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Should we play outside when it is smoky?
- norwoodcentre
- Jul 16
- 2 min read
Children's lungs are very sensitive to air pollution because they breath faster than adults.
Before you play outside check Environment Canada’s Air Quality Health Index here.
The index looks like this and it updated throughout the day, every day:
If we are in the Blue Zone (1-3), or the Low Risk zone on the index it means the air is clean and it is a great day to play outside.
If we are in the Yellow Zone (4-6), or the Moderate Risk zone on the index it means the air is safe for some people to play. People who are higher risk, for example if they have asthma or a heart condition, may need to spend less time than usual outside. Keep an eye out!
If we are in the Red Zone (7-9), or the High Risk zone on the index, Norwood Centre will move indoors and cancel outdoor programs. Environment Canada recommends taking a break from tiring activities such as soccer and biking and keeping an eye on those who are high risk.
If we are in the Brown Zone (10+), or the Very High risk zone on the index, Environment Canada says it is best to play inside.
Find the current air quality in Edmonton here.
Outdoor Play Tips:
Check the Air Quality Index every time, before you go outside.
Plan to play outside early in the morning as air quality sometimes starts out good and gets worse as it gets hotter, throughout the day.
If your children say they have a sore throat or start coughing because of the smoke, go inside!
Read more about handing the heat and staying safe in the sun in this blog post.
Free Indoor Play Spaces and Groups:
Norwood Centre’s drop-in play groups – find the schedule here
C5 North East Hub’s drop-in play groups – find the calendar here
C5 Clareview Recreation Centre Parent and Tot Swim -find the calendar here
Candora Society drop-in groups- find the schedule here
Family Futures Resource Network drop-in groups- find the schedule here
Kara Family Resource Centre drop-in groups-find the schedule here
Jasper Place Family Resource Centre drop-in groups -find the schedule here
Edmonton Public Library children’s spaces – find more information here
Your Community League – find your league and what programs they offer here
Paid Indoor Play Spaces:
YMCA family zones – Castledowns, Jamie Platz, William Lutsky
City of Edmonton Community Recreation Centres Indoor Playgrounds – find locations, schedules, and costs here
At Norwood Centre our team of qualified Early Childhood Development Subject Matter Experts work to provide tools that caregivers can use to support early childhood development. We hear you! If you have a question or concern, please ask us. We have a variety of Child Development Activities available on our website, find them at norwoodcentre.com/child-development-activities. For short-term one-on-one coaching, please call us at 780-471-3737.
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