Encouraging kids to play outside in the yard is good for both their physical and mental health—they get fresh air, exercise and time to explore. But backyards can also be surprisingly dangerous places.

“Now that our kids are outdoors playing more in the beautiful sunshine, it’s a really good time for parents to go around their backyard and make sure it’s safe,” says Dr. Pilar Bradshaw with Eugene Pediatric Associates.

Dr. Bradshaw encourages parents and caregivers to always keep an eye on kids in the backyard, even if your yard is fully fenced.

Be on the lookout for standing water around your yard—just a few inches can be dangerous to young kids, Dr. Bradshaw says. “So, if you have anything that holds water, a wheelbarrow or a bucket, a paint can or anything, that is something that your kid could potentially drown in.”

More important safety tips:

  • Secure yard and garden tools, chemicals and fertilizers out of reach.
  • Never use a powered lawn mower when kids are in the yard.
  • Pools should be fenced and hot tub covers securely latched when not in use—but remember that nothing can replace adult supervision.
  • Keep safety top of mind when grilling and move your grill away from play areas. Never leave a hot grill unattended. Establish a safety line that kids aren’t allowed to cross.
  • Check play structures for signs of wear and make sure they are well maintained.
  • Consider avoiding or getting rid of a trampoline, a major source of injuries in children.
  • Pay attention to what’s growing in your yard and promptly eradicate any poisonous plants.

“Be sure to look around for plants that your kid might get into,” Dr. Bradshaw says. “Little kids often will try eating things that have berries on it.”

Teach your kids not to eat berries from any plants unless a parent or caregiver says it’s OK.

Ingesting just one to two berries from a plant called deadly nightshade can kill a child or a pet, so if you see it in your yard, dig it up and get rid of it. If you think your child has eaten a poisonous plant or flower, call the Poison Control Center’s help line at 1-800-222-1222.