This blog post is part of a collaboration with Orlando Health and Watson Clinic.
Exploring FCM’s Front Yard this summer? Whether you’re excavating in the Mosaic Dig Pit or sliding down Blinky’s tail, be sure to put on sunscreen before the fun begins. Florida’s sun can be strong even in the morning, and sunscreen helps protect your skin from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays, which are present even on cloudy days. These rays not only can cause skin cancer over time, they also can trigger wrinkles, skin sagging and age spots.
If you’re planning a visit, check out our current hours and tickets at Florida Children’s Museum and get your family sun-safe before you arrive.
Why Sunscreen Matters for Florida Families
In Florida, families spend a lot of time outdoors—at museums, parks, pools and beaches—which adds up to a lot of sun exposure over the year. UV rays can damage skin in as little as 15 minutes, especially in the middle of the day. Children’s skin is more sensitive than adults’, so creating a sunscreen habit now helps protect them long-term.
For extra protection during your FCM visit, pair sunscreen with shade breaks, hats, sunglasses and lightweight, long-sleeve clothing when possible.
What Should You Look for in a Sunscreen?
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends using a sunscreen that:
- Offers broad-spectrum protection. This means it protects against both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays.
- Has an SPF—sun protection factor—of 30 or higher.
- Is water-resistant.
These features help your sunscreen hold up during outdoor play, sweating and quick water breaks.
When you’re shopping for your family, you may also want to look for:
- A formula labeled “for sensitive skin” or “fragrance-free” if anyone has easily irritated skin or eczema.
- Mineral sunscreens (with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) for younger children or sensitive areas like the face.
- A texture you actually like using (cream, lotion, stick or spray), so everyone is more willing to apply and reapply.
How Should You Apply Sunscreen?
Most people don’t apply the correct amount of sunscreen, according to the AAD. Using too little sunscreen reduces the level of protection you get from the SPF on the label.
Here are some simple guidelines:
- Use enough sunscreen to cover all of your skin not protected by clothing. Most adults need about 1 ounce of sunscreen—two tablespoons—to fully cover their body.
- Apply sunscreen about 15 minutes before going outdoors so it has time to absorb into your skin.
- Be sure to apply it to the tops of your feet, your neck, your ears and the part-line at the top of your head. These areas are easy to miss but burn quickly.
- Reapply about every two hours while you are outside. You should also reapply after swimming or sweating. Follow the directions on the sunscreen bottle.
For kids excited to run to the Mosaic Dig Pit or Blinky’s tail, build a quick “sunscreen stop” into your routine: apply at home, reapply in the car or in the parking lot, and again during a water or snack break.
Does the Type of Sunscreen Matter?
Sunscreens come in many forms, from sprays to sticks to lotions. The best type to use is the one you’ll apply over and over again.
- Creams and lotions are best for dry skin and the face, according to the AAD. They’re great for careful, full-coverage application before you leave home.
- Sticks are good to use around the eyes and on smaller areas like the nose, ears and along the hairline. They’re easy to toss in a bag and use for touch-ups.
- Sprays are convenient, especially for use on kids who don’t like standing still. But keep in mind that it can be hard to know if all areas of the skin have been covered when you use a spray. If you use a spray, apply generously and rub it in to ensure even coverage.
Sunscreens are sometimes sold as a mix of sunscreen and insect repellent. The AAD recommends against using these products. You want to use sunscreen generously and insect repellent sparingly. So it’s best to buy these products separately, especially for long outdoor days that include both sun and bug exposure.
Extra Sun-Safety Tips for Your FCM Visit
A few simple habits can make your museum day more comfortable and safe:
- Try to plan the bulk of your outdoor play (like time in the Front Yard) for earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon, when the sun is less intense.
- Encourage kids to take shade breaks, sip water and cool off indoors between outdoor activities.
- Pack a “sun safety bag” with sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and a light cover-up for each child.
For more ways to make the most of your visit, explore current exhibits and outdoor play spaces at Florida Children’s Museum.
Learn More and Stay Connected
For more helpful summer safety and health tips, visit OrlandoHealth.com/ContentHub. To follow along with the progress of our new Orlando Health Watson Clinic Lakeland Highlands Hospital, set to open in Summer 2026, visit OrlandoHealth.com/Watson.
Ready for a sun-safe adventure?
- Plan your visit at Florida Children’s Museum
- Check our latest exhibits and events on our website
- Share your family’s favorite sunscreen tips and sun-safe photos with us on social media and tag Florida Children’s Museum
Protecting your skin is one more way to help your family enjoy a full day of learning, playing and exploring—today and all summer long.
