Back in the ’70s and ’80s, life was simpler, yet somehow richer in its own way. Our entertainment didn’t rely on screens, algorithms, or constant connectivity—we made our own fun. The pastimes we loved back then might seem strange, even alien, to today’s younger generations, who’ve never known a world without the internet. But for those of us who grew up in those decades, these activities weren’t just hobbies—they were essential parts of childhood, teenage rebellion, and even family bonding. Let’s dive into 13 beloved pastimes from the ’70s and ’80s that Millennials just don’t quite understand.
1. Making Mixtapes
Crafting a mixtape wasn’t just about throwing songs together—it was an art form, a way to communicate feelings and create a personal soundtrack for your life. You’d sit by your stereo, finger hovering over the record button, waiting for the DJ to stop talking so you could capture the perfect song off the radio. It required patience, timing, and a little luck, especially when the radio host decided to talk over the outro.
Mixtapes were often given as gifts or love letters, with every track carefully selected to say what words couldn’t. Today, playlists are created in seconds with a few taps, but they lack the tangible effort and emotional weight of a handmade mixtape. Millennials might appreciate the convenience of Spotify, but they’ve missed out on the magic of handing someone a cassette and saying, “This is for you.”
2. Hanging Out at the Mall
The mall was more than a place to shop—it was a social hub, a place to see and be seen. You’d spend hours wandering from store to store, flipping through records at Sam Goody, trying on clothes at The Gap, and blowing your allowance at the arcade. Food courts were the unofficial hangout spot, where you’d split a giant pretzel or share fries with friends.
Malls weren’t just for shopping; they were about freedom and independence, a place where you could escape from parents and school for a while. Millennials, with their online shopping and digital meetups, don’t quite get the thrill of an entire Saturday spent loitering at the mall with nothing but time and a few dollars to burn.
3. Calling the Radio Station
If you wanted to hear your favorite song or dedicate a tune to your crush, you didn’t just stream it—you called the radio station. You’d wait on hold, hoping to be the lucky caller who got through to request a song or win a contest. Hearing your name or voice on the airwaves felt like a mini celebrity moment.
This pastime required persistence and a bit of courage, especially if you were calling for a dedication. Millennials don’t get the thrill of that real-time interaction with a DJ, replaced now by curated playlists and on-demand streaming. But for us, the excitement of dialing and waiting for our turn was half the fun.
4. Spending Hours in the Video Rental Store
Choosing a movie wasn’t as simple as scrolling through Netflix. You had to drive to the video store, wander the aisles, and debate with friends or family over which VHS tape to rent. You’d study the box art, read the back, and take a gamble on something that might be a hidden gem—or a total dud.
There was a sense of ritual to it, from picking your snack at the checkout counter to rewinding the tape before returning it. Millennials with their streaming services miss out on the communal experience of browsing, the tactile joy of holding a movie in your hand, and the thrill of snagging the last copy of a blockbuster hit.
5. Playing in the Street Until Dark
“Go outside and don’t come back until dinner” was a common directive in the ’70s and ’80s. Kids roamed the neighborhood, playing tag, riding bikes, and inventing games that stretched their imaginations. The street was the playground, and rules were made up on the fly.
There were no smartphones to check in with, and parents didn’t hover—they trusted that we’d come home when the streetlights flicked on. Millennials grew up with organized playdates and constant supervision, missing out on the freedom and camaraderie of unstructured outdoor adventures.
6. Listening to Vinyl Records
Before Spotify playlists and AirPods, music was an immersive experience. You’d pull out a vinyl record, carefully place the needle on the groove, and listen to an album from start to finish. Each record had its own unique pops and hisses, and flipping it over halfway through was part of the ritual.
Album art wasn’t just packaging—it was a form of expression that you could hold, study, and sometimes even frame. Millennials, with their endless digital libraries, miss the tactile and intentional experience of putting on a record and savoring it as a full journey, not just a random shuffle.
7. Playing with Lawn Darts
This backyard game involved throwing heavy, pointed darts at a target—what could go wrong? Lawn darts were a summer favorite, even though they were as much a safety hazard as they were a pastime. You learned quickly to keep your distance and duck if someone had bad aim.
Eventually, lawn darts were banned for being too dangerous, replaced by softer, less exciting versions. Millennials never got to experience the mix of fun and adrenaline that came with a game where the stakes were high—and injuries were almost inevitable.
8. Reading Choose Your Own Adventure Books
These interactive books let you become the hero of the story, making choices that would change the plot. Each decision carried consequences, and you’d often flip back to try different paths, hoping to avoid the dreaded “The End” page.
Millennials grew up with video games that offered similar branching narratives, but they lack the simplicity and tactile joy of flipping through a Choose Your Own Adventure book, debating which option to take.
9. Typing on Typewriters
Before laptops and tablets, there was the clack-clack-ding of a typewriter. Writing required precision, as mistakes couldn’t be deleted—just covered with correction tape or retyped entirely. It was a slow, deliberate process that demanded focus.
Millennials have grown up with spellcheck and touchscreens, making the methodical art of typewriting a relic of the past. But for us, there was something satisfying about the tactile rhythm and finality of putting words on paper.
10. Taking Photos and Waiting to See Them
Snapping a photo wasn’t an instant gratification experience. You had to load film, carefully compose your shot, and then wait days—or even weeks—before seeing the results. Every click of the shutter was precious, as film was expensive and limited.
Millennials, accustomed to instant digital photos and selfies, don’t understand the anticipation and surprise of picking up a batch of prints from the drugstore and discovering what moments you’d captured.
11. Making Prank Calls
Before caller ID ruined the fun, prank calls were a mischievous way to pass the time. You’d gather with friends, dial a random number, and try to stifle your laughter as you asked ridiculous questions or delivered silly lines.
Millennials, with their ever-connected devices, have missed out on this innocent (and occasionally annoying) pastime, now largely replaced by memes and digital pranks.
12. Waiting for Saturday Morning Cartoons
Cartoons weren’t available on-demand—you had to wake up early on Saturday mornings, grab a bowl of cereal, and park yourself in front of the TV for hours of animated joy. Each show was a special event, and you’d plan your weekend around the lineup.
Millennials, with their 24/7 streaming access, don’t get the excitement of waiting all week for your favorite cartoons. For us, Saturday mornings weren’t just a time slot—they were an institution.
13. Keeping Notes in Trapper Keepers
Trapper Keepers weren’t just school supplies—they were personal organizers and style statements. These brightly colored binders with Velcro closures kept everything in one place, from homework to doodles. You’d decorate them with stickers or personalize them with your favorite bands and TV shows.
Millennials, with their digital apps and sleek laptops, don’t understand the joy of flipping through a Trapper Keeper. For us, it was more than a binder—it was a badge of honor, a way to express who we were and keep our chaotic school lives in order.
The pastimes of the ’70s and ’80s reflect a world that moved slower, valued tactile experiences, and encouraged creativity in ways that feel almost foreign today. While Millennials might not fully understand the charm of these activities, they’re a reminder of a simpler, more personal time that shaped who we are. And honestly? We wouldn’t trade those memories for all the convenience in the world.
