Barbecue season is all about sunshine, good food, and time with family. But if you’ve got children running around your garden, you know it takes more than just good grilling skills to keep the day stress-free. Whether you’re working with a brick bbq, a bbq rotisserie kit, or a custom brick diy bbq setup, safety becomes just as important as flavour.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through practical steps to make your outdoor cooking space safe and kid-friendly, so you can enjoy grilling without constantly worrying about little hands getting too close to the fire.
Why BBQ Safety Matters More With Kids Around
Kids are naturally curious and often don’t fully understand danger. A hot grill, sharp tools, and live flames are all part of a typical BBQ setup, but they can pose real hazards. From minor burns to more serious accidents, the risks are real—but avoidable.
You don’t have to sacrifice the joys of open-fire cooking just because you have children. It’s all about creating a balance between maintaining the function of your brick bbq or bbq rotisserie and establishing a safer environment around it.
Step 1: Choose the Right BBQ Design
Your first line of defence is the type of BBQ you use. Traditional brick bbq setups are often more stable than freestanding metal grills, which can tip or be accidentally nudged. A brick diy bbq gives you the freedom to build with stability and safety in mind.
Here are some design features that help reduce risks:
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A permanent installation that can’t be easily moved
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Raised grill height to keep flames away from little hands
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Built-in side counters or shelves to keep hot trays and utensils out of reach
If you’re using a bbq rotisserie kit, make sure it is firmly anchored and out of reach from where kids are likely to be playing.
Step 2: Create a “No-Go” Zone
Set clear physical boundaries around the BBQ area. This not only protects children but also gives you space to cook without interruption.
Ideas to set boundaries:
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Use low garden fencing or large plant pots to section off the space
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Mark the area with coloured tape or paving stones
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Involve older children in creating and maintaining these safety zones so they understand the importance
Even if you’re grilling with a fixed brick bbq, it’s smart to keep at least a 3-foot radius around it free from foot traffic.
Step 3: Supervise Smartly
No matter how many safeguards you put in place, nothing replaces active supervision. If you’re handling meat on a bbq rotisserie, for example, your attention may be on managing the turning spit or adjusting heat. Designate another adult to keep an eye on the kids during these moments.
Other tips:
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Keep the BBQ in your line of sight from seating areas
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Avoid multitasking with your phone or drinks when kids are nearby
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Teach older kids basic BBQ safety—like not running near the grill or never touching metal parts
It’s worth remembering that the motor and skewer of a bbq rotisserie can stay hot long after cooking ends.
Step 4: Lock Down Tools and Accessories
The tools you use while grilling—tongs, skewers, knives—can all be dangerous if left within reach. If your brick diy bbq has storage space, use it smartly.
Make sure to:
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Keep all tools out of reach of children when not in use
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Avoid leaving sharp or hot objects on open surfaces
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Use tool hooks mounted higher up on a wall or fence
Consider a dedicated toolbox or BBQ cabinet with a latch for when you’re not using the grill. This is especially helpful for kits with rotisserie accessories or motorised parts.
Step 5: Watch the Heat… Even After Cooking
Many people forget that BBQs, especially brick ones, retain heat for hours after use. A brick bbq built with quality materials like fire bricks can stay hot even into the evening. This presents a risk if kids are still playing in the area after the cooking has stopped.
To avoid this:
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Place a visible “hot” sign or barrier to signal that the grill is still warm
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Block off the area for the rest of the day if possible
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Keep kids occupied in a separate part of the garden with games or treats
Step 6: Keep Water and First Aid Nearby
Preparation is everything. Have a small first aid kit on hand in case of minor accidents. Also, keep a jug of cool water or wet cloths nearby for treating small burns.
What to include:
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Burn gel or cream
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Band-aids and gauze
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Tweezers and antiseptic wipes
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Instant ice pack
While you’re unlikely to need a full emergency kit for every BBQ, having quick access to essentials will help you respond swiftly to any issues.
Step 7: Fire and Fuel Safety
If you’re using charcoal, wood, or gas to power your bbq rotisserie kit or grill, always store fuels well out of reach. Lockable outdoor storage boxes are perfect for keeping these items secure.
Other reminders:
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Never leave firelighters or lighters lying around
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Don’t refill or add fuel while the BBQ is still lit
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Make sure ash is fully cooled before disposing of it
A brick setup makes this easier because you can dedicate a fixed space for fuel and lighting tools away from your cooking area.
Step 8: Make Safety Fun for Kids
Instead of just telling kids “don’t touch this” or “stay away from that”, make BBQ safety a part of the fun. You can:
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Give them a play BBQ set so they can “grill” alongside you
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Make a safety game or checklist
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Involve them in setting up the outdoor area or helping with salads and drinks
Creating a shared BBQ ritual helps kids feel included, while still respecting the boundaries you’ve set.
Step 9: Clean-Up That Counts
After the grilling is done, your job isn’t over. Cleaning up thoroughly ensures your next BBQ starts safe—and keeps hazards like leftover skewers, greasy trays, or bits of coal out of reach.
Checklist for safe clean-up:
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Cool down and wipe grills
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Store tools securely
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Lock away fuel
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Sweep up dropped food that might attract pests or curious toddlers
If your bbq rotisserie includes removable parts, make sure they’re cleaned and stored properly to avoid damage or injuries.
Step 10: Invest in Safety Accessories
Finally, consider adding a few protective accessories to your BBQ area. Some popular options include:
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Heat-resistant gloves for adults
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Grill screens to act as a barrier between kids and flame
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Thermometers for food safety (to avoid undercooked meat)
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BBQ covers to keep equipment out of sight when not in use
A BBQ cover, especially for a brick diy bbq setup, can double as a visual cue to kids that the grill is “off-limits.”
Final Thoughts
Barbecuing is one of life’s simple pleasures, and kids should be part of the fun—but safely. By building a thoughtful setup, maintaining strict boundaries, and turning safety into a shared value, you’ll create an outdoor cooking space that works for the whole family.
Whether your go-to grill is a permanent brick bbq, a flexible brick diy bbq setup, or a spit-heavy bbq rotisserie, the principles stay the same: plan ahead, supervise, and make safety part of the experience.
A little effort now goes a long way toward stress-free family barbecues for years to come.