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Updated: October 13, 2011 2:16PM

Kids, this one’s for you! Set aside your notebooks, workbooks and computers. It’s time to improve your higher order thinking skills with a little fun. That’s right, it’s time to play. “Self-directed free play is one of the most natural and effective ways kids learn,” says Liza Sullivan, co-founder of the playful learning website, www.throughplay.com. “Not only does open-ended play give children the opportunity to actively engage in their surroundings,” says Sullivan, “but it also encourages kids to discover information through observation, trial and error, and creative problem solving.” Child-directed free play can occur at any time in any place, but if you’re looking for a new twist, try these suggested activities.

Pop-up playground

Just as the name indicates, a pop-up playground is an ordinary space that is easily transformed into an environment of wonderment. To make a pop-up playground, set out a variety of household items and recyclables that are different sizes, shapes and textures such as empty boxes, sheets of felt, paintbrushes and twigs. The idea is to give your kids a variety of objects that they can “reinvent” as they build, create and explore.

Adventure playground

Adventure playgrounds differ from regular playgrounds in that they are less structured and typically made of natural materials such as mud pits, tree ladders and rope swings. Adventure playgrounds are quite popular in Europe but in the U.S., the possibility of injury and possible lawsuits have made them unappealing as schools and cities opt for “less risky play structures.” Fortunately, your kids can get the “adventure experience” with a visit to your local forest preserve where they can explore trails, discover wildlife and investigate the world around them. Here are just a few of the area’s gems.

Crow Island Woods Park

Euclid Avenue and Willow Road, Winnnetka

www.winpark.org/parks/crow-island-woods.aspx

A large grassy area with picnic tables, fireplace and a historic log cabin make this the perfect spot for an early afternoon picnic. Finish off your meal with a walk through the woods where you are likely to spot deer, hawks and yellow finches.

The Grove

1421 Milwaukee Avenue, Glenview

www.glenviewparks.org/index.php/facilities-parks/the-grove/

Rain or shine, this is a great place to visit. When the weather is nice, you and your kids can hike trails, see how the Pottawatomie really lived and look for turtles and frogs. On rainy days you can venture indoors and explore the area’s rich history. Be sure to ask about the themed monthly programs, which include activities related to autumn and dinosaurs.

River Trail Nature Center

3120 Milwaukee Ave, Northbrook

www.fpdcc.com/nature-centers/river-trail-nature-center

Minutes away from the hustle and bustle of Northbrook is a peaceful sanctuary where you and your kids can walk through winding trails, fish in a river and crawl through a fox den. Special programs and activities are offered throughout the year so be sure to check the website or visit the front desk once you arrive.

Pop-up play scenes

Sometimes going out on an adventure or creating a backyard playground is not in the cards. That doesn’t mean you can’t whip up some open-ended fun. This pop-up play scene idea comes courtesy of Elise, author of the blog “Inspiration Surrounds, Creativity Abounds” (etadventures.blogspot.com). Not only are these scenes easy to make, but they also provide endless opportunities for open play. At my house, airports and cities (with airports) are all the rage but you can tailor these scenes to include castles, farms, jungles or anything else your child imagines.

You need:

Poster board

Art supplies (such as crayons, stickers or colored paper)

Pencil

Scissors

Directions:

Lay the poster board on a flat surface and sketch out a scene.

Have your children decorate the scene with crayons, stickers, colored paper and any other art materials you might have on hand.

Use scissors to cut around the scene leaving the bottom section intact.

Fold the scene up and lean it against a wall, couch or cardboard box.

Encourage your kids to add their own embellishments such as action figures, cars and anything else that will fit their narrative.

Ticket giveaway

Play is not just confined to the playground, which is why we are giving away two FREE tickets to see Colin Mochrie and Brad Sherwood of “Whose Line is it Anyway?” fame. The interactive show is billed as an evening of extraordinary improvisational comedy, where audience members will not only make suggestions, but they might also be invited onstage to partake in the fun. Mochrie and Sherwood credit their love of open-ended play, reading and ‘‘The Carol Burnett Show” with inspiring them to become improv performers and actors. The show comes to town Nov. 11 at 8 p.m. at the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan. For more information visit www.geneseetheatre.com or www.colinandbradshow.com.

Simply leave us a comment telling us your favorite game. We will randomly choose one winner on Monday, Oct. 17 at 10 a.m. CST, so be sure to enter before then. No purchase necessary.