🌳 Is Our Obsession with Structured Activities Killing Our Development & Creativity? 🤹

I’m sure we all remember a dumb game from childhood that we and some neighborhood kids came up with out of sheer boredom. For me, it was more than I can count. Swingball—a mix of kickball on a swing set—and Space People (essentially blindfolded tag) come to mind… Yeah, we weren’t the brightest perhaps, but it was a blast! There were also the more traditional games like tennis baseball, wall ball, ghost in the graveyard (until way past sundown), and ding dong ditching the old folks down the street (sorry about that!). It seemed like our days were packed with unstructured playtime. Sure, we had screens, video games, and organized sports back then too, but they seemed to take up much less of our lives.

The question is, are we sculpting every minute of our children’s lives in such a way that we might be unknowingly stifling their creativity, resilience, and ability to navigate the world independently?

Let’s talk about the benefits of unstructured play. Why should we care? Well, for one, it helps kids think outside the box and solve problems creatively. If you can master the art of playing tag blindfolded, while hurdling over basement furniture, then navigating more structured challenges—like sports—seems easy. When kids play together freely, they learn how to negotiate, cooperate, and even lead. There’s no better way to exercise those negotiating muscles than by arguing with your friend over a rule in a made-up game that has no rule book other than what’s in each participant's head.

Tackling challenges during play also helps children learn to deal with frustrations and overcome obstacles, building emotional resilience. Sometimes you don’t always get it your way, and if there is one thing I know, there is no more effective lesson on democracy than a vote between kids in the neighborhood.

Unfortunately, it seems like free play is on the decline. Kids today often have every minute planned with structured activities. Screens often win over swings and slides. Parents worry more, which can mean less freedom for kids. And as cities grow, we see less green space available for play.

Facing these challenges head-on, here’s how we can bring unstructured play back:

Ease up on the scheduling. Encouraging a balance in children’s routines can make a big difference. Let’s advocate for free time in their daily schedules. Promote tech-free times or days where kids are encouraged to play outside. Address safety in smart ways: We can design safer play spaces without restricting freedom. Clear signage, community watch programs, and well-maintained parks can reassure parents without stifling kids. And let’s not forget about utilizing every inch of urban space. Advocate for pocket parks, green rooftops, and community gardens that provide accessible play spaces in urban environments.

Innovate with play equipment. Think beyond traditional swings. How about rope swings, climbing walls, and obstacle courses that invite creativity? Zoning for play can also help. Dedicate areas within parks specifically for unstructured play. These can be dynamic zones that change features occasionally to keep things fresh and exciting.

And finally, how anyone can promote and participate in unstructured play: Organize local play days to get the community together for events focused solely on unstructured play. It’s a great reminder for both kids and parents of the joys of free play. Advocate for better play spaces. Show up at town meetings, talk to local leaders, and make the case for spaces designed for unstructured play. Volunteer to help keep local parks beautiful and safe. This encourages more families to use them regularly.

Reflecting on our own childhood adventures, it’s clear we owe it to the kids today and of the future to offer them the same opportunities for unstructured play. It’s up to us—parents, professionals, and community members—to champion the cause and ensure our parks and play spaces nurture the next generation of creative, resilient, and happy children. Let’s get out there and make it happen!