These 17 Activities Made Childhood Fun in the 70s—But You Hardly See Them Today
The 1970s were a time of simplicity, freedom, and imaginative play for kids. Without the distractions of smartphones, tablets, or streaming services, children found joy in activities that encouraged physical play, creativity, and social interaction.
From riding bikes until the streetlights came on to spending hours playing board games, 70s kids engaged in activities that are no longer as common in today’s digital world. Here are 22 popular activities that 70s kids enjoyed, many of which have faded into memory as modern-day childhood has shifted toward technology and structured schedules.
Riding Bikes All Day Long
In the 70s, kids would hop on their bikes in the morning and not return home until dinnertime. Bikes were the ultimate symbol of freedom, and kids used them to explore their neighborhoods, visit friends, and go on adventures.
Without constant supervision, kids had the independence to ride wherever they pleased. Today, while biking is still popular, it’s often done with more parental oversight and within set boundaries.
Playing Outside Until the Streetlights Came On
Before smartphones and video games, outdoor play was a staple of 70s childhood. Kids would spend hours outside with their friends, climbing trees, playing tag, or engaging in made-up games.
The general rule was to come home when the streetlights turned on, signaling the end of playtime. This kind of unstructured outdoor play is less common today, as many kids have more scheduled activities.
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Making Mud Pies
70s kids didn’t shy away from getting dirty, and making mud pies was a favorite outdoor activity. With nothing but some dirt, water, and imagination, kids would create “pies” and pretend to serve them up to their friends.
This messy, hands-on play is rare now as kids tend to engage in cleaner, more digital forms of entertainment. However, it fostered creativity and an appreciation for nature that many kids today miss out on.
Roller Skating
Roller skating was the epitome of cool in the 70s, with kids zooming around on four-wheeled skates. Roller rinks were the social hubs where kids gathered to skate, listen to music, and hang out with friends.
While roller skating still exists, it’s not as widespread as it once was, with many roller rinks having closed down over the years. For many 70s kids, skating was a favorite way to spend weekends and afternoons.
Playing Twister
Twister was a party favorite in the 70s, and kids loved the physical challenge of twisting and balancing on colored circles. The game encouraged flexibility, laughter, and friendly competition as kids tried not to fall over.
While still available today, it’s not as common as it was in the 70s when board games like Twister were a go-to for fun. Today’s games often involve screens rather than physical movement.
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Going to the Drive-In Movie Theater
Drive-in theaters were a popular destination for families and groups of friends in the 70s. Kids would pile into the family car with blankets, snacks, and excitement to watch a movie under the stars.
While a few drive-in theaters still exist, they’ve become a nostalgic rarity rather than a regular weekend activity. Drive-ins offered a unique movie-going experience that kids today rarely get to enjoy.
Playing with Lawn Darts
Lawn darts, also known as Jarts, were a common backyard game that many 70s kids played. The game involved tossing large, metal-tipped darts at a target on the ground, though it was eventually deemed too dangerous and was discontinued.
Despite the risk, it was a favorite outdoor activity that brought friends and families together. Today, safer versions of lawn games exist, but lawn darts are a relic of the past.
Building Forts with Blankets
In the 70s, kids had endless fun turning their living rooms into makeshift forts using blankets, chairs, and pillows. These blanket forts became secret hideaways or imaginative play spaces for hours of entertainment.
While kids today might still build forts occasionally, it’s far less common in the age of tablets and digital entertainment. Building forts fostered creativity and problem-solving skills that went beyond screen time.
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Collecting and Trading Baseball Cards
Collecting and trading baseball cards was a huge hobby for 70s kids, who spent hours discussing stats and negotiating trades with their friends.
Each card had value and meaning, and the thrill of finding a rare card was unmatched.
While sports card collecting still exists today, it’s less of a widespread childhood activity and more of a niche hobby for collectors. Kids now are more likely to engage with sports through video games than physical card collections.
Playing Kick the Can
Kick the Can was a neighborhood favorite, combining elements of hide-and-seek and tag with a can as the central prop. Kids would hide while one person tried to find them and kick the can to signal their capture.
This simple yet thrilling game brought entire neighborhoods of kids together. Nowadays, games like Kick the Can have been largely replaced by indoor activities and screen-based entertainment.
Jumping on Pogo Sticks
Pogo sticks were a fun, challenging way for 70s kids to test their balance and endurance. Kids would spend hours trying to bounce higher and longer on their pogo sticks, often holding competitions with friends.
While still available today, pogo sticks have been largely replaced by modern toys and gadgets. The pogo stick craze is a fond memory for many kids from that era.
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Playing with Pet Rocks
The pet rock craze of the 70s saw kids adopting rocks as pets, decorating them, and creating little homes for them. It was a quirky, short-lived trend that highlighted the simplicity of 70s childhood.
Kids today are unlikely to adopt a rock as a pet, but it was a playful, low-cost phenomenon at the time. Pet rocks offered a lighthearted alternative to high-maintenance pets.
Flying Kites
Kite flying was a popular outdoor activity for 70s kids who enjoyed watching their kites soar high into the sky. Families often spent weekends at parks or beaches, flying kites of all shapes and sizes.
Today, kite flying is still enjoyed but not nearly as common as it once was. With so many indoor entertainment options, outdoor activities like kite flying have taken a backseat.
Listening to Music on 8-Track Tapes
For 70s kids, listening to music on 8-track tapes was a common pastime, whether in the car or at home. They would spend hours listening to their favorite tunes, often sharing tapes with friends.
The arrival of modern music formats has made 8-track tapes obsolete, and many kids today have never experienced them. Music consumption has evolved, but the nostalgia for 8-track tapes remains strong among 70s kids.
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Playing Dodgeball
Dodgeball was a staple of 70s schoolyards and playgrounds, with kids eagerly participating in this fast-paced, competitive game. It was a test of agility, teamwork, and strategy as players tried to avoid being hit by the ball.
In recent years, concerns about safety and inclusivity have led some schools to reduce or ban dodgeball, making it less common today. For many 70s kids, dodgeball was a thrilling part of their school day.
Playing with Easy-Bake Ovens
The Easy-Bake Oven was a beloved toy in the 70s, allowing kids to “bake” miniature cakes and treats using a small lightbulb as the heat source.
It provided hours of entertainment and a sense of accomplishment for young bakers.
While still available today, the novelty of the Easy-Bake Oven has diminished with the rise of more sophisticated kitchen gadgets and toys. For 70s kids, though, it was a must-have item.
Spinning on Sit-and-Spins
The Sit-and-Spin was a favorite toy for 70s kids who loved the dizzying thrill of spinning themselves around. It was a simple yet endlessly fun activity that could keep kids entertained for hours.
Today, toys have become more complex, and the Sit-and-Spin is less common in modern households. However, for many 70s kids, it was a staple of their childhood playtime.
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