The 70s were a different time. A little freer, a little wilder, and a lot less supervised! Some of the things we did back then were just part of growing up—but if we tried them today, we’d be labeled total rebels. Let’s take a nostalgic look back at the things we did in the 70s that would absolutely raise eyebrows if we did them now.
1. Hitchhiking
Back in the 70s, sticking your thumb out to hitch a ride was almost a rite of passage. Whether you were going to the next town or across the country, hitchhiking was just a thing people did. These days, with the focus on safety and the “stranger danger” warnings drilled into everyone’s heads, hitchhiking would definitely land you in the “rebel” category—or at least a lecture from everyone who hears about it.
2. Smoking in Public—Everywhere
If you grew up in the 70s, you remember when it seemed like everyone smoked, and they did it everywhere. On planes, in restaurants, at the grocery store… it was just part of the landscape. Today, with strict smoking bans and designated areas, lighting up just about anywhere would be considered rebellious—especially with all the health awareness we have now.
3. Walking Home Alone After Dark
Back in the day, walking home alone at night wasn’t a big deal. You’d stay out late playing with friends, and when it was time to head home, you just went—sometimes in the dark, without a single worry. Today, parents track their kids’ every move, and letting a child walk alone at night would definitely be seen as a bit reckless.
4. Drinking from the Garden Hose
Water bottles? What water bottles? We drank straight from the garden hose without a second thought, especially after an intense game of backyard football or a long day riding bikes. Today, parents might worry about bacteria, chemicals, or who knows what else, but back then, that hose water was the best refreshment you could get!
5. No Helmets on Bikes
Riding a bike meant freedom, wind in your face, and nothing but the open road ahead—without a helmet in sight. Helmets were for serious sports, not a casual ride around the block! Today, of course, helmets are non-negotiable, and parents wouldn’t dream of letting their kids ride without one. But man, we sure felt cool zipping around with nothing but our wits to protect us!
6. BB Gun Fights
BB gun fights were a quintessential part of growing up in the 70s for a lot of kids. You’d gear up, head out to the woods or the backyard, and start shooting at each other like a scene out of a Western. Sure, there was always the risk of getting hit, but that was part of the fun, right? Nowadays, even talking about doing that would make people cringe—it’s considered way too dangerous (and not something anyone would encourage).
7. Staying Out Till the Streetlights Came On
There was no such thing as playdates with set times or constant check-ins. You left the house in the morning, and the only rule was to be home when the streetlights came on. Parents didn’t need to know exactly where you were or what you were doing, and you were free to roam. Today, parents use GPS trackers and cell phones to keep tabs on kids 24/7, so letting them disappear for hours would be seen as pretty rebellious.
8. Driving Without a Seatbelt
Seatbelts were around, sure, but not everyone used them. Kids sat in the front seat, sometimes without even buckling up, and no one thought much of it. Today, we know better, and seatbelt laws are strictly enforced, but back then, we were living life on the edge—and sometimes that meant cruising around with no seatbelt in sight.
9. Sneaking into the Drive-In Movies
The thrill of sneaking into a drive-in with a couple of friends was practically a rite of passage. Whether you squeezed into the trunk or ducked under the blanket in the back seat, there was a sense of adventure in getting in without paying. Today, it’s not just harder to pull off, but also a bit more frowned upon. We’d call it “stealing,” but back then, it felt more like harmless fun!
10. Riding in the Back of a Pickup Truck
Remember piling into the bed of a pickup truck for a ride to the store or the local swimming hole? Wind in your hair, no seatbelts, just the open road and pure freedom. It was the coolest thing ever back then. Today, though, you’d get a stern talking-to (and probably a hefty fine) for doing something like that. Safety laws have come a long way, but we sure miss the feeling of being young and invincible.
11. Roller Skating Without Pads
Roller skating was the ultimate pastime, and we did it with nothing more than a pair of skates and maybe some tube socks. No helmets, no knee pads, just pure fun on wheels. Today, you wouldn’t let your kids anywhere near a pair of skates without safety gear, but back then, we took the scrapes and bruises in stride.
12. Running Barefoot—Everywhere
Whether it was across gravel, hot pavement, or fields full of who-knows-what, we spent a good portion of our childhoods running barefoot. Shoes were for school and special occasions, and our feet were toughened from all that exposure. Today, parents are all about the right footwear and injury prevention, so letting your kids go barefoot everywhere might raise some eyebrows.
13. Cherry Bombs and Firecrackers
Setting off fireworks in the backyard or the local park was just part of the 70s thrill. The louder the bang, the bigger the fun! Lighting cherry bombs or firecrackers with little to no supervision was pretty common. These days, though, you’d be looking at some serious fines—and maybe a visit from law enforcement—if you tried this now.
14. Skipping School with a Forged Note
Who didn’t play hooky once in a while? And if you had the skills to forge a parent’s signature on a note, you could have yourself a whole day off, no questions asked. It was a test of nerve and handwriting! Now, with all the digital attendance systems and tighter controls, pulling something like that off would be a much bigger deal.
15. Raiding the Halloween Candy Before Inspection
In the 70s, when you got home with your trick-or-treat stash, you dove right in—no one worried about the mythical “razor blade in the apple” or poison. Today, parents thoroughly inspect every piece of candy before letting their kids take a single bite. Back then, though, the biggest concern was how quickly you could eat the good stuff before your siblings got to it!
Looking back, it’s amazing to see how much has changed. The things we did as kids—things that seemed totally normal—would probably make people gasp today. But those carefree days of the 70s gave us a sense of independence, adventure, and fun that we wouldn’t trade for the world. Even if we were a little rebellious without realizing it!
