Without the endless screen options available today, ‘70s kids spent much of their time outdoors, riding bikes, building forts, and climbing trees.
The 1970s was a special time to be a kid—long before the advent of the Internet, smartphones, and advanced video games. Back then, kids made their own adventures, relying on imagination and creativity for entertainment.
Let’s take a look at the essentials that defined a 1970s childhood.
Saturday Morning Cartoons
Before streaming services, Saturday morning was sacred for kids in the 1970s. Shows like Scooby-Doo, The Jetsons, and Super Friends kept children glued to the TV for hours. These animated adventures were a weekly ritual.
Rotary Phones
Dialing a number on a rotary phone was a skill that required patience. Each digit had to be carefully selected, and the wheel spun back into place, making misdialing a frustrating mistake. For 1970s kids, this clunky device was their primary connection to friends and family.
Record Players and Vinyl
Music lovers of the 1970s cherished their vinyl records, carefully placing the needle on the groove to hear their favorite songs. Albums like Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours and Led Zeppelin’s IV were played on repeat.
Tang and Instant Breakfasts
Tang, the powdered orange drink that “went to space,” was a kitchen staple in many 1970s households. Paired with Carnation Instant Breakfast, these quick-fix meals were a morning routine for busy families.
The Pet Rock Craze
In 1975, the Pet Rock became a bizarre yet hugely popular fad. Marketed as the ultimate low-maintenance pet, each rock came with its own cardboard box and care instructions. For a brief time, kids everywhere cherished these inanimate “pets.”
Eight-Track Tapes
Eight-track tapes were the go-to format for listening to music in the 1970s, especially in cars. Unlike cassettes, they didn’t require rewinding, making them convenient despite their bulky size. The distinctive “ka-chunk” sound of the track changing instantly transports people back.
Mood Rings
Mood rings, which supposedly changed color based on the wearer’s emotions, were a must-have accessory in the 1970s. Whether the ring turned blue for calm or black for stress, kids were fascinated by these “magical” pieces of jewelry.
Early Video Games
Pong, one of the first video games, was a sensation when it debuted in the 1970s. This simple tennis-like game, with its bouncing white dot, captivated kids and sparked the beginning of the video game revolution. Pong was the gateway to an entirely new world of digital entertainment.
Schoolhouse Rock
Schoolhouse Rock taught 1970s kids about grammar, math, and history through catchy tunes and colorful animations. Classics like “Conjunction Junction” and “I’m Just a Bill” made learning fun and memorable.
Bell-Bottom Jeans
Bell-bottom jeans were the fashion statement of the 1970s, flaring out dramatically from the knee. Paired with platform shoes, these jeans were a staple in every kid’s wardrobe. Today, they serve as a symbol of the decade’s bold and expressive style.
CB Radios
Citizen’s Band (CB) radios were all the rage, especially after the release of Smokey and the Bandit in 1977. Kids learned the lingo, like “breaker, breaker,” and “10-4,” and pretended to be truckers or radio operators. These devices provided hours of imaginative play.
Disco Fever
Disco music and the dance craze that accompanied it defined the late 1970s. Songs like “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees dominated the airwaves, and dance floors were packed with kids trying out their best moves.
Polaroid Cameras
Polaroid cameras brought instant gratification to photography in the 1970s. Kids loved watching the image slowly appear on the square, white-framed print after shaking it furiously. This instant photography was a novelty that captured countless memories.
Star Wars
After the release of Star Wars in 1977, action figures from the movie became a hot commodity. Kids collected Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, and other characters, reenacting scenes from the film in their living rooms.
Roller Rinks
Roller rinks were the social hubs for kids in the 1970s. Under the glow of disco balls and neon lights, kids laced up their skates and glided to the latest hits. These Friday night gatherings were a blend of music, friends, and fun, creating memories that rolled on long after the rink closed.
Atari Console
The Atari 2600, released in 1977, revolutionized home entertainment by bringing video games into living rooms. Games like “Space Invaders” and “Pac-Man” became instant classics, offering kids a new form of interactive entertainment. Owning an Atari was a status symbol.
Saturday Matinees
Saturday matinees were a cherished tradition, where kids could watch movies like Jaws or Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory for just a few dollars. The excitement of watching these films on the big screen with a tub of popcorn in hand is a memory that 1970s kids hold dear.
Mimeograph Paper
In school, the smell of freshly printed mimeograph paper was unmistakable. Kids eagerly sniffed the purple-inked sheets handed out by teachers, a scent that was both chemical and oddly comforting.
Evel Knievel
Evel Knievel was a daredevil hero for 1970s kids, known for his death-defying motorcycle stunts. His jumps over cars, buses, and even canyons were the stuff of legend, and kids idolized his bravery. Evel Knievel toys, especially the wind-up motorcycle, allowed them to recreate his stunts in their own backyards.
The Moon Landing
For kids growing up in the early 1970s, the memory of watching the Apollo moon landing is unforgettable. Gathering around black-and-white TVs, they witnessed Neil Armstrong’s historic first step and the words, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”
Brown Everything
In the 1970s, the color brown was everywhere—from clothing to home décor. Shag carpets, wood-paneled walls, and corduroy pants in various shades of brown defined the era’s aesthetic. This earthy palette, though dated now, was the backdrop to everyday life for 1970s kids.
Wacky Packages
Wacky Packages, the collectible stickers that parodied popular consumer products, were a hit among kids in the 1970s. With names like “Crust Toothpaste” and “Boredom’s Instant Coffee,” these humorous stickers were traded and stuck on everything from school lockers to bedroom walls.
Slinkies
The metal Slinky was a staple in every 1970s household. Kids delighted in watching it “walk” downstairs or simply bouncing it back and forth between their hands. The Slinky’s enduring appeal lies in its simplicity and the endless hours of entertainment it provides.
