In a simpler time all a child or an adult needed to enjoy the outdoors was a ball and a stick. Or maybe an old tire tied to a high branch to fashion a swing. And the only instruction given to children was to “be home before dark”. Now there are iPads and computers and television screens and shrinking safe public spaces. But despite the distractions and limitations of space, these images show the charm of kicking a ball or skipping rope endures. Sometimes with modifications as a nod to changing times. Here: in this Saturday, June 20, 2015 photo, a boy runs while playing with a motorcycle wheel in Samugari, Ayacucho, Peru. (Photo by Rodrigo Abd/AP Photo)

Mud Day Queen Riley Tulgetske, left, embraces Mud Day King Phoenix Crowder during Mud Day at the Nankin Mills Park, Tuesday, July 9, 2019, in Westland, Mich. The annual day is for kids 12 years old and younger. While parents might be welcome, this isn't an event meant for teens or adults. It's all about the kids having some good, unclean fun during their summer break and is sponsored by the Wayne County Parks. (Photo by Carlos Osorio/AP Photo)

Actor Matthew Settle walks the runway at the 9th Annual 'Dressed To Kilt' charity fashion show at Hammerstein Ballroom on April 5, 2011 in New York City.

Jordan Matter showcases their athletic prowess in everyday situations such as a martial artist shaving with a samurai sword, an ice hockey goalie shopping and a gymnast balancing from a street sign. Photo: “River View” – Jacob Jonas & Jill Wilson – Acro Yoga Specialists. (Photo by Jordan Matter)

Read Ziegler of the United States competes in the bike segment of the 2024 Intermountain Health IRONMAN 70.3 North American Championship on May 04, 2024 in St George, Utah. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images for IRONMAN/AFP Photo)

A staff member (R) looks on next to a cake, which was baked in the shape of a muscular man, for customers to try for free during a promotional event of a cake store in Shenyang, Liaoning province, China, December 6, 2015. (Photo by Reuters/Stringer)

The Cobra JoyRide car charger by Cobra Electronics is displayed during a press event at The Venetian for the 2012 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) January 8, 2012 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The JoyRide works with Android phones and can automatically trigger preset phone functions like enabling GPS or disabling Wi-Fi with the press of a single button. It will be available for USD 39 in the second quarter of 2012. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Lindsay Heimbach goes airborne while sledding down a hill on Mt. Lemmon December 27, 2008. (Photo by James Gregg/Arizona Daily Star)