17 Memories of Growing Up in the ’70s
If you grew up in the '70s, you know it was a very different world. Life moved more slowly, without the constant buzz of technology. No smartphones, no laptops, no endless streaming options, just a handful of TV channels and plenty of time to roam free.
For kids, the decade meant freedom. You could stay out until dinner without parents tracking your every move. Car safety was practically an afterthought — no airbags, no shoulder belts, and car seats weren't required everywhere until 1985. It wasn't always safe, but it gave kids a sense of independence that's hard to imagine today.
To pull together some of the most unforgettable memories of growing up in the '70s, 24/7 Tempo turned to sources like Things Boomers Like, a community dedicated to celebrating the baby boomer and Gen X eras.
Going Trick-or-Treating Without Parents
Most kids went trick-or-treating on Halloween without their parents.
Watching TV Stations Go Off the Air
Television programming went off the air in the early morning hours.
Riding in the Back of a Station Wagon
Station wagons were a popular mode of transportation for families in the 1970s.
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 the Parade of Saturday Night Sitcoms on CBS
Sitcoms like "The Mary Tyler Moore Show' dominated Saturday night television viewing.
Never Missing 'Saturday Night Live'
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 Family Vacations
Families fought off the boredom of long road trips by playing license-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.
Piling Friends Into Your First Car
The number of friends multiplied once you got your first car and everyone crowded in.
Prizes Inside Cereal Boxes
Cereal boxes contained prizes inside, such as a whistle or a small plastic toy.
