20 Things Kids Did in the ’70s That Are Unthinkable Now
Many activities that were normal for kids in the 1970s would be considered unsafe or unacceptable today.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
Kids in the 1970s had more freedom to explore and take risks than children today. Many common activities from that era involved little adult supervision and fewer safety rules. Looking back, some of these things seem shocking or dangerous by today’s standards.
1. Riding Bikes Without Helmets
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Kids often rode their bikes without wearing helmets or any protective gear. It was normal to ride on busy streets without supervision. Today, helmet laws and safety awareness make this practice rare and discouraged. Parents now insist on helmets to prevent serious injuries.
2. Playing Outside Until Dark
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Children played outside for hours without worrying about being called home at sunset. Neighborhoods were safe enough for kids to roam freely without constant adult monitoring. Nowadays, parents usually set strict curfews and supervise outdoor play. This freedom helped kids develop independence back then.
3. Walking or Biking to School Alone
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Many kids walked or biked several miles to school on their own. This was seen as part of growing up and gaining responsibility. Today, concerns about safety and traffic have reduced this practice. School buses or car rides are much more common.
4. Playing with Fireworks and Fire
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Kids often handled fireworks or lit small fires for fun or camping. There were fewer laws regulating the use of fireworks by minors. Today, these activities require adult supervision and sometimes are banned altogether. Fire safety education is much stricter now.
5. Building Treehouses and Forts Without Permission
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Children built treehouses or forts in woods or backyards without adult approval or safety checks. These structures were often simple and made with found materials. Now, parents worry about safety, liability, and injuries. Many neighborhoods restrict such construction.
6. Riding in the Back of Pickup Trucks
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It was common for kids to ride in the open bed of pickup trucks during trips or around town. This was considered fun and part of an outdoor adventure. Today, laws in most places forbid this due to safety risks. Kids must be properly seated and buckled inside vehicles.
7. Playing Contact Sports Without Protective Gear
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Kids played football, hockey, or baseball with minimal protective equipment. Helmets, pads, and mouthguards were less common or less advanced. Modern safety standards now require full gear to prevent injuries. Coaches and parents are more cautious about sports safety.
8. Watching TV Without Parental Controls
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Children had unlimited access to television, including shows not always suitable for their age. Parents did not have devices or systems to block content. Today, streaming services and TVs come with parental controls. Families monitor screen time and content more closely.
9. Roaming Neighborhoods Freely
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Kids spent hours exploring neighborhoods, parks, and nearby woods without adults. This freedom allowed for creativity and socializing with peers. Today, parents are more protective and limit unsupervised outdoor play. Increased traffic and safety concerns play a big role.
10. Playing “Kick the Can” and Other Outdoor Games
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Outdoor group games like “kick the can,” tag, and hide-and-seek were everyday fun. These games required lots of space and active play. Today, kids often prefer video games or indoor entertainment. Organized sports and clubs have mostly replaced free play.
11. Using Roller Skates Without Pads
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Roller skating was a favorite pastime with minimal safety gear. Knee and elbow pads were optional, and helmets were rare. Today, skating almost always requires full protective equipment. Safety awareness has increased to prevent injuries.
12. Eating Candy or Snacks from Strangers
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Kids sometimes accepted treats from neighbors or people in their community without suspicion. This reflected a time when neighborhoods felt safer and more connected. Today, children are warned about stranger danger and accepting food from unknown adults. Awareness about safety is much higher.
13. Smoking or Experimenting with Alcohol as Teens
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Some teenagers experimented with smoking or drinking with little intervention. It was more socially acceptable and less regulated than today. Now, laws and education programs strongly discourage underage use. Awareness of health risks has grown significantly.
14. Using Playground Equipment Without Safety Surfaces
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Playgrounds often had hard dirt or concrete under swings and slides instead of soft materials. Falls could result in serious injuries due to a lack of protective ground cover. Modern playgrounds use rubber or mulch to reduce injury risk. Safety standards have greatly improved.
15. Playing with Real Knives or Tools
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Children sometimes used knives or sharp tools unsupervised for crafts or outdoor activities. This was part of learning practical skills and self-reliance. Today, parents restrict access to sharp objects for safety reasons. Supervised lessons are preferred.
16. Building and Playing with Firecrackers
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Kids made and played with homemade firecrackers or explosives. This was often done without adult knowledge or permission. Today, this is illegal and highly dangerous. Firework safety laws are stricter and better enforced.
17. Riding in Cars Without Seatbelts
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It was common for children to ride without seatbelts or safety restraints. Seatbelt laws were less strict and less enforced in the ’70s. Today, wearing seatbelts is mandatory for all passengers. Car safety is a major priority for families.
18. Drinking from Garden Hoses
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Kids drank water directly from garden hoses while playing outside. It was an easy way to stay refreshed on hot days. Today, concerns about chemicals and bacteria in hoses make this practice rare. Bottled water or taps are preferred.
19. Playing with Strangers
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Children often played with kids they met around the neighborhood without parents’ permission. This reflected greater community trust and less fear of strangers. Now, parents closely monitor who their kids spend time with. Stranger danger awareness has increased.
20. Riding in School Buses Standing Up or Moving Around
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Some children stood or moved around in school buses during rides. Safety rules were less strict, and behavior was less regulated. Today, children must remain seated and wear seatbelts if available. Bus safety policies have become stricter.