The 1970s were a time when kids were encouraged to explore, play, and sometimes take risks that would make today’s parents break out in a cold sweat. Back then, safety standards were more of a suggestion than a rule, and toys reflected that wild, freewheeling spirit. From sharp edges and small parts to actual flames, these toys weren’t just fun—they were downright hazardous. Let’s take a look at 14 toys from the ’70s that, while iconic, were also pretty dangerous.
Slip ’N Slide
Slip ’N Slide turned backyards into makeshift water parks, offering kids the thrill of sliding across a long, wet plastic sheet. On a hot summer day, there was nothing better than getting a running start and launching yourself onto the slippery surface. The rush of cool water combined with the speed of the slide made for endless fun—but only if you hit it just right.
The danger lay in the slide’s lack of padding, offering no protection against rocks, sticks, or the hard ground beneath. A miscalculated dive could lead to bruises, scrapes, or worse, with neck and back injuries being a real concern. The risks were even higher for older kids and adults, whose greater size and speed increased the chance of a painful mishap.
Jarts (Lawn Darts)
The concept of Jarts was simple: toss heavy, metal-tipped darts toward a plastic ring on the ground. It sounded like good old-fashioned backyard fun, but the reality was far more dangerous. Those metal tips turned each dart into a potential missile, and if someone stood in the wrong place at the wrong time, things could go south quickly.
Many kids—and adults—were injured when Jarts veered off course, with thousands ending up in emergency rooms. The game’s combination of sharp projectiles and casual play made it a recipe for disaster. After several serious accidents, including fatalities, Jarts were finally banned in the U.S. in 1988—but in the ’70s, they were a staple of summer gatherings, safety risks and all.
Creepy Crawlers
The Creepy Crawlers set let kids create their own rubbery insects by pouring “Plasti-Goop” into metal molds and baking them in a small oven. The process was as fascinating as it was hazardous, with the chance to make squishy spiders and wiggly worms right at the kitchen table. However, the fun often came with a side of danger, as the metal molds could heat up to a scorching 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
The risk of burns and blisters was all too real, especially for eager hands not quite ready to handle hot surfaces. Beyond the physical dangers, the smell of melting plastic filled the air—a scent that likely wasn’t the healthiest thing to breathe. Despite the hazards, kids loved crafting their creepy creations, even if it meant a few singed fingers along the way.
Shrinky Dinks
Shrinky Dinks started as large plastic sheets that kids could color and design to their heart’s content. The magic happened when these sheets were baked in the oven, transforming into hardened, miniature versions of their creations. It was a fun and creative craft, turning simple drawings into keychains, jewelry, and other trinkets.
While the activity itself was mostly safe, the real danger lay in using standard household ovens. If the plastic overheated, it could release toxic fumes, turning a harmless art project into a potential health hazard. Parents quickly realized that supervising art time wasn’t just a suggestion—it was a must to keep little crafters safe.
Easy-Bake Oven
The Easy-Bake Oven may sound harmless, but the early versions used an actual incandescent light bulb as a heat source, reaching over 350 degrees. The concept was simple and delightful: mix up a bit of batter, slide the tiny pan into the oven, and wait for your miniature treat to bake. However, the design required kids to push pans into the oven and pull them out, which often resulted in burned fingers.
The combination of high heat and eager little hands wasn’t always a good mix. In addition to burns, there was also the potential for electrical shocks if the oven wasn’t handled properly. Despite its hazards, the Easy-Bake Oven remained wildly popular, proving that kids were more than willing to endure a bit of danger for the promise of a warm, tiny brownie.
Clackers
Clackers were two heavy acrylic balls on a string that kids swung up and down to create a satisfying “clack” sound. The goal was to get the balls to clack as fast as possible, creating a rhythm that was both fun and a little hypnotic. However, the faster the clack, the greater the risk—those balls could easily become high-speed projectiles if things went awry.
When Clackers went wrong, they really went wrong. Kids often ended up with bruised wrists, cracked knuckles, or even shards of acrylic in their skin when the balls shattered under pressure. Despite their popularity, the dangers became too apparent, and Clackers were eventually pulled from the market—but not before leaving their mark, sometimes quite literally, on a whole generation of adventurous kids.
Sky Dancers
Though technically a ’90s toy, Sky Dancers had roots in similar toys from the ’70s that featured spinning, flying parts. These colorful dolls were launched into the air using a pull-string mechanism, sending them twirling skyward in a whimsical display. However, the charm quickly faded when the dolls’ unpredictable flight paths turned playtime into a game of dodgeball—without the soft balls.
The spinning wings of Sky Dancers could cause real harm, from scratches and bruises to more serious injuries if they hit the face or eyes. Kids, pets, and unsuspecting parents all found themselves in the line of fire. The fact that no one could predict where the dolls would land added an extra layer of danger, turning an innocent toy into a flying hazard.
