Shade
Why shade matters
Children spend a significant amount of time outdoors between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. when the UV Index is at its highest. Whether sunny or cloudy outside, children can still be exposed to harmful UV rays. Scientists report that as children get older, they are less likely to think about and ensure they are properly protected from the sun.
Making shade available in school areas and playgrounds, at parks, around recreation facilities and within your own backyard can reduce children’s exposures to the sun’s harmful rays.
Simple ways to create shade
Trees or built structures such as garden tents, gazebos, awnings and attached structures are practical ways to create shade and protect your family.
If you’re thinking about adding a little more greenery around your home by planting trees and hedges, consider this:
- Deciduous trees, like maple, elm and birch, provide thick coverings of leaves that have natural canopies and offer great midday shade.
- Coniferous trees, like hemlock, pine, spruce and cedar, offer year-round protection. But remember, these types of trees do not have natural canopies that provide midday shade, like deciduous trees do.
Involving your children in planting trees is a great way to teach them about nature. Your children will also have the exciting experience of seeing something they plant grow!
Here are a few additional things to think about when planning for shade:
- Where do your children spend most of their time (e.g. sandbox, pool, playground equipment, benches in sports fields)?
- How does the sun move throughout the day (the sun is strongest between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.)?
- Where would additional shade be helpful?
With these tips in hand you can create shade in a number of ways and protect your children from the sun while they spend time enjoying the outdoors!
Additional resources
There are many excellent programs and resources to help you create shade in your home and community. Here are just a few to get your family started.
Ontario EcoSchools is an environmental education program for grades 1-12.
School Ground Greening: Designing for Shade and Energy Conservation ps schools design for increased shade.is a guide that Ontario EcoSchools has developed that hel
Evergreen – This organization engages communities in urban centre across Canada to create shaded outdoor learning areas and play structures (built and natural). They also manage a School Ground Greening Program.
LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests) - LEAF is dedicated to the protection and improvement of the urban forest. This website includes information on planting trees in schools and home backyards.
From the Expert
Why is planting trees healthy for your children?
Planting trees for shade provides healthy and inspiring places for children to learn and play. Read more.
