A lot of money is spent every year on educational games and activities for kids. Some of the items on the market are very good and other are just a waste. Kids definitely benefit from the structured play of organized sports, but they also need the time to play independently and without structure. The best place for this is right outside your door!
What is wonderful about nature is that it is entertaining, stimulating and educational. From my own experience I have found that the more my kids play outside the better they get along. I have a feeling that this is because they have to cooperatively come up with their games. They learn to listen to each other and take input and direction.
Playing outside is a wonderful way for your children to connect with nature and observe everything that is going on around them. I love to sit with my kids and watch the ants work together at an anthill. There is no way to experience this through toys or video games. Even a book will not give you the same experience.
Being outside will make them think. When children explore and experiment, directing their own learning, they are more likely to understand and retain what they are learning. They will also gain the tool that they will need later in life to be good learners and problem solvers. There are things that children of all ages can learn from nature.
Playing outside has also helped my own children be more environmentally aware. They notice beauty around them, but they also get upset when they see that people are not taking care of the world, by leaving trash around. I feel like they are not only learning when they are outside, but they are becoming better citizens of this earth.
Being outside has to be the easiest way to let a kid be a kid. I know that my own children are happier after a day of being out, playing. When it rains for days on end, not being able to go out definitely shows a negative effect of their mood and how my two get along. Nature gives kids a chance to use their imagination and be free to just be kids.