13 Things Every ’80s Kid Tried at Least Once
Growing up in the 1980s was a mix of neon colors, wild ideas, and unforgettable trends. Kids found endless ways to stay entertained, even with limited technology and no internet. From toys to fashion, there were things everyone just had to try at least once.
- Tricia Quitales
- 4 min read
The ’80s was a bold and energetic time that shaped a unique generation of kids. Before smartphones and streaming, creativity and curiosity filled the days. Certain experiences were so common, it’s hard to find someone from that era who didn’t take part in them. Whether silly, fun, or slightly dangerous, these moments left lasting memories.
1. Making a Mixtape from the Radio
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Taping songs off the radio required perfect timing and quick fingers on the record button. Every mixtape was a custom treasure, complete with DJ chatter and accidental cut-offs. It was a slow but fun way to share music with friends or crushes.
2. Trying to Solve a Rubik’s Cube
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Every kid had a Rubik’s Cube, whether they could solve it or not. Most ended up twisting it endlessly before giving up or peeling off the stickers. It was one of the most frustrating yet addictive toys of the decade.
3. Drinking from a Hose
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Playing outside for hours meant getting thirsty, and the garden hose was always nearby. No one questioned it, and the slightly metallic taste somehow felt refreshing. It’s something almost every ’80s kid remembers without a second thought.
4. Watching Saturday Morning Cartoons in Pajamas
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Saturday mornings were sacred, filled with cereal and a lineup of non-stop cartoons. Kids would wake up early and plant themselves in front of the TV. It was a weekly ritual that brought joy without needing a single plan.
5. Wearing Jelly Shoes
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These colorful plastic shoes were trendy and came in every color you could imagine. They looked fun but often caused blisters after a full day of wear. Still, everyone had at least one pair to match their brightest outfit.
6. Blowing Into Nintendo Cartridges
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When a game wouldn’t start, the solution was always to blow into the cartridge and hope for the best. Kids believed it worked, even if it didn’t actually fix the problem. It became part of the gaming experience, passed down like a secret trick.
7. Playing with Garbage Pail Kids Cards
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These trading cards were gross, weird, and totally irresistible. They were banned in many schools, which only made them more popular. Collecting them became a rebellious hobby that parents didn’t quite understand.
8. Jumping on a Pogo Ball
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Shaped like a ball squished into a disc, the Pogo Ball was a wobbly challenge to balance on. Kids would bounce around the driveway trying not to fall. It was harder than it looked and often led to some pretty funny wipeouts.
9. Pretending to Be in a Music Video
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With MTV booming, every kid dreamed of being a rock star or pop icon. Hairbrush microphones and bedroom dance moves were part of the daily routine. Some even recorded their own performances with a giant camcorder.
10. Watching Movies on VHS Until the Tape Wore Out
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Favorite movies were watched over and over, even if it meant tracking issues and worn-out tapes. Rewinding was a chore, but no one minded as long as they could press play again. The sound of a VCR loading was just part of movie night.
11. Creating Epic Bike Ramps from Scrap Wood
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Inspired by action movies, kids built ramps with whatever they could find in the garage. The goal was always to jump higher or farther than anyone else. Broken ramps and scraped knees were part of the fun.
12. Making Slime with Glue and Borax
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Long before it was trendy again, kids made slime with whatever household items they could mix. The result was messy, weird, and oddly satisfying. It usually ended up stuck in carpets or hair, but that didn’t stop the fun.
13. Recording Messages on a Cassette Answering Machine
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Leaving funny or dramatic voicemail greetings was a creative outlet for many kids. Everyone in the family heard it, and it felt like a small way to make your mark. Some would even rehearse their lines before hitting record.