Who has time to play? Schools have cut back on PE and recess time.

After school, many kids participate in scheduled activities. And at home, a recent study found, children watch TV about 5 hours a day.

The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages parents to put free play time back at the center of their children’s lives. Play is good for creativity and making friends. Plus, playful kids can naturally get the 60 minutes a day of physical activity experts say all children need.

To give your own kids more play time, try these tips:

• Don’t put a TV in your child’s bedroom.
• Limit computer time that is not homework to under 2 hours a day.
• Buy old-fashioned toys—think wooden blocks and paper dolls—that require imagination.
• Cut back on scheduled activities.
• Create safe outdoor play spaces near home.