10 Things We Used to Do for Fun Before Smartphones

These are the events that made us happy prior to smartphones became part of our daily schedule. They were simple but rewarding activities, like playing outside and in-person friend contacts. They remind us of a time when our entertainment was from actual interactions, imagination, and creativity.

1. Playing Outside

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Outdoor play was a mainstay of early enjoyment before smartphones. Children spent hours outside investigating and having adventures, whether riding bikes, playing tag, or climbing trees. These pursuits promoted invention, socializing, and physical exercise.

2. Board Games and Card Games

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Card and board games were popular ways to entertain friends and family. Classic games like Monopoly, Scrabble, and Uno often inspired friendly rivalry and kept people occupied for hours. They also provided a screen break and strengthened ties.

3. Reading Books

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Reading was a preferred means of escaping into other worlds and igniting imagination. Many spent hours reading a good book—fiction, comics, or magazines—when smartphones were not yet invented. This activity gave people a quiet respite from hectic life and helped increase their vocabulary and focus.

4. Watching TV Shows and Movies

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While watching TV was a popular pastime, it was different before smartphones. TV shows had to be watched at a specific time or recorded on VHS. There was no pausing, rewinding, or limitless scrolling for something to view as people crowded around the television to watch their preferred shows or movies. This made shared memories and discussions long beyond the end credits.

5. Going to the Arcade

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Before smartphones and home gaming systems became common, arcades were the preferred venue for leisure. Children and teenagers spent hours vying for high scores in games, including Pac-Man, Space Invaders, and pinball machines. Arcades provided a social experience where friends get together in person to play.

6. Writing Letters

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People used to send letters to remain in touch with friends and relatives before instant messaging and social media. Writing a letter required effort and consideration; getting one was always great. It was a personal approach to establish a closer, more meaningful conversation.

7. Outdoor Sports

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Popular pastimes for entertainment were sports, including basketball, soccer, and even simple catch in the yard. These activities offered opportunities for friendly rivalry, teamwork, and physical activity. Outdoor sports developed social and physical abilities, whether a casual pickup game in the park or a school game.

8. Listening to Music on a Walkman

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Listening to music used to be done on portable devices like a Walkman or Discman before streaming it on our phones. Often making music a daily ritual, people would compile mixtapes and listen to their preferred songs. During walks, commutes, or simply downtime, this personal, immersive experience made people happy.

9. Making Crafts

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People of all ages enjoyed crafting as a pastime. Making something with your hands was soothing and fulfilling, whether knitting, drawing, or friendship bracelets. These pursuits gave us something concrete to show for our time and a means to express originality.

10. Hanging Out with Friends

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Whether at a mall, in someone’s backyard, or at a local park, spending time with friends was typically done in person. The main things that made people happy were games, chatting, or simply hanging out. Those times allowed for closer, more meaningful relationships with others without smartphones to divert their attention.

• Tags:
• Fun
• childhood
• Activities
• Hobbies