Battlestar Galactica Colonial Viper
In the late ’70s, the Battlestar Galactica Colonial Viper toy featured a small, spring-loaded missile that could shoot out of the spaceship. The toy aimed to replicate the thrill of the sci-fi show, giving kids a chance to battle imaginary Cylons in their living rooms. However, the tiny projectile posed a serious choking hazard, and tragically, at least one death was reported.
The incident prompted a swift recall and served as a wake-up call for the entire toy industry. This event directly influenced safety standards, leading to stricter regulations on small, detachable parts in children’s toys. Afterward, many toys transitioned to “permanently attached” or “non-firing” projectiles, ensuring that playtime would be fun and safe for generations to come.
Hippity Hop
The Hippity Hop was a giant inflatable ball with a handle, giving kids the chance to bounce around like human pogo sticks. The bright, bouncy toy promised hours of fun as kids hopped through yards and driveways. However, controlling the Hippity Hop was no easy feat, and many a carefree bounce ended in a not-so-carefree tumble.
When things went wrong, they often went very wrong. Bouncing off the ball onto hard concrete or colliding with obstacles could quickly turn playtime into a trip to the emergency room. While it was fantastic for burning off energy, the Hippity Hop also had a knack for delivering bruises, scrapes, and the occasional knock to the noggin.
BB Guns
The 1970s saw a boom in toy BB guns, fueled by the popularity of movies and TV shows that glorified the Wild West and action heroes. These realistic-looking “toys” gave kids a taste of adventure, allowing them to play cowboy or secret agent in their own backyards. However, despite being marketed as toys, BB guns packed a surprising punch and could cause real harm.
The dangers were all too real, with injuries ranging from skin punctures to serious eye damage. Many kids didn’t realize how dangerous BB guns could be until a playful shot turned into a painful lesson. The classic line “You’ll shoot your eye out!” from A Christmas Story wasn’t just a joke—it was a very real warning for a generation of kids armed with these powerful playthings.
Sit ’n Spin
The Sit ’n Spin was a plastic disc that let kids whirl themselves around by cranking a central wheel. The faster they cranked, the more intense the ride, offering a simple yet exhilarating way to burn off energy. It was a go-to toy for kids who loved the thrill of spinning, but it also had a knack for pushing fun into the realm of discomfort.
The downside of all that spinning was the inevitable dizziness and nausea that followed. While it wasn’t the most dangerous toy on this list, it did have the potential to turn a fun afternoon into a dizzy disaster. Many kids ended up spinning themselves right off the disc or, worse, into a nearby coffee table, proving that sometimes too much of a good thing could leave your head—and your living room—a little worse for wear.
Water Wiggle
The Water Wiggle was a sprinkler toy that turned a simple garden hose into a writhing, water-spraying spectacle. Kids would chase after the toy as it danced unpredictably, its plastic head flinging cool water in all directions. On a hot summer day, it seemed like the perfect way to beat the heat, adding a splash of chaos to backyard play.
However, the toy’s unpredictability was also its biggest danger. The plastic head could whip around with surprising force, leading to more than a few bruises. The real hazard came if the head detached, leaving the high-pressure metal nozzle to swing freely like a dangerous flail. While the Water Wiggle promised wild summer fun, it often turned the backyard into a water-soaked hazard zone.
Buzzy Bee
The Buzzy Bee pull toy by Fisher-Price seemed like the perfect companion for toddlers, with its bright colors and cheerful design. The little bee wobbled and buzzed as it was pulled along, capturing the attention of curious kids. However, beneath its innocent appearance, the toy had a few hidden dangers that parents didn’t see coming.
The Buzzy Bee had small components that could break off during play, presenting a serious choking hazard to little ones. Additionally, the pull string, while great for dragging the bee around, posed a strangulation risk if not properly supervised. Over time, as safety standards evolved, Fisher-Price redesigned the toy to eliminate these risks, proving that even beloved classics sometimes needed a safety upgrade.
Super Elastic Bubble Plastic
Super Elastic Bubble Plastic was a colorful, gooey kit that allowed kids to create plastic bubbles by blowing into a straw. The concept was magical—squeeze out the bright, putty-like substance, stretch it over the end of a straw, and blow to form a shimmering, durable bubble. It felt like a mix between a craft project and a bit of backyard chemistry, offering an experience that regular soap bubbles just couldn’t match.
However, the mixture’s ingredients included chemicals like polyvinyl acetate dissolved in acetone, which wasn’t exactly kid-friendly. The strong fumes could cause dizziness and nausea, and kids who accidentally inhaled while blowing bubbles might find themselves feeling lightheaded. While Super Elastic Bubble Plastic provided a unique kind of fun, it also served as a reminder that not all toys from the past would pass today’s safety standards.
Looking back, it’s amazing how many of these toys made it onto store shelves and into our homes. While they certainly brought joy, they also brought an element of risk that’s hard to imagine in today’s safety-conscious world. They remind us of a time when childhood was a bit more rough-and-tumble—and when a toy-related bump or bruise was often just part of the adventure.
