The word “play” sounds like all fun and games, and of course it is in part, but scientific research also shows how important play and free time really is for all people. Children in particular with their growing bodies and minds benefit greatly from being allowed unstructured time to sort through the ins and outs of human life and behavior. Play is so important to optimal child development that it has been recognized by the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights as a right of every child. This report from the American Academy of Pediatrics also shows that play enhances self esteem, cooperation, abstract thinking, problem solving, communication skills, and so much more, but still our culture does not give it the recognition it deserves.