Some ideas for getting children to play outside

LEHI — It was the hour between dinner and bedtime, and an army of kids had gathered outside Angie and Craig Larson's home.Their bikes were stacked near the edge of the driveway, and a few

dominant personalities began to debate what game they'd play.

Meanwhile, 3-year-old Emily Larson zoomed around on her scooter, up and

down the sidewalk, while a few boys balanced on skateboards.

      Then snap. The group separated.

      It was time to play.

      The first game was Ghost in the Graveyard. One person hid while

others tried to find him. Next was Steal the Flag, with a pair of old

dishrags serving as flags for each side.

      "You can't tag me," one boy said. "I'm in the street."

      "Are you in jail?" a girl asked a teammate.

      Angie Larson smiled.

      "This happens a lot after dinner," she said.

      But in other neighborhoods, some streets apparently remain quiet.

Researchers say unstructured, or "free," play is on the decline, with

children spending their time in organized, adult-directed activities,

or inside watching television or playing video games.     This decline is a worry to child psychologists, play advocates

and even the American Academy of Pediatrics, which released a report in

2006 saying play is essential because it "contributes to the cognitive,

physical, social and emotional well-being of children and youth."

      For Joan Almon, director of the Alliance for Childhood, the

difference between a child who plays and one who doesn't is noticeable.

She was once an early childhood educator and said children who don't