18 Fun Things Every 70s Kid Did as Soon as School Was Out
The 70s was a time when childhood meant adventure, imagination, and being outside until the streetlights came on. After school, 70s kids had a world of fun awaiting them before they even thought about cracking open a book.
With no smartphones, limited TV, and tons of energy, afternoons were packed with simple but memorable activities. Here are 18 after-school pastimes every 70s kid will remember fondly.
Headed to the Nearest Park
After school, parks were like a second home for 70s kids. Swings, jungle gyms, and open fields awaited their energy.
With no playdates to organize, everyone just showed up. Kids created their own games and rules right on the spot.
It was the ultimate hangout before any homework worries.
Rode Bikes Everywhere
Bikes were freedom and independence for every 70s kid. As soon as the school bag hit the floor, they hopped on.
Neighborhoods were explored, and new paths discovered. Bike races, tricks, and just cruising filled the afternoons.
Helmets were rare, but confidence was high.
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Played Kickball in the Street
Every neighborhood had its own kickball crew after school. Streets turned into makeshift fields with barely any cars.
Kids used backpacks, sticks, or chalk as bases. The game went on until a parent called for dinner.
It was the perfect blend of teamwork and competition.
Watched Cartoons Right After School
The TV lineup after school was sacred to 70s kids. There was no streaming, so they had to catch it live.
Shows like Scooby-Doo or The Flintstones were the favorites. It was the only screen time before the news took over.
Cartoons were a reward after a long school day.
Hit the Roller Rink
Roller skating was a serious after-school affair in the 70s. Kids would meet at the local rink or a smooth street.
They practiced spins, jumps, and even some disco moves. With their skates on, they felt unstoppable.
Roller rinks were social hubs, especially on Fridays.
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Visited the Candy Store with Loose Change
A trip to the candy store was a 70s after-school ritual. Kids saved up their change for this special treat.
Penny candy, jawbreakers, and licorice were top choices. Each piece was chosen carefully, savoring every bite.
It was a sweet way to start the afternoon.
Made Up Games with Friends
With no devices, imagination ruled the day. Kids invented games on the fly with whatever was around.
From “Red Rover” to tag, every game had a twist. Rules changed depending on the day and players.
Creativity made every game new and exciting.
Climbed Trees Just Because
Climbing trees was the ultimate 70s kid challenge. They’d scramble up branches like it was second nature.
Treehouses or just a sturdy branch was their perch. From above, they could see the world differently.
It was a thrill that felt like their own private adventure.
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Collected and Traded Baseball Cards
Baseball cards were a prized possession for many kids. After school, they’d trade, compare, and show off collections.
Finding a rare card felt like winning a treasure. They carried cards in their pockets to show friends.
Trading was half the fun, adding value to each card.
Played Hopscotch on the Sidewalk
Sidewalks were perfect for a quick game of hopscotch. Kids chalked up grids and threw pebbles as markers.
It was a simple but addictive game they all enjoyed. Each round became more competitive and fun.
Hopscotch was a staple of every 70s neighborhood.
Practiced Yo-Yo Tricks
Yo-yos were a big deal in the 70s, and tricks were prized. Kids practiced “Around the World” and “Walk the Dog.”
Everyone wanted to show off their yo-yo skills. It took patience, but it was a cool way to impress.
Every neighborhood had at least one yo-yo champion.
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Built Forts and Secret Hideouts
Every yard or park had the perfect fort-building spot. Kids gathered sticks, leaves, and blankets for hideouts.
Their forts became the ultimate after-school retreat. With each day, they added new “upgrades” to their forts.
It was a safe, secret place away from adults.
Went Fishing in Nearby Creeks
Some lucky kids lived close to creeks or small ponds. They’d grab a fishing pole or even just a net.
Catching fish, frogs, or tadpoles was the goal. It was both a quiet escape and an adventure.
Fishing was a chance to feel close to nature.
Played Catch Until Sundown
A simple game of catch was all it took to unwind. They’d throw a baseball back and forth for hours.
Catching, pitching, and laughing as the sun went down. It was a quiet, peaceful way to enjoy time together.
This was an unspoken bonding ritual among friends.
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Explored the Woods Near Home
Every 70s kid had a “wild spot” they explored often. Woods, creeks, or vacant lots became magical realms.
They’d build trails, find animals, and create stories. Exploring was unsupervised, adding to the thrill.
Nature was the ultimate playground and teacher.
Listened to Music on the Family Record Player
Music was an essential part of after-school downtime. Kids would play records on the family turntable.
The radio or record player became a mini concert. They’d memorize lyrics and pretend to be rock stars.
Music was a personal escape into a new world.
Grabbed Ice Cream from the Truck
The ice cream truck was a mobile treasure chest. When they heard the jingle, kids raced outside.
They’d pool their change for Popsicles and ice cream bars. It was a daily highlight, even in colder months.
The ice cream truck was always a welcome sight.
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Read Comic Books for Hours
Comic books were a staple of 70s childhood reading. After school, they’d settle in with a stack of comics.
Heroes, villains, and epic stories filled their minds. Reading comics was a way to relax and escape.
Kids shared and traded, creating comic book collections.
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