Kids love to follow trends and do whatever their peers are doing. That was as true in the 1970s as it is now. So, what were 1970s kids getting up to? This may have been the era of flares and Starsky and Hutch but there was some serious stuff going on too! If you were just a kid during this extraordinary decade you may not have been aware of the pivotal global changes taking place. Thankfully, the frequent coups, conflicts, and wars probably passed you by along with natural disasters such as Hurricane Agnes which hit the east coast of the United States in 1972. It resulted in 128 deaths and caused over $2.1 billion in damage.
On the other hand, some of the significant technological advances probably touched your life. The first microprocessor was invented, Concorde made its first passenger-carrying supersonic flight, and the Sony Walkman was released. Some of the devices that we cannot live without today were first introduced in this decade including the microwave oven and cell phones!
As a kid, you were more likely to be playing on the first generation of video game consoles, watching Wonder Woman, or listening to Earth, Wind & Fire. Perhaps you were terrified by watching Jaws and never felt the same about the ocean again? And the 1970s fashions were like nothing seen before. Here are 50 photos that prove the ’70s had the best style.
24/7 Tempo took a nostalgia trip back to the 70s to seek childhood traditions that should come back. We referenced sources such as Things Boomers Like, an online community devoted to remembering all the good things about growing up in the Baby Boomers and Gen-X eras.
Riding in the Back of a Station Wagon
Station wagons were a popular mode of transportation for families in the 1970s.
Going Trick or Treating Without Parents
Most kids went trick or treating on Halloween without their parents.
Playing Pong on the Computer
Pong was an early computer game that transfixed gamers.
Playing Pac-Man and Space Invaders
Pac-Man and Space Invaders were popular video games in the 1970s.
Going to the Roller Rink on Weekends
Roller skating on Friday nights was a big deal.
Learning All the Disco Moves
Inspired by John Travolta in “Saturday Night Fever,” people learned how to do dances like the Hustle.
Watching TV Stations Go off the Air
Television programming went off the air in the early morning hours.
Watching Parade of Sit-Coms on CBS on Saturday Night
Sit-coms like “The Mary Tyler Moore Show’ dominated Saturday night television viewing.
Never missing “Saturday Night Live”
beautiful vintage interior. 3d rendering concept. Authors art used
Families gathered around the TV to watch “Saturday Night Live” which began its run in 1975.
Looking for the Parts to Fix Your First Car
People who knew how to fix cars headed for the junkyard or cannibalized parts from other cars to keep their wheels on the road.
Music Choices in Vinyl, Cassette, and 8-Track
Besides vinyl, music lovers had other formats such as cassettes and 8-tracks to enjoy their favorite tunes.
Going to Drive-in Movies
Families and friends piled into their cars to watch drive-in movies.
Watching Cartoons After School and on Weekend Mornings
Kids who found it difficult to get up for school during the week had no trouble rising early to watch cartoons on the weekends.
Playing License Plate Poker on Long Drives on Family Vacations
Families fought off the boredom of long road trips by playing licence plate poker.
Hanging out at Record Stores Waiting for Newest Releases
Kids met at record stores to track down the latest releases from American and British bands.
Prizes Inside Cereal Boxes
Cereal boxes contained prizes inside such as a whistle or small plastic toy.
Piling Friends Into Your First Car
The number of friends multiplied once you got your first car and everyone crowded in.