1. Clackers
Ah, Clackers. A pair of acrylic balls attached to a string that you’d smash together repeatedly to make a satisfying (and slightly terrifying) “clack” sound. What could possibly go wrong? Well, if you played long enough—or with enough gusto—those balls had a tendency to shatter, sending sharp shards flying everywhere. But hey, it was worth the risk for the coolest recess activity on the block.
2. Jarts (Lawn Darts)
The ultimate backyard BBQ game…if you wanted to risk impaling someone. These weighted, metal-tipped darts were supposed to land in plastic rings on the grass. Unfortunately, they were just as likely to land in someone’s foot—or worse. Yet for many families, it wasn’t a summer picnic without a few close calls and a healthy dose of danger.
3. Super Elastic Bubble Plastic
This wasn’t just a toy; it was a science experiment—and not a safe one. Super Elastic Bubble Plastic involved squeezing a chemical-laden goop onto a straw, blowing into it, and creating colorful plastic bubbles. Fun, right? Except the fumes were practically toxic, and kids inevitably inhaled some while trying to blow their bubbles. OSHA would have a field day with this one now.
4. Creepy Crawlers Oven
Imagine an Easy-Bake Oven, but instead of cupcakes, you were cooking up rubbery insects. The Creepy Crawlers Oven let kids pour liquid plastic into molds, then heat it up to make their own critters. It was all fun and games until someone got burned by the scalding-hot molds or the liquid plastic itself. But hey, those homemade bugs were worth it.
5. Shrinky Dinks in the Oven
Shrinky Dinks were magical—you colored on sheets of plastic, popped them in the oven, and watched them shrink into adorable trinkets. The hazard? Kids were often left unsupervised around hot ovens, and some creative types decided to try their experiments in a toaster or with a lighter. The fumes from melting plastic? Probably not great for anyone’s lungs.
6. Slingshots
Every kid had one—and every kid’s parent regretted it. Whether you were using marbles, pebbles, or something less conventional, slingshots were the go-to weapon of neighborhood mischief. Eye injuries were a common side effect, but back then, a simple “You’ll shoot your eye out!” warning seemed to suffice.
7. Real Metal Tonka Trucks
These trucks were built to last—which, unfortunately, meant they were practically indestructible weapons in the hands of a determined child. From stubbed toes to smashed fingers to full-on collisions, Tonka trucks left more than a few kids in tears. And yet, they were a staple in every sandbox.
8. Battlestar Galactica Missile Launcher
This action-packed toy came with tiny missiles that you could launch from the spaceship. But “tiny” was the problem—several kids choked on the small projectiles, prompting a massive recall. If you were lucky enough to keep yours, you probably just learned to aim it away from your face (and your little brother).
9. Slip ‘N Slide
Sure, it’s still around today, but the original Slip ‘N Slide was a whole other level of hazardous. The thin plastic sheet, often laid out on hard grass—or worse, concrete—turned into a high-speed danger zone. Add in a little too much water and soap, and you’d be skidding headfirst into the ground before you knew it. But what a rush!
10. Cap Gun
The wild west craze meant kids had toy guns everywhere, but this one took things to a dangerous level. This was just one part of a much wider toy craze that started gaining steam in the ’60s, and was fully established in the ’70s, to the point that kids had all the variety in the world.
11. Pogo Sticks
Pogo sticks were the ultimate test of balance and bravery in the ’70s playground. These spring-loaded wonders promised hours of bouncing fun, but mastering them was no small feat. Kids spent countless afternoons trying to stay upright, often ending up with scraped knees and bruised elbows. Despite the risks, pogo sticks were a beloved staple, embodying the adventurous spirit of the decade. Watching friends take daring leaps was thrilling, even if it meant a few tumbles along the way. It’s amazing we all survived those bouncy escapades, isn’t it?
12. Mini Chemistry Sets
Before safety standards really took hold, kids’ chemistry sets often included actual hazardous chemicals. Think sulfur, potassium nitrate, and alcohol burners. Mixing experiments sometimes resulted in small explosions or noxious fumes. But hey, it was science! And every budding chemist had to learn the hard way about proper ventilation.
These toys weren’t just products of a bygone era—they were rites of passage, scars and all. Sure, they’d never fly by today’s safety standards, but they gave us stories to tell, lessons learned (the hard way), and a generation of daredevil nostalgia. Which of these hazards did you survive? Or, better yet, which ones did you thrive on?
