Free play that promotes creativity and problem solving and "doing well at school" have become mutually exclusive to many. This perception has resulted in the elimination of one of the last vestiges of creative freedom in schools - recess. Today, more than ever, children need the opportunity during school to get outside and work, interact with nature, and play with their peers, especially our at-risk gifted children living in urban, impoverished areas. When recess is deemed unproductive in a test-centric school, gifted teachers need to rationalize creative outdoor play through instructional objectives, curriculum connections, and teaching resources.