Finding Outdoor Opportunities for Kids and Keeping Them Safe

Finding Outdoor Opportunities for Kids — and Keeping Them Safe 

Getting kids outside has real benefits but knowing where to start can be its own challenge. The Iowa DNR's Education & Learning page is a useful starting point. It connects families to hands-on programming across the state, including fish hatchery tours, state park activities, and classroom resources. Many county conservation boards also run naturalist-led summer programs and post opportunities on the Iowa Association of County Conservation Boards MyCountyParks website. There are also a variety of citizen science programs across the state that families can do together that help further environmental research. If your family is interested, consider googling “Iowa Citizen Science Programs” to find a large variety of programs from different institutions and organizations to find one that excites your family! 

In the Iowa City area, the University of Iowa's School of the Wild and Iowa Wildlife Camps run week-long day camps in the woodlands, wetlands, and prairies of the Macbride Nature Recreation Area. In the Ames area, the Community Academy provides a variety of experiences for kids ranging from 5 to 18. This program provides a variety of structured and unstructured outdoor activities for children that coincide with community needs and programs. For example, in one previous summer program, participants installed rain gardens and bioretention cells throughout the Ames community to promote watershed education. The effort featured deep-rooted native plants that naturally absorb stormwater and installation of signage regarding the biological and watershed benefits. 

If your family wants to give back rather than just attend, the Iowa DNR's volunteer page lists openings at state parks statewide, including several roles aimed at people with a teaching or science background who want to lead outdoor programming for kids. The Conservation Corps of Minnesota and Iowa provides opportunities for young adults to engage in service projects that address recreation and conservation. 

Water Safety Basics 

While the experiences listed above provide ways for children and families to get outside, it is natural for parents to worry about their children's safety in outdoor settings. Water recreation is one of the best ways to get kids outdoors in Iowa. It's also where the most serious risk exists; drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death for children ages 1 to 4 and the second-leading cause for kids ages 5 to 14. Most of that risk is preventable with a few precautions. 

Before heading to a lake or river, review the Iowa DNR's swimming safety guide for helpful tips and the beach monitoring dashboard for current water quality advisories. Note that not all public beaches in Iowa are monitored for contaminants that can make people sick. If you don’t see your local beach listed on the website, call the beach operator – usually a city or county – before you go to determine when and if that beach is tested for common contaminants such as E. coli and microcystin. Parents should also know the signs and symptoms of E. coli and microcystin-related illness. Check IEC’s fact sheet for more information. 

Iowa's rivers can also be more dangerous than they look. Sudden drop-offs, submerged ledges, and currents can catch even strong swimmers off guard. Stick to designated swimming areas and keep a close eye on your children as they wade or swim. 

For building swimming skills, YMCA water safety programs teach kids core survival skills at every age, and formal swim lessons cut drowning risk substantially in young children. Many community pools and fitness centers offer lessons as well. Check with your local parks and recreation department for opportunities. If your child isn't ready for the water yet, the American Red Cross's WHALE Tales program offers free lesson plans for kindergarten through 5th grade that teach safety concepts without requiring kids to be in the water. 

Safety in the Woods, on Trails, and at Campsites 

Water-related hazards are only one part of staying safe outdoors. From ticks in the tall grass and woods to mosquitoes near standing water, disease-carrying insects can turn a day outdoors into an unexpected health concern. Ticks are active earlier in the season than most people expect. In Iowa, ticks start hunting once daytime temperatures consistently hit the mid-40s, often by March. The Iowa Department of Homeland Security's Summer Safety Guide lays out the basics: Use EPA-registered insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants in tall grass, and check kids, pets, and yourself for ticks after every outing. 

A few additional habits go a long way. Sticking to the center of marked trails cuts tick exposure significantly, since ticks concentrate in tall grass along trail edges. Tucking shirts into pants and pant legs into socks closes off the entry points ticks rely on. 

Wildlife sightings in Iowa's woods, wetlands, and prairies can be one of the highlights of spending time outdoors. Before heading out, remind kids to observe animals from a distance, never feed wildlife, and keep pets leashed. Respecting wildlife helps keep both people and animals safe while protecting Iowa’s natural spaces. 

The Bottom Line 

None of this should keep families from enjoying Iowa's outdoors. A little preparation – checking water quality and safety conditions, watching the weather forecast, using insect repellent, dressing appropriately, respecting wildlife, and doing a tick check at the end of the day – can help reduce the most common risks and allow more time for exploration. 

Iowa may have limited public land compared to most states, but it still offers a variety of rivers, lakes, prairies, forests, and other natural places to discover. With a bit of planning and a sense of curiosity, families can spend the summer outside with greater confidence, fewer worries, and more opportunities to connect with nature. 

About The Author

Kean Roberts is the Water Program Associate at IEC where he focuses on education and outreach. He holds a B.S. in Earth Sciences from Iowa State University, an M.A in Teaching, and a PhD in Science Education from Drake University. Prior to IEC, Kean worked as a public-school teacher where he taught 8th grade Physical Science, 9th grade Earth and Space Science, and 11th-12th grade Physical Science. His background in science education is complimented with a focus on environmental education where he embedded local environmental issues, outdoor hands-on experiences, and community involvement into each course’s curriculum. Outside of work, Kean enjoys going on adventures with his wife, daughter, and dog. Additionally, he enjoys painting miniatures (e.g., Warhammer 40k, Lord of the Rings, and Star Wars) and playing video games.