If you grew up in the 70s, you’ll remember experiencing a time of simple pleasures, strong community bonds, and memorable trends that shaped an entire generation. Sadly, though, as the world has moved on, those who grew up during that decade can only look back with nostalgia on the days that have disappeared. To reminisce, here are 19 reasons why 70s kids are nostalgic for a world that’s gone.
Playtime Outside
Back in the ‘70s, kids spent countless hours outside, playing games that didn’t require supervision. We played hide-and-seek, hopscotch, or rode bikes until dusk; whichever activities we chose, they were always great for our creativity and friendships. The freedom to explore without adult interference made childhood adventures truly unforgettable, but it’s just not acceptable these days, with Save the Children UK claiming that kids are 62% less likely to play outside than boomers were.
Saturday Morning Cartoons
While cartoons are still popular, back in the old days, Saturday mornings were reserved for cartoons that defined us growing up. Shows like Scooby-Doo, The Flintstones, and Looney Tunes created a shared experience for kids everywhere. The anticipation of waking up early, cereal in hand, to watch animated favorites made these moments cherished memories.
Record Stores and Vinyl
These days, we have access to all music at our fingertips due to platforms like Spotify, but discovering music in the ‘70s meant visiting local record stores and browsing through vinyl collections. While less convenient, the tactile experience of selecting an album, admiring the cover art, and dropping the needle on a new record was a special ritual, one that we miss deeply today.
Family Dinners at the Table
In the 1970s, evening meals, especially the famous Sunday Roast, were a time when families gathered to share their day. Sitting around the table, eating a home-cooked meal, and engaging in conversations was a daily tradition, and the absence of distractions like phones or TVs made these moments feel more intimate and connected. For this exact same reason, hardly any Brits have dinner as a family anymore.
Simplicity of Technology
The 70s was a time when technology was far less complicated; telephones had rotary dials, televisions had a handful of channels, and computers were not yet household items. Life without the constant buzz of notifications and updates allowed people to focus more on the present and each other, so we’d go back in an instant.
Playing Board Games
Before video games, board games were a staple of entertainment, especially during the ‘70s. Families and friends would gather around games like Monopoly, Scrabble, and Cluedo for hours of fun and friendly competition. These games brought people together in a way that digital games of today simply cannot replicate.
Street Parties
While we always looked at American Block parties with jealousy, Brits still had their fair share of street parties in the ‘70s, where neighbors would come together to celebrate. Streets would be closed off, grills would be fired up, and everyone from the neighborhood would join in. There’d be loads of music, too… at least until the police shut it down.
Radio as the Go-To Entertainment
Before the dominance of television, the radio was a central source of entertainment. Whether it was listening to music, news, or radio dramas, tuning in was a daily habit. The radio offered a unique way to connect with the world beyond one’s immediate surroundings, creating shared experiences. Nowadays, most of Gen Z have probably never even used a radio.
Drive-In Theaters
These days, even visiting the cinema is a rare treat, yet back in the ‘70s, drive-in theaters were a regular occurrence. It was a popular way to enjoy movies under the stars, with families, friends, and couples loading up their cars, bringing snacks, and settling in for a double feature. They’re actually making a comeback in the UK, which is great to see, as they’ve been missing for yonks.
No Internet Distractions
Kids today have no idea how simple life is without the internet. It meant more face-to-face interactions, less time spent staring at screens, and no annoying notifications. People read more books, wrote letters, and had longer, more meaningful conversations. There’s no denying that the internet has brought us immense opportunities, but it has also destroyed a lot.
Long Summer Days
Something about UK summers in the 70s seemed endless, with days spent at the beach, riding bikes, or just hanging out with friends. The absence of scheduled activities meant kids could simply enjoy being kids. The slow pace of life during the summer months is a nostalgic memory for many, although we were always jealous of the Americans, who got way longer than us off for summer break.
Collecting Stamps, Coins, and Cards
Collecting was a popular hobby in the 70s, with stamps, coins, and trading cards being particular favorites. These collections were treasured and traded among friends, giving us a sense of achievement and pride. The excitement of finding a rare item was unmatched by the instant gratification of online shopping. Sadly, all the kids want today is rare video game skins and NFTs.
The Charm of Analog Photography
In the ‘70s, we longed for better camera qualities, yet we didn’t realize what we had. It required a camera with film, meaning every shot had to be carefully considered, along with the process of developing the film and waiting to see the results. Looking back, the imperfections of analog photography, like light leaks and grain, gave photos a unique charm that today’s digital images lack.
Simpler Fashion Trends
Fashion was synonymous with the 70s, and it was distinctive yet uncomplicated. Bell bottoms, tie-dye shirts, and platform shoes were popular, but there was less pressure to follow every trend. People expressed themselves through their clothing without the overwhelming influence of social media, making personal style feel more authentic.
Waiting for the Mail
There was no better feeling than receiving a letter or package in the mail after days or even weeks of waiting for it. People took the time to write letters by hand, and the anticipation of waiting for a reply added to the excitement. This slower form of communication fostered way deeper connections, as each letter was crafted with care and intention.
The Smell of Freshly Cut Grass
While it will never truly go away, the scent of freshly cut grass is a sensory memory that transports many back to their ‘70s childhood. Helping with yard work, playing outside, and making mud pies are all memories that bring this smell back instantly. It’s a reminder of a time when life felt simpler and more connected to nature, which we miss dearly.
Listening to the Jukebox
If you ever got dragged to the pub with your parents, it was initially boring, at least until you found the jukebox. This was a fixture in most pubs, offering a soundtrack to social gatherings. Selecting a song and hearing it play across the room added to the ambiance, and it was so cheap that your parents probably gave you their loose change to spend on it.
Building Treehouses
Back in our day, treehouses were way more popular than today; building and hanging out in them was the best. These simple structures provided a personal hideaway and a place to imagine adventures. The process of gathering materials and constructing the treehouse made the final result feel like a true accomplishment, even if we did get lots of help from our parents.
The Excitement of Catalog Shopping
What was it about the Argos catalog that was so engaging? Flipping through it was a seasonal ritual, and we’d mark the pages with our wish list items, especially before Christmas. The anticipation of waiting for an order to arrive in the mail added a layer of excitement that’s missing from today’s instant purchases. Bring back the catalogs!