13 Summer Activities from the ’70s That Don’t Happen Anymore
Many popular summer activities from the 1970s have faded away due to safety concerns, societal changes, and shifting lifestyles.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
Summer in the 1970s was shaped by independence, fewer rules, and hands-on experiences. Many of the things kids did then are no longer common or even allowed today. These changes reflect new knowledge, modern parenting, and updated safety standards.
1. Riding in the Back of Pickup Trucks
Michael Barera on Wikimedia Commons
In the 1970s, kids often rode in the back of pickup trucks during summer drives. It was considered normal and wasn’t seen as dangerous at the time. There were no seatbelts, and children sometimes stood while the vehicle was in motion. Today, this is illegal or heavily restricted in most places because of the high risk of injury.
2. Drinking from the Garden Hose
Bethany Ferr on Pexels
Children used to drink water straight from the garden hose while playing outside. It was quick, easy, and nobody questioned whether it was safe. At the time, there was little concern about the materials used in hoses or water contamination. Now, people are more cautious due to awareness of chemicals like lead or bacteria in stagnant water.
3. Running Through Mosquito Fog Trucks
Infrogmation on Wikimedia Commons
Cities used to spray neighborhoods with insecticides using large fogging trucks. Kids sometimes ran through the fog for fun, unaware of the potential health risks. Chemicals like DDT were used before being banned in the U.S. in 1972. Today, such behavior is strongly discouraged due to the known dangers of pesticide exposure.
4. Hitchhiking to the Beach
Roger McLassus on Wikimedia Commons
Some teens in the 1970s would hitchhike to local beaches or parks during the summer. It was seen as a cheap and common way to travel without a car. While not always safe, it wasn’t as heavily warned against as it is now. Over time, public safety campaigns and true crime reports made hitchhiking much less acceptable.
5. Barefoot Bike Riding
Gadjoboy on Wikimedia Commons
Many kids rode their bikes without shoes, especially during hot summer days. It was uncomfortable at times, but no one made a big deal about it. Helmets were also rare, and scraped knees were expected. Today, most children wear shoes, and bike safety gear is strongly recommended or required.
6. Tanning with Baby Oil
Sheba_Also 43,000 photos on Wikimedia Commons
People used baby oil to tan faster in the sun, aiming for darker skin tones. There was little public knowledge about UV damage or long-term skin risks. Sunscreen existed, but it wasn’t widely used or promoted. Today, the use of oil for tanning is discouraged, and sun protection is considered essential.
7. Firecracker Wars
Ajayaghosh on Wikimedia Commons
It wasn’t unusual for kids to light firecrackers and throw them at each other for fun. Injuries were frequent, including burns and hearing damage. Adult supervision was minimal or absent during these activities. Modern laws are stricter, and fireworks are banned or limited in many residential areas.
8. Hanging Out at the Mall All Day
Martin Falbisoner on Wikimedia Commons
Teens often spent entire summer days at shopping malls without adult supervision. They walked around, met friends, and sometimes played arcade games or got fast food. It was a social activity, not centered on shopping. Today, many malls have fewer visitors and enforce loitering rules, especially for unaccompanied minors.
9. Making Creepy Crawlers with Heating Plates
Berry Prince on Wikimedia Commons
Toy kits like Creepy Crawlers allowed kids to make rubber bugs using metal molds and heated plates. The process involved hot liquid plastic, often without any adult present. Burns and accidents were not uncommon. Most modern toys have additional safety features and more stringent age recommendations.
10. Sneaking into Drive-In Movies
FabSubeject on Wikimedia Commons
Some kids climbed fences or hid in car trunks to get into drive-in theaters without paying. It was seen as a harmless way to watch movies with friends. Staff sometimes ignored it, depending on the place. Today, drive-ins are rare, and this kind of sneaking in is much harder due to better surveillance.
11. Collecting Pop Tops from Soda Cans
Breakingpic on Wikimedia Commons
Soda cans used to have removable pull-tabs that kids collected and sometimes played with. The edges were sharp, and cuts were common. Some people made crafts out of them, like chains or bracelets. These tabs were later redesigned to stay attached due to safety concerns and littering.
12. Playing Until the Streetlights Came On
Mohamed Hozyen Ahmed on Wikimedia Commons
Children played outside for hours without checking in with their parents at home. Parents expected them back when the streetlights turned on. There were no phones, so everything relied on trust and routine. Today, many parents prefer regular check-ins and more structured supervision.
13. Campfire Nights Without Supervision
Alonp on Wikimedia Commons
Groups of kids built small fires in backyards or open areas during summer evenings. They roasted marshmallows, talked, and occasionally threw in random items to see what happened. Adults were often nearby but not actively watching. Now, unsupervised fires are discouraged due to fire hazards and local regulations.