As one of the lucky bunch born in the 1970s, you are one of the few who can boast of having experienced a decade before the world was consumed by digital technology. The 70s burst with innovative technology, music, and simple living. Although it may seem like a distant memory now, there are many recollections that all 70s kids remember from childhood. Let us explore some of these iconic childhood moments and cherished nostalgic memories.
Family Vacations
Family vacations were the highlight of almost any ’70s kid childhood. Whether it be camping in a nearby forest or visiting the nearest beach, family vacations often gave way to a barrage of adventures. Families would often conjure up creative games like scavenger hunts or sand castle battles and bake in the rays of the sun. If you were the lucky one, you were fortunate enough to expand your horizons with more family destinations like the Grand Canyon or even across the border at Niagara Falls.
A Craze For Everything ‘Retro’
For those born in the 1970s, long before the internet and the latest mobile apps, the craze for everything ‘retro’ was in full swing. From superheroes like Wonder Woman and Superman to the bright colors and psychedelic patterns of the era, to skateboarders and roller derby girls, retro style was all the rage. Kids had their favorite comic books, video games, and cartoons, while adults struggled to keep up with the multiple trends of the ’70s.
Living Room Pyjama Parties
As the decade of fashion, music, and cultural change, the ’70s was also the decades of living room pyjama parties. Whether celebrating a birthday or New Year’s Eve, 70s kids enjoyed a variety of activities with their best friends. Twister, Chinese checkers, truth or dare, and board games were the rage and turn a living room into an eventful party. Partygoers would typically feast on the likes of popcorn, chips, pretzels, and ice cream.
Old-School TV Programming
The ’70s was a great era for television programming. The Channel 5 movie, Wheel of Fortune and the The Brady Bunch were all wildly popular. Whether it was Saturday night at the village cinema or that favorite television show that you never wanted to miss, the 70s was a great era for TV programming. The ’70s also opened the doors for great music programs like Solid Gold and Disco fever that still evoke a special place in the hearts of those of us who endured it.
Listening to cassettes
Ah the cassette tapes! While the Walkman may have ruled the world of personal music in the ’80s, there was nothing quite like pulling out a cassette and getting your favorite song playing. The 70’s era of music allowed us to enjoy songs from the likes of Led Zeppelin and Journey, as well as other generations’ gospel and country songs. With the ability to record and rewind your favorite songs, listening to cassettes brought a great level of convenience and enjoyment.
Toys and Games of the Times
Who could forget all of our favorite toys and games of the 70’s? From Rock ’em Sock ’em Robots and Tonka Trucks to Simon Says and Don’t Break the Ice, 70’s kids had plenty of fun with their toys and games. More modern toys like Star Wars figures made their way into the homes of 70s kids, along with the classic puzzles, Legos, and board games.
True Cinema
The 70s is famous for bringing classic films to the big screen. From classic westerns like Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid, to the dystopian classic A Clockwork Orange, the 70s were an important decade for cinema. Jaws, Star Wars, and The Godfather are other noteworthy films from the 70s that left an impression on kids of this era.
It’s All About the Music
The ’70s were a musical hotbed that brought musical acts from classic rock to punk and beyond. Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and the Rolling Stones all graced the stages of the era while newer acts such as Kiss and the Ramones brought a unique and edgy beat to the mix. With the music came a new look, with punk and glam genres of the time, ranging from the androgynous flair of David Bowie to the edgy, classic look of groups like the Sex Pistols.
The Decade of Groovy Fashion
No decade was more groovy than the 70s when it came to fashion. Retro characters, like Austin Powers and the Addams Family, were the fashion of the day, but the real classic was bell bottoms, denim jackets, and platform shoes. Women commonly engaged in the trend of flared sleeves, ruffle blouses, and folk-inspired prints and patterns. Even men weren’t exempt from fashion trends of the time, sporting various denim creations and a variety of bright colored patterns and wild hairstyles.
Riding Bikes and Going on Adventures
Growing up in the 70s was all about riding bikes and going on adventures. Rugged terrain and rocky roads were the perfect playground for BMX bike riders and skateboarders of the time, while others enjoyed running ’round neighborhoods with playing cards or taking part in “pigeon flying” contests. No matter the adventure, the air was thick with the excitement and innocence of childhood joy.
Overall, the 70s was a great era to grow up in. Though our childhood experiences are fleeting, they still linger in the memories of those of us who experienced them. From family vacations and living room pyjama parties to retro fashion, toys and games, and so much more, each of these experiences brought a unique flavor to ’70s childhood.
