it's the best time for families to spend time outside doing what they love!

Nothing beats a lazy day lounging by the pool, exploring a new playground, or training for the Fall Athletic season during the summer months. However, Southlake summers can be unforgiving, and practicing summer safety is crucial.

Here are a few summer safety tips to keep in mind as you get out and explore our incredible recreation amenities this summer.

Dress for Success
Our Southlake residents are always fashionable, but it’s imperative to remember to dress for the heat. Styling light colors is a great way to reflect harmful sun rays while keeping cool. Add some light layers made of breathable fabric for added sun protection. Dress for success when you visit our world-class Southlake parks and playgrounds! Don’t forget to snap a “fit pic” for the gram!

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Don’t forget to drink water when spending time outside! Drinking enough water is vital any time of the year, but it is essential when it’s hot. Start your day with a glass in the morning and add another to every meal. Grab a fun reusable bottle to take to the pool, the playground, and the winding trails of the Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve. Our Parks professionals always carry extra water around, and you should too!

Timing is Everything
The summer days are long, and the number of fun activities is endless. If spending time outdoors is part of your daily routine, adjust your schedule to avoid the hottest parts of the day. Early mornings and evenings are the best time of day to schedule a tennis or pickleball match with friends, walk your dog, or take your little one to the park! Mid-mornings to early afternoons can be the hottest hours of the day. Beat the heat during that time by checking out Champions Club and enjoying our indoor Aquatics Center!

Apply and Reapply
Finally, apply sunscreen! Your skin is your biggest organ, so show it some big love this summer by generously applying sunscreen when you go out. Sweat and water can limit the benefits of sunscreen, so make sure you reapply every two hours for maximum protection.

There are many ways to stay cool and safe in Southlake this summer. Remember these tips, and you'll create many life-long memories!

With so many fantastic outdoor opportunities in Southlake, we decided to create a list of outdoor safety tips to ensure your summer consists of only happy memories.

Summer is here, and the fun is just beginning! From athletic leagues and summer camps to our beautiful parks and playgrounds, there are plenty of opportunities to get outside this summer. Make sure to keep the following safety tips in mind when you venture out in Southlake and beyond.

Protect yourself from the sun and heat when you head out to one of our parks such as Bicentennial Park or Bob Jones Park!

• Don’t forget to put on sunscreen every time you go outside to protect your skin from the sun.
• Hats, caps, and sunglasses are also great to have when outdoors for long periods.
• Take advantage of shade structures, especially between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm. There are over 14 park pavilions in Southlake to take a break from the rays!
• Always check your backseat for children and pets before leaving your car unattended.

Stay hydrated when out on our many trails or playing on one of our 44 athletics fields!

• Drink enough water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
• Take a reusable water bottle with you every time you leave the house—many of our parks are outfitted with refillable water bottle stations!
• Remember to dispose of any trash you generate to preserve our Timber Creek habitat!

Fight the Bite when out in nature like the trails on the Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve.

• Mosquitos are notorious this time of year so remember to use DEET to protect yourself from bites.
• Wear light-long layers when hiking to protect yourself from critters and mosquitos.

Be vigilant near water sources like the pond at Chesapeake Park!

• Never leave children unattended in playgrounds, pools, ponds, or parks.
• Wear life jackets when boating and swimming, and remember that our ponds are for fishing, not swimming!

With these safety tips in mind, you’re sure to have the summer of a lifetime!