Why do children need unstructured time outside?

[betsy]

Free-play - outdoor and indoor - plays a vital role in the development of creativity in children.

Too much structure inhibits the imagination of a child, imho. I look back at my own childhood....not much structure then compared to now. I don't think moms in those days hear their children say, "I'm bored" that often.

There should be a fair balance between structure and freedom.