Playgrounds in the 1970s were a wild place—literally. There were no rubber safety mats, no cautious supervision, and certainly no such thing as “impact-resistant” equipment. If you fell, you hit dirt, concrete, or gravel, and if you were lucky, you walked away with just a few scrapes. Looking back, it’s a wonder we all survived! Here are the 1970s playground toys from the past that were actually pretty dangerous, but somehow made childhood even more fun.
1. Metal Slides That Turned Into Scorching Hot Skillets
Every playground had one of these giant, gleaming metal slides, and while they were fun, they were also a hazard in disguise. On a hot summer day, they turned into blistering heat traps, branding the backs of kids’ legs like a cattle iron. And if you lost control, you were in for a high-speed crash landing straight onto the hard ground. No Fault Surfaces has some words for these particular sources of pain.
Today’s slides are made of plastic, have gentle slopes, and are set over soft surfaces, but they don’t have that same thrilling danger. Back then, the risk of third-degree burns and a bruised tailbone just made it more exciting. If you didn’t have a battle scar from one of these slides, did you even grow up in the ’70s?
2. Seesaws That Could Catapult You Into Next Week
The old-fashioned seesaw was a test of trust between you and your playground buddy. If both kids played nice, it was great fun. But if your partner suddenly decided to jump off? You were sent crashing down with a force that could knock the wind out of you—or worse, send you flying over the handlebars. Timber Play writes that this iconic toy has a history as adventurous as any play session spent on one of these.
Seesaws today are designed with safety features that limit the impact, but they’re nowhere near as exhilarating. Sure, the old ones were responsible for plenty of bruised tailbones and maybe a few chipped teeth, but they also built character!
3. Monkey Bars That Doubled as a Concussion Test
Climbing the monkey bars in the ’70s wasn’t just a playground activity—it was an act of bravery. These towering structures were often made of solid steel and cemented into the ground with no padding beneath. One slip and you were plummeting headfirst onto dirt or asphalt, hoping you didn’t break a bone. Smithsonian Magazine writes that there’s actually a remarkably scientific basis behind this playground staple.
Today’s monkey bars are shorter, surrounded by cushioned surfaces, and have safer designs to prevent falls. But nothing beats the feeling of reaching the very top, knowing that one wrong move could send you straight to the nurse’s office.
4. Merry-Go-Rounds That Turned Into High-Speed Death Traps
The metal merry-go-round was the ultimate thrill ride at any 1970s playground. You and your friends would pile on, and some brave soul would spin it as fast as possible, leaving everyone hanging on for dear life. If you lost your grip, you went flying like a rag doll, skidding across gravel or landing in a pile of kids. Oh, and, We Are Tricycle wants everyone to know, there is a difference between a merry-go-round and a carousel.
Modern versions have speed regulators and safer designs, but they don’t capture the chaos of the originals. The old merry-go-rounds were a test of endurance, strength, and sheer willpower. If you could hold on at full speed, you were a playground legend.
5. Jungle Gyms That Were Basically Steel Death Traps
The towering jungle gyms of the 1970s were built for kids with no fear of heights. Made entirely of metal and placed over unforgiving concrete or dirt, these climbing structures dared you to reach the top. A missed step meant a long, hard fall, and if it was winter, you might also find yourself stuck to the freezing metal bars.
These days, jungle gyms are designed with enclosed spaces, rounded edges, and safer heights. But back then, the challenge of conquering the highest rung—without slipping and breaking an arm—was what made it all worth it.
6. Swing Sets That Could Flip Over If You Swung Too High
Every kid knew that the real goal of a swing set was to see how high you could go. The bravest among us tried to go so high that the entire metal frame would lift off the ground, wobbling dangerously with each swing. If you really wanted a thrill, you’d launch yourself off at the peak, hoping to stick the landing.
Today’s swing sets are bolted down and made with safety chains, but they just don’t feel the same. The old swings may have been a little too rickety, but they taught kids how to handle a proper thrill ride.
7. The Whirl-a-Gig (AKA: The Ultimate Dizzy Machine)
This terrifying contraption was like a merry-go-round’s evil cousin. Kids would sit or stand inside, holding onto metal bars while someone spun it as fast as humanly possible. If you couldn’t hold on, you were flung out like a human pinball, often tumbling into a pile of unsuspecting kids.
You won’t find these on playgrounds anymore because, well, they were practically designed to cause injuries. But for those who survived, the Whirl-a-Gig was an unforgettable part of summer afternoons.
8. The Giant Dome Climber That Felt Like a Mount Everest Expedition
The geometric climbing domes of the ’70s were playground favorites, but they were also precarious at best. With their crisscrossing metal bars and dizzying height, they turned any fall into a painful game of pinball before hitting the ground.
Today, they’re made with softer materials and lower heights, but the thrill of hanging upside-down at the very top (hoping your sweaty hands wouldn’t betray you) is something today’s kids will never fully understand.
9. Wooden Balance Beams That Became Splinter Factories
Some playgrounds had wooden balance beams that seemed innocent enough—until you slipped and found yourself covered in splinters. These beams were rarely sanded down properly, meaning a misstep could lead to a painful encounter with jagged wood.
Now, balance beams are made with smoother materials and set over padded surfaces. But back then, if you walked away with a handful of splinters, it just meant you were doing it right.
10. Tetherball Poles That Doubled as Knockout Machines
Tetherball seemed like a harmless game—until the ball whipped around at lightning speed and smacked someone in the face. Kids learned real fast that if you weren’t paying attention, you’d end up on the ground, dazed and wondering what just happened.
Today, tetherball is less common on playgrounds, likely because it caused too many fat lips and bloody noses. But back then, getting whacked by the ball was just part of the game.
11. Concrete Pipes That Doubled as Hideouts (and Ovens in the Summer)
Some playgrounds featured giant concrete pipes that served as tunnels for crawling and hiding. But in the summer, they turned into sweltering hotboxes, practically baking any kid who sat inside too long. They were also the perfect place for skinned knees, spider nests, and the occasional unlucky kid who got stuck.
These days, soft plastic tunnels have replaced the old concrete ones. But crawling through those scorching, echoing tunnels remains a core memory for many.
Playgrounds in the ’70s weren’t designed with safety in mind—they were designed for adventure. Sure, they led to a few more bruises and maybe the occasional broken bone, but they also gave kids a sense of freedom, risk, and fun that today’s padded, ultra-safe play areas just can’t match. Maybe a little danger wasn’t such a bad thing after all!
