20 Things Kids Could Do Alone in the ’70s That Would Shock Parents Today
Back in the '70s, kids had a level of freedom that would leave today's parents speechless.
- Daisy Montero
- 4 min read
The 1970s were a different world for kids growing up. Independence was expected, and many activities that seem risky today were just part of an ordinary afternoon. Take a trip down memory lane to see just how much childhood has changed.
1. Riding Bikes Miles Away Without Supervision
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A bike was basically a kid’s ticket to freedom in the ’70s. Parents had no way of tracking where they went, and no one thought twice about a group of 10-year-olds pedaling miles from home. If you made it back by dinner, you were golden.
2. Running to the Store Alone for Essentials
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It was completely normal for a kid to be handed a few dollars and sent to pick up milk or bread alone. Sometimes, they even came back with the wrong change, but no one seemed too concerned.
3. Playing in Open Fields for Hours
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Empty lots and open fields were playgrounds in the ’70s. Kids would disappear into the brush and build forts out of sticks, only showing up when the streetlights flickered on.
4. Fishing Alone at Nearby Ponds
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Grabbing a pole and heading to the nearest pond alone was a rite of passage. There were no permits, no adults, just a peanut butter sandwich and a bucket for your catch.
5. Setting Up Backyard Camps Without Parents
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Pitching a tent in the backyard and calling it “camping” was a full adventure. Parents barely checked if you had a flashlight, trusting you to tough it out until morning.
6. Going to Playgrounds Alone
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Kids would pack up their own lunches and walk to the nearest playground alone. There was no adult hovering nearby, just a handful of friends and plenty of scraped knees.
7. Hiking Through Woods Without Cellphones
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Exploring the woods was just part of growing up. There was no way to call for help, but that only made every hike feel like a true expedition.
8. Lighting Fireworks Without Adults Watching
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It was common to see kids lighting fireworks in the streets. Supervision usually meant a teen sibling yelling “Rub!” after lighting a fuse.
9. Jumping Off Docks Into Lakes
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Kids raced each other to the end of the dock and cannonballed into murky waters. Life jackets were optional, and parents were nowhere in sight.
10. Starting Rough Yard Games Without Referees
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Neighborhood games like tackle football had no helmets, no rules, and no adults. If you got hurt, you brushed it off, or you learned the hard way.
11. Walking to a Friend’s House Alone
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Walking alone a few blocks to visit a friend was no big deal. Parents trusted that you knew your way around, even if you were only six.
12. Hitching Rides in the Neighborhood
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It was not unusual for kids to accept a ride home from a neighbor or even a friend’s older sibling. Today, the idea would spark instant panic.
13. Walking the Family Dog Alone
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Even small kids were handed the leash and sent to walk the family dog alone. Sometimes, the dog walked the kid, but either way, it was expected.
14. Buying Ice Cream from the Truck Alone
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The ice cream truck would roll up, and kids would dash out waving loose change. There were no adults nearby, just a race to snag the best treat.
15. Paddling Canoes Without Life Vests
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Water safety rules were a lot looser in the ’70s. Kids would grab a canoe and shove off without considering currents or life jackets.
16. Climbing Trees and Structures Without Fear
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If it looked climbable, kids in the ’70s climbed it—trees, sheds, fences, you name it. Falls were common, but so was bragging about your scrapes.
17. Staying Home Alone After School
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Latchkey kids were a normal part of ’70s life. You came home, let yourself in, and maybe watched TV until your parents returned.
18. Skateboarding in the Streets
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Forget fancy parks—kids skateboarded down sidewalks, alleys, and steep driveways. Helmets and knee pads? Hardly anyone wore them, and that was part of the thrill.
19. Hanging Out in Arcades for Hours
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A pocketful of quarters could keep a kid occupied for an entire afternoon. Parents did not worry about who was around or what was happening inside.
20. Creating Chalk Cities on Sidewalks
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Sidewalks became entire cities built from imagination and chalk. No adult directed the play, and no one complained about kids taking up the whole street.