The 1960s were a transformative era marked by cultural shifts and changing norms, especially in the realm of childhood experiences. Looking back, there were numerous activities and behaviors common among ’60s kids that are now virtually unheard of in today’s world. In retrospect, the ’60s were a time of innocence and simplicity, with childhood experiences vastly different from those of today. While some aspects may seem antiquated or even unsafe by modern standards, they reflect a time when kids enjoyed greater freedom and fewer constraints, shaping memories that endure to this day. Let’s explore 20 such aspects of ’60s childhood that seem like relics of a bygone era:
Playing Outside Unsupervised
’60s kids often roamed their neighborhoods freely, spending hours outdoors without constant adult supervision.
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Riding Bikes Without Helmets
Safety regulations were far less stringent, and it was common for children to ride bikes without protective gear.
Walking to School Alone
Many children walked to and from school without the accompaniment of parents or guardians, even at a young age.
Playing with Simple Toys
’60s kids entertained themselves with basic toys like marbles, yo-yos, and homemade games, relying on imagination rather than technology.
Building Treehouses
Constructing makeshift treehouses or forts was a favorite pastime, fostering creativity and independence.
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Drinking Water from Outdoor Hoses
Thirsty kids would quench their thirst by drinking directly from garden hoses, oblivious to concerns about water quality.
Playing with Lawn Darts
Despite the risks, lawn darts were a popular outdoor game enjoyed by many ’60s children, a far cry from today’s safety-conscious culture.
Buying Penny Candy
’60s kids could stretch their allowance by purchasing an array of candies for just a few cents, a treat rarely seen in today’s world of pricey snacks.
Riding in Cars Without Seatbelts
Seatbelt usage wasn’t mandated until later in the ’60s, so many children rode in cars without this basic safety precaution.
Using Payphones
Kids relied on payphones to communicate with friends and family when away from home, a concept foreign to today’s smartphone-dependent generation.
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Reading Physical Books
With no e-readers or tablets, ’60s kids immersed themselves in physical books, fostering a love of reading without digital distractions.
Playing Vinyl Records
Kids enjoyed music on vinyl records, carefully selecting and playing their favorite tunes on record players, a far cry from today’s streaming services.
Writing Letters
Correspondence was often done through handwritten letters, with kids eagerly awaiting responses in the mail, a practice largely replaced by instant messaging and emails today.
Watching Cartoons on Saturday Mornings
Saturday morning cartoons were a beloved tradition, with kids eagerly waking up early to catch their favorite animated shows, a ritual lost in today’s on-demand viewing culture.
Playing Outdoor Games Until Dusk
’60s kids spent evenings playing outdoor games like kickball or tag until the streetlights came on, signaling it was time to head home.
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Exploring Nature
Children had a deeper connection with nature, spending time exploring forests, streams, and fields without the distractions of screens and technology.
Playing with Firecrackers
Firecrackers were a common sight during holidays like the Fourth of July, with kids enjoying the thrill of lighting them in backyard celebrations, a practice now tightly regulated.
Buying Comic Books for a Dime
Comic books were a staple of ’60s childhood, with kids eagerly purchasing their favorite titles for just a dime, a bargain compared to today’s prices.
Attending Drive-In Movies
Families piled into cars to enjoy movies at the drive-in theater, a nostalgic experience rarely replicated in today’s multiplex-dominated entertainment landscape.
Having Simple Birthday Parties
Birthday celebrations were modest affairs, often consisting of homemade cakes, simple decorations, and outdoor games, a stark contrast to today’s elaborate parties.
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Sources
- “27 Things ’60s Kids Did That Would Horrify Us Now” Country Living. Laurie Sue Brockway. October 30, 2017.
- “Things ’60s kids, parents did that would horrify people today” Chron. Daniela Sternitzky-Di Napoli. September 29, 2017.
- “23 Things Kids Did in the ’60s That Would Horrify Us in the Modern Age” MSN
