17 Things We Did for Fun That Would Get Us in Trouble Now
These 17 things people did for fun in the past might lead to serious consequences or safety concerns today.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
Social rules and safety standards have changed over the years, and many past activities are no longer accepted. Things that used to be part of everyday fun could now lead to warnings, fines, or even legal trouble. This list looks at real examples of how some childhood and teen pastimes from past decades would not be allowed today.
1. Riding in the Back of Pickup Trucks
Robert Taylor on Wikimedia Commons
It used to be common for kids and even adults to ride in the open bed of a moving pickup truck. No seatbelts or restraints were used. Today, in many places, this is illegal or only allowed in limited conditions. It’s considered unsafe due to the risk of injury in accidents.
2. Firecracker Fights
Tom Harpel on Wikimedia Commons
Some kids used to light firecrackers and throw them at each other for fun during holidays. There were few rules or supervision. Now, this would be seen as dangerous behavior and could lead to police involvement. Fireworks laws are stricter, and causing injury could result in criminal charges.
3. Leaving Kids in the Car Alone
Gopaldas on Wikimedia Commons
Parents sometimes left their kids in parked cars while they ran quick errands. In many cases, windows were rolled up, and the engine was off. Today, this could lead to a report to child services or police. Even a short time in a hot or cold car is now known to be risky.
4. Hitchhiking
Ketut Subiyanto on Pexels
Teens and adults once stuck out their thumbs on the side of the road to ask strangers for a ride. It was a common way to get around without a car. Now, it’s considered unsafe and is even banned in many areas. There are concerns about both personal safety and traffic laws.
5. Running Around Without Shoes
Andreea Ch on Pexels
Kids often played outside barefoot, even on hot pavement or near broken glass. It was seen as normal and even encouraged in some communities. Today, it’s discouraged due to the risks of cuts, burns, and infections. Parents are more likely to make sure kids wear proper shoes outdoors.
6. Riding Bikes Without Helmets
Shojol Islam on Pexels
Before helmet laws, kids and teens rode bikes, skateboards, and scooters without any head protection. It was seen as part of growing up. Today, in many places, helmet use is required by law for minors. Not wearing one could result in a fine or injury.
7. Building Treehouses Without Supervision
RDNE Stock project on Pexels
Kids often nailed boards into trees and made treehouses using scrap materials. Adults rarely helped or checked for safety. Now, unsupervised building on private or public property could raise liability concerns. Many parents wouldn’t allow it without safety gear and planning.
8. Playing with BB Guns in Public Spaces
Olaf Gradin on Wikimedia Commons
BB guns were once seen as toys, and kids used them in backyards or open fields. Some even brought them to parks or neighborhoods. Today, carrying anything that looks like a gun can lead to serious consequences, especially around schools or public areas. Police may treat them as real weapons.
9. Using Trampolines Without Nets or Padding
Vallderos on Wikimedia Commons
Older trampolines had no safety nets, and kids often did flips and jumps without protection. Injuries were common, but many parents accepted the risk. Today, most trampolines come with strict safety guidelines. Injuries can lead to lawsuits or insurance problems.
10. Playing on Old Metal Playgrounds
Jack CameraMan on Wikimedia Commons
Parks used to have tall metal slides, seesaws, and jungle gyms with concrete underneath. Kids climbed, jumped, and sometimes fell with little concern. Now, most playgrounds use softer surfaces and lower structures to reduce injuries. The old equipment is often replaced due to safety codes.
11. Walking Home Alone from School
Mehmet Turgut Kirkgoz on Pexels
Even young kids once walked home alone from school, sometimes for miles. It was a normal part of daily life. Now, in many communities, this is seen as unsafe and could lead to calls to authorities. Parents may be questioned about child neglect.
12. Lighting Fires in Empty Lots
MarcusObal on Wikimedia Commons
Some kids gathered in empty fields to build small fires or roast food without adult supervision. It was seen as adventurous, especially in rural areas. Today, this could lead to fines for fire code violations or even charges of arson. Fire risks are taken much more seriously now.
13. Exploring Abandoned Buildings
Christian Ferrer on Wikimedia Commons
Teens used to explore empty houses, factories, or buildings for fun or curiosity. These places were often unsafe or not legally accessible. Now, entering these spaces without permission is considered trespassing. There are also risks from collapsing structures or harmful materials.
14. Prank Calling Strangers
RKO Radio Pictures on Wikimedia Commons
Kids once dialed random numbers to play jokes or pretend to be someone else. It was seen as harmless entertainment. Today, prank calls can be traced and reported. Some could be considered harassment or threats, leading to police action.
15. Throwing Things from Overpasses
Diliff on Wikimedia Commons
It was not unusual for some teens to throw small objects like rocks or snowballs from bridges or overpasses. While not always meant to hurt anyone, this could cause real accidents. Now, it is considered a serious offense and can lead to arrest. Law enforcement treats it as endangerment.
16. Riding Without Car Seats or Seatbelts
Alex P on Pexels
In the past, kids often rode in the front seat or stood in the back seat of a moving car. Car seats were not widely used or required. Today, strict child safety laws require age-appropriate restraints. Parents can be fined or face legal trouble if they ignore these rules.
17. Challenging Friends to Dangerous Dares
Helena Lopes on Pexels
Many kids did stunts like climbing buildings, racing trains, or jumping from high places as dares. It was part of proving bravery to peers. Now, such actions can result in serious injury and legal action. Schools and parents take these behaviors seriously.