The 1960s was a time of cultural upheaval, innovation, and unique social norms that shaped the lives of baby boomers. Many of the things they experienced as part of everyday life would be unthinkable—or even shocking—to kids today. Whether it was the wild independence kids had or the way society operated, these moments from the ’60s paint a fascinating picture of a bygone era.
1. Riding in Cars Without Seatbelts
In the ’60s, seatbelts weren’t just optional—they were often nonexistent. Kids piled into the back seat, sometimes even lying across the rear window ledge during long road trips. Today’s kids can’t even imagine leaving the driveway without buckling up in a car seat designed for their weight class.
2. Smoking Anywhere and Everywhere
Cigarettes were a fixture of ’60s life, and smoking indoors—at home, in restaurants, on airplanes, and even in hospitals—was the norm. Kids were often surrounded by secondhand smoke, a reality that would horrify today’s health-conscious families.
3. Walking Miles to School Alone
Boomer kids didn’t rely on parental chauffeurs or school buses as much as kids today do. It wasn’t unusual for children to walk a couple of miles to school on their own, often crossing busy streets or railroad tracks. Parents trusted that their kids would figure it out, something today’s “helicopter parenting” culture would find hard to fathom.
4. Playing with Dangerous Toys
Toys in the ’60s didn’t come with safety warnings or childproof designs. From lawn darts with sharp metal tips to Easy-Bake Ovens that could cause real burns, kids played with items that would make today’s parents shudder. But back then, it was just part of the fun.
5. Drinking Straight from the Garden Hose
Thirsty on a hot day? Kids in the ’60s didn’t run inside for a bottle of filtered water—they turned on the garden hose and drank straight from it. The idea of bottled water would have seemed absurd, and no one worried about “hose germs.”
6. Riding in the Back of a Pickup Truck
On sunny afternoons, it wasn’t unusual to see kids riding in the open bed of a pickup truck, hair flying in the wind. It was a thrilling experience that’s now outlawed in many places for safety reasons, but back then, it was just a fun way to get around.
7. Playing Outside Until Dark with No Supervision
In the ’60s, kids were sent outside to play and told not to come back until the streetlights came on. There were no check-ins, no cell phones, and no parents hovering nearby. Kids today are rarely without adult supervision, making this level of freedom hard to comprehend.
8. Casually Handling Fireworks
Boomer kids didn’t need a professional display to enjoy fireworks. Firecrackers, sparklers, and even bottle rockets were often handed out freely, with minimal adult oversight. While exciting, it’s a practice that would give modern parents a heart attack.
9. Using Pay Phones to Make Calls
Before cell phones, kids had to memorize phone numbers and use pay phones if they needed to call home. Carrying a dime or two was essential, and you’d better hope no one else was on the line when you needed to make that call.
10. Getting Left in the Car While Parents Shopped
Parents often left kids in the car while running errands, trusting they’d behave. It wasn’t seen as neglect—it was just how things were done. Today, this would cause a public outcry and possibly a call to authorities.
11. Skipping Helmets on Bikes
Kids in the ’60s biked everywhere, often on banana-seat bikes with no helmets in sight. Wiping out on gravel or taking a tumble was just part of the adventure. These days, helmets are a must, and the thought of riding without one feels risky.
12. Eating TV Dinners on Metal Trays
The iconic aluminum trays of the ’60s were filled with Salisbury steak, mashed potatoes, and a brownie—all reheated in the oven. TV dinners were a treat, eaten while watching the family’s favorite show. Today’s kids, with their fresh meals and microwaves, would probably find these meals underwhelming and unhealthy.
Boomers grew up in a world that was, in many ways, rougher around the edges but filled with adventure, independence, and simplicity. While today’s kids live in a world that prioritizes safety and convenience, there’s something to be said for the freedom and resilience that defined the ’60s childhood experience. What do you remember most from those days? Let’s hear your stories!
