Growing up in the 1970s, kids had freedoms and experiences that seem almost unbelievable now. The world was a different place, full of adventures, risks, and sheer fun that today’s kids may never get to know. Here’s a nostalgic look at 15 things we got to do back then that would raise eyebrows—or flat-out be impossible—today.
1. Roam Free Until the Streetlights Came On
In the ’70s, parents didn’t track their kids’ every move. We’d head out on bikes or on foot, explore miles from home, and only return when the streetlights flickered on. Today, GPS tracking and stranger-danger paranoia make this kind of freedom rare.
2. Ride in the Back of a Pickup Truck
There was nothing like the wind in your hair as you rode in the open bed of a truck, clutching the sides and yelling over the roar of the road. Now, it’s considered unsafe—and it’s illegal in most places.
3. Smoke Candy Cigarettes
Those chalky little sticks of sugar were everywhere, and we puffed on them like we were in an old black-and-white movie. The idea of selling these to kids today? Forget it. Candy’s got to stay wholesome now.
4. Set Off Fireworks Without Supervision
Fourth of July in the ’70s often meant kids lighting firecrackers, bottle rockets, or sparklers with little more than a match and some bravado. Today, fireworks are heavily regulated, and safety is a much bigger concern.
5. Buy a Coke for a Dime from a Vending Machine
A dime could get you a frosty glass bottle of Coke straight from a vending machine. You’d pop the top right there and chug it down. Now, not only are vending machines more expensive, but glass bottles are almost a novelty.
6. Walk or Bike to School Alone
Kids in the ’70s often walked or biked to school by themselves, sometimes covering miles, no matter the weather. Nowadays, it’s all about carpools, buses, and safety concerns.
7. Play on Metal Playgrounds
The playgrounds of the ’70s were made of solid metal and wood, with monkey bars, seesaws, and slides that got blazing hot in the sun. Sure, they were risky, but they were also thrilling. Today’s padded, plastic playgrounds feel tame by comparison.
8. Buy Penny Candy at the Corner Store
A handful of coins was all you needed to walk out of the store with a bag of penny candy—red licorice, Pixy Stix, or Tootsie Rolls. Now, inflation has turned penny candy into a relic of the past.
9. Make Prank Calls Without Caller ID Ruining the Fun
Who didn’t giggle their way through a prank call to a random number? Without caller ID, you could get away with silly jokes or fake orders. Now, caller ID and anti-harassment laws have put an end to that innocent mischief.
10. Watch Saturday Morning Cartoons Without Ads for Prescription Meds
Saturday mornings were sacred—just you, the TV, and hours of animated bliss fueled by sugary cereal. Modern kids don’t have the same ritual with streaming services, and ads for toys have been replaced by those for medications. Not the same vibe!
11. Play Dodgeball in Gym Without Complaints
Dodgeball was a gladiator sport, and gym class was your arena. You dodged, ducked, and took the hits. Nowadays, it’s considered too aggressive for some schools, and the game has been toned down—or replaced entirely.
12. Ride in Cars Without Seatbelts
Bench seats were the norm, and kids piled in with no seatbelts, sliding around with every turn. While we’re safer now, those carefree rides with the whole family crammed into one car are a thing of the past.
13. Hang Out in the Smoking Section
Airplanes, restaurants, even the school teachers’ lounge—smoking sections were everywhere. Kids didn’t smoke (well, not all of them), but they’d be around it all the time. Today, it’s unthinkable for kids to be exposed to that kind of environment.
Looking back, it’s amazing how different childhood was in the ’70s. We had freedom, risks, and experiences that shaped who we became. Sure, some changes have made life safer, but don’t you miss the wild, unfiltered joy of those times? What’s one thing you wish kids today could experience? Share your memories—we’d love to hear them!
