The ’60s was an era of fun, exploration and plenty of childhood memories. So many imaginative inventions and new experiences emerged in the 1960s, making it a time of great adventure and thrills. As a result, those who grew up in the ’60s have some of the fondest childhood memories and experiences. Here, we revisit some of the most cherished childhood memories all ’60s kids will remember.
Classic Toys
The ’60s offered a wide range of classic toys and games which were loved by all ages. Some of the most popular toys included:
• Slinky – invented in 1943, but made famous by its TV commercials
• Spirograph – an amazing drawing tool which allowed users to draw spiral patterns on paper without having to use any math
• Etch-A-Sketch – the first ‘drawing computer’ and one of the most beloved toys of the decade
• Mr Potato Head – a classic toy which allowed children to make countless faces and creations
• Scrabble – a timeless and beloved board game, first released in 1938
• Lego – a classic construction toy which has been around since 1949
• Board games – a common past time featuring games such as Monopoly, Cluedo, Sorry! and more
Pop Culture
The ’60s brought about some of the most celebrated popular culture experiences and items:
• Music – the decade is credited with inspiring some of the most notable classic music which is still popular to this day, from The Beatles to The Beach Boys
• TV shows – favorite TV shows from the ’60s included ‘Bewitched’, The Monkees, The Andy Griffith Show and more
• Movies – classic films from this era include ‘The Sound of Music’, ‘Mary Poppins’, ‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory’ and ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’
• Fashion – the ’60s saw the creation of many iconic fashion trends, including mini skirts, Go-go boots, bell-bottoms, psychedelic garb and more
• Comics – classic comic strips and books from this era include ‘Popeye’, ‘The Peanuts’ and ‘The Adventures of Tintin’
TV Commercials
No childhood memory is complete without the recollections of classic ’60s TV commercials. Everyone remembers their favorite TV ads of the time – they were full of memorable characters, catchy jingles and bright colors:
• Rice Krispies – the snap, crackle and pop cheerleaders!
• Morris the Cat – the iconic assurance of nine lives
• Chokin’ Chicken – singing the cluck-a-cluck jingle
• Speedy Alka-Seltzer – the speedy delivery of the much-needed cure for indigestion
• The Hamm’s Beer Bear – the iconic song: “From the land of sky blue waters…”
• Kool-Aid – singing “Oh, yeah!”
• Milky Way – the classic “Delicious and chocolaty” tagline
• Mounds – with the words “Sometimes you feel like a nut.
Childhood Summers
The summer in the ’60s meant hot weather and plenty of fun activities. Kids had the chance to get creative with games and activities such as:
• Building forts – making secret hideouts with sticks and sheets
• Sandcastles – a classic way to spend the day at the beach
• Hoops – using hula hoops to practice skills and compete against friends
• Bike rides – exploring the neighborhood
• Capture the Flag – a traditional backyard game with plenty of hiding and running
• Water fights – using squirt guns or water balloons
• Playing hopscotch – an old street game
Classic TV Cartoons
When it came to television watching, the favorites of the ’60s kids included some classic cartoons:
• The Flintstones – the first prime time animated television show
• The Jetsons – the space-age version of the Flintstones
• The Pink Panther – the bright Pink Panther and his adventures
• Rocky and Bullwinkle – with its offbeat humor and puns
• Jonny Quest – exciting adventures with science, danger and creatures
• The Smurfs – a village full of little blue mushroom-dwelling creatures
• Scooby Doo – the world’s favorite youngster sleuths
Sitting round the Fireplace
The ’60s kids didn’t have the TV set on all the time. When it was off, the family would be sitting round the fireplace sharing stories and talking about the events of the day.
• Hot chocolate – the classic wintertime treat
• Marshmallows – toasting and eating the sweet treats
• Singing – tunes such as ‘Kumbayah’, ‘She’ll Be Coming Round the Mountain’ and more
• Talent shows – with funny skits, dancing, singing and more
• Card games – popular games included Spit, Old Maid and Crazy Eights
• Charades – guessing the person, place or thing
• Shadow puppets – creating stories on the wall with silhouettes
The ’60s was a wonderful time for childhood memories. With the range of inventions, popular culture and imaginative toys, there was plenty to keep the kids entertained. Whether it was playing in the street, singing around the fireplace or watching cartoons on the small screen, these are childhood memories all ’60s kids will remember.
