Growing up in the ‘70s meant experiencing a world without smartphones or the internet—where simple pleasures and creative pastimes defined childhood. There’s a special kind of magic in remembering the things that shaped our days, whether it was playing outside until the streetlights came on or enjoying a snack that’s long since disappeared. Here are 15 things that only kids from the ‘70s will truly understand, and why they hold such a special place in our hearts.
1. Making “Mix Tapes” with a Cassette Recorder
Before Spotify playlists or even CDs, making a mix tape was an art form. You’d sit by your tape deck, fingers hovering over the record button, waiting to capture your favorite song off the radio. Heaven forbid the DJ talked over the intro, ruining your perfect recording! And the thrill of handing someone a carefully curated tape—it was like giving them a piece of your soul, wrapped in music.
2. Endless Hours Spent Playing Outside
You’d head out in the morning and only come home for meals or when it got dark. No one tracked your location, and there were no phones to check in. You were just… out there. Climbing trees, riding bikes, building forts, and making up games on the fly. The world was your playground, and you learned to appreciate the simplicity of fresh air, open space, and a limitless sense of imagination.
3. Riding in the Way Back of the Station Wagon
Remember piling into the family station wagon, fighting with your siblings over who got the “way back” seat? That rear-facing bench was prime real estate, and being there made you feel like a king or queen surveying your domain (or at least the traffic behind you). No seat belts, no safety regulations—just the wind in your hair and the freedom to roll around as the car sped down the highway. It’s a wonder we survived, but it sure was fun.
4. Penny Candy and Soda Fountains
Heading to the local corner store with a handful of change meant you could walk out with a paper bag filled with candy. Jawbreakers, licorice whips, Pixy Stix—each piece cost just a few cents. And if you had a little extra, you’d head over to the soda fountain for a real treat, like a cherry Coke or a root beer float. It wasn’t just about the candy itself; it was about the thrill of choosing your own treasure and savoring each sweet bite.
5. Enduring the Mismatched Seasons of School Clothes
School clothes were rarely bought with fashion in mind. You’d wear the same polyester blend pants in the heat of September as you would in the chilly months of November. And the patterns! Stripes, plaids, and mismatched colors were all the rage. If you were lucky, you had a few hand-me-downs to stretch your wardrobe even further. Practicality, not style, was the name of the game, and no one questioned it.
6. The Joy of Scratch ‘n Sniff Stickers
These little scented circles of adhesive bliss were more than just stickers—they were a reward, a collector’s item, and a source of endless fun. Getting a scratch ‘n sniff sticker meant you’d been good, and they came in every scent imaginable: bubblegum, popcorn, root beer, and even skunk (for those “special” days). Opening your sticker book and getting that first whiff was a pleasure only ‘70s kids truly knew.
7. The Dreaded Wooden Spoon
For better or worse, many of us knew the power of the wooden spoon. It wasn’t just a kitchen utensil; it was a disciplinary tool that hung ominously on the wall or in a drawer, reminding you to behave. Whether it was wielded with a quick hand or merely waved as a threat, the sight of it could bring even the rowdiest child to a quick halt. The wooden spoon may have faded from kitchens, but its legacy lives on.
8. Schoolyard Games with No Adult Supervision
Recess was a free-for-all. There were no referees or teachers stepping in unless things got really out of hand. Games like Red Rover, dodgeball, and King of the Hill were serious business, and it wasn’t unusual to leave the playground with a scraped knee or a bruised ego. But it was all part of learning to navigate the rules of childhood and earning your place in the pecking order. Kids figured it out on their own, and there was a real sense of freedom in that.
9. Waiting for Saturday Morning Cartoons
Saturday mornings were sacred because it was the only time you could indulge in a solid block of cartoons. You’d wake up early, armed with a bowl of sugary cereal, and plop down in front of the TV to watch Scooby-Doo, The Flintstones, or Super Friends. There were no streaming options or DVRs—if you missed it, you had to wait an entire week to catch it again. Those mornings were pure, unfiltered joy and a chance to escape into a world of animated adventures.
10. The Excitement of Receiving a “Free Toy” from a Cereal Box
Breakfast was more about what toy was hidden in the box than what cereal you were actually eating. You’d dig through the sugary depths, spilling flakes or puffs everywhere, just to grab the prize. Whether it was a plastic car, a glow-in-the-dark ring, or a mini puzzle, it was always worth the mess. Cereal toys were treasures that made every morning feel like Christmas.
11. The Unpredictability of ‘Rabbit Ears’ on the TV
Adjusting the TV’s rabbit ears was an art form. You’d twist and turn them, wrap them in tin foil, and even stand on one foot while holding them in hopes of getting a clearer picture. Each adjustment brought the screen slightly closer to coherence, but it never lasted long. The frustration was real, but when you finally got it just right—ah, sweet satisfaction! And the victory dance afterward was unmatched.
12. Watching the Watergate Hearings with the Family
Even if you didn’t fully understand what was going on, you probably remember your parents’ hushed conversations and concerned looks during the Watergate hearings. For weeks, it seemed like every TV was tuned to that one story. It was a time when kids began to sense that politics wasn’t just a boring adult thing—it could actually change the world, and we were all witnesses.
13. The Rattle of Metal Lunchboxes with Matching Thermoses
Your lunchbox said a lot about you. Whether you had one featuring Scooby-Doo, The Brady Bunch, or a superhero, it was your badge of honor in the cafeteria. Inside, the clatter of a metal thermos filled with milk or soup rattled around with your sandwich and chips. Opening it up at noon was like unveiling a treasure chest, and trading snacks was a time-honored tradition.
14. Rotary Phones and Their Long, Tangled Cords
Rotary phones weren’t just communication devices—they were family artifacts. You’d dial a number and then wait for that familiar click-clack as the dial spun back. And those long, curly cords? They stretched across entire rooms, tangling up and knotting with every use. Heaven help you if you needed privacy—you’d be dragging that phone into the nearest corner, hoping the cord stretched far enough.
15. The Thrill of Getting Mail—Addressed to You!
Getting mail as a kid was a huge deal. Whether it was a birthday card, a letter from a pen pal, or a comic book you ordered with allowance money, seeing your name on an envelope was thrilling. You’d tear it open with excitement, savoring every word or illustration inside. It was a tangible connection to a bigger world, and it felt like pure magic.
Growing up in the ‘70s meant having experiences that were completely unique to that era—experiences that shaped you and that you’ll always look back on fondly. These memories are more than just things of the past—they’re a part of who you are, and they continue to give you goosebumps even today.
