Growing Up in the 70s Was Magical and These 19 Things Prove It
The 70s were a groovy time to be a kid. It was a decade of disco, latchkey kids, and Saturday morning cartoons. Simpler times, but packed with iconic trends and cultural shifts that left their mark on an entire generation.
From toys that sparked pure joy to quirky snacks and unforgettable TV shows, the 70s childhood experience was like no other. If you remember these 19 things, chances are you grew up during this unforgettable era.
Waiting for Saturday Morning Cartoons
Before streaming, kids had to wait all week for Saturday mornings. Shows like Scooby-Doo, The Jetsons, and Super Friends made waking up early worth it.
The best part? Sprawling on the living room carpet with a big bowl of sugary cereal. Saturday mornings were sacred for every 70s kid.
Rocking Bell-Bottoms Everywhere
Bell-bottom jeans were the ultimate fashion statement. Whether paired with colorful t-shirts or vests, everyone rocked flared pants.
They weren’t just trendy—they were a symbol of the free-spirited vibe of the decade. If you had embroidered designs on yours, you were extra cool.
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Playing Pong on Your TV
The birth of video games started with Pong. This simple game of bouncing a pixel back and forth on a screen was a 70s phenomenon.
It was thrilling to control something on the TV—even if it was just a moving dot. Who needed today’s high-tech consoles back then?
Collecting Wacky Packs
Wacky Packages trading cards were hilarious parodies of popular brands. Kids loved collecting them, trading doubles, and sticking them on lunchboxes.
Whether it was “Crust Toothpaste” or “Cap’n Crud,” these cards captured the humor of 70s pop culture perfectly.
Watching the Moon Landing Reruns
Even though the moon landing happened in 1969, its awe lingered into the 70s. Kids grew up watching reruns of astronauts taking that giant leap.
Space exploration fueled imaginations, and many dreamed of becoming astronauts themselves.
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Riding a Banana Seat Bike
Banana seat bikes were the ultimate mode of transport for 70s kids. These colorful bicycles with long seats and high-rise handlebars were everywhere.
Add streamers and a basket, and you were the king or queen of the block.
Eating Space Food Sticks
Inspired by the space race, Space Food Sticks were marketed as astronaut snacks. These chewy, nutrient-packed treats weren’t exactly delicious, but they made every kid feel like a NASA explorer.
They were the 70s equivalent of today’s protein bars.
Joining the CB Radio Craze
CB radios became a nationwide trend in the 70s. Even kids joined the fun, learning CB lingo like “10-4” and “breaker breaker.”
Families often spent evenings chatting with truckers or neighbors over their radios, feeling connected to the world.
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Getting Creative with Shrinky Dinks
Shrinky Dinks turned every kid into an artist. Drawing on plastic sheets, baking them in the oven, and watching them shrink was pure magic.
They made great keychains or decorations, and the process was just as fun as the result.
Going Crazy for Pet Rocks
The Pet Rock fad was as bizarre as it sounds. For a few dollars, you got a rock in a cardboard box with “care instructions.” It was a joke, but millions of kids (and adults) fell for it.
It was the easiest pet to care for—and the ultimate 70s novelty.
Watching Shows on Three Channels
Television in the 70s meant limited options—ABC, CBS, and NBC. There was no remote, so kids had to turn the dial to change channels.
Despite the restrictions, shows like The Brady Bunch and Happy Days became cultural icons everyone talked about.
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Making Creepy Crawlers with a Mold Oven
The Creepy Crawlers oven let kids make gummy, rubbery bugs in all shapes and sizes. It was messy, mildly dangerous (hot plates and kids don’t mix), and so much fun.
Every 70s kid had a stash of spiders and worms to prank friends.
Eating TV Dinners on Trays
TV dinners were a family staple. Packaged in foil trays, they were eaten on TV trays in front of the screen.
Whether it was Salisbury steak or chicken pot pie, these meals made kids feel grown-up while enjoying their favorite shows.
Playing with Stretch Armstrong
Stretch Armstrong was the ultimate stretchable action figure. Kids loved pulling his arms and legs as far as they could go.
His goo-filled body was indestructible—or so they thought until they tried cutting him open to see what was inside.
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Drinking from Metal Lunchboxes
Every 70s kid had a metal lunchbox with matching thermos. Designs ranged from superheroes to TV shows like The Six Million Dollar Man.
These lunchboxes were more than practical—they were a badge of identity. The cooler your lunchbox, the better your social status.
Getting Slimed by You Can’t Do That on Television
Nickelodeon’s You Can’t Do That on Television introduced kids to the joy (or horror) of getting slimed. If someone said, “I don’t know,” green goo rained down.
The messy gag became so popular, it’s still part of Nickelodeon’s identity today.
Waiting for the Ice Cream Truck
The sound of the ice cream truck was pure joy. Kids would run out with coins to buy Bomb Pops, Drumsticks, or push-up sherbets.
The thrill of hearing that jingle was unmatched, making it one of the best moments of a 70s summer.
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Wearing Mood Rings
Mood rings were a must-have accessory. The “magic” stone changed colors, supposedly reflecting your emotions.
Whether it worked or not didn’t matter—it was fun to see if you were “happy” (blue) or “nervous” (black).
Visiting Record Stores
Before streaming or CDs, record stores were where kids discovered music. Browsing vinyl albums and choosing the latest hits was a cherished ritual.
Every 70s kid remembers the excitement of getting a new record to play on their turntable.
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