The Disappearance of Free Play—and Why We Need It Back

Developmental Psychologist David Elkind reported in his 2007 book The Power of Play that kids had lost more than 12 hours of free time per week compared to just two decades prior.

A report titled Crisis in the Kindergarten found that kindergartners in New York and Los Angeles were spending nearly three hours per day on reading and math, and less than 30 minutes on “choice” or play time.

More recently, a survey of nearly 9,000 U.S. families with preschool-aged children revealed that about half of kids don’t go outside to play regularly. Meanwhile, a 2023 Journal of Pediatrics paper linked the rise in childhood mental health problems directly to restrictions on children’s autonomy—especially the amount of time they are allowed to play freely and independently.

When children lose downtime, we also see a drop in creativity. Studies show that even just two hours per week of unstructured play can boost children’s creativity to above-average levels. But today, kids are often shuttled from one structured activity to the next. The memory of children playing all day long, inventing games and creating their own fun, has nearly disappeared from our collective culture.

Jean Twenge, psychology professor, found through decades of research that kids have shifted from an internal locus of control (confidence in their own ability to influence outcomes) to an external locus of control (believing outcomes are controlled by others). This shift is especially strong in younger children and is tied to higher levels of anxiety and depression.

Children who lean towards externality often focus on materialism and status rather than internal goals that bring real happiness. Dr. Peter Gray and many other experts believe that the decline of free play is a major factor behind this troubling trend.

So why have we taken something so beneficial away? Often, we don’t appreciate the value of something until it’s gone. But the good news is, it’s not too late to bring free play back into our children’s lives.

A Simple Way to Reclaim Free Play

Free play doesn’t always need a playground or hours of outdoor time—it can also thrive in small moments at home. That’s where Wondertivity Busy Books come in.

Each book is carefully designed with interactive, open-ended activities that encourage children to explore, imagine, and problem-solve at their own pace. Because there’s no single “right” way to play with them, kids are free to invent their own stories, practice new skills, and exercise their creativity without rigid adult direction.

From zipping, buttoning, and threading to imaginative role-play, Wondertivity Busy Books provide the perfect balance of hands-on learning and unstructured playtime. They offer children the independence to play in ways that are meaningful to them—helping to nurture creativity, resilience, and joy.

In a world where children’s lives are increasingly scheduled and controlled, giving back moments of self-directed play—even just a few hours a week—can make a huge difference. Wondertivity Busy Books are a beautiful way to start.