Ask anyone who was alive in the 1960s about what life was like, and many will tell you that they enjoyed the decade immensely.
Yes, there were some social issues like there are today, but overall, things were simple and a bit easier back then. Most people who were born after that time have no idea what life was like in the ’60s, but thanks to the many photographs taken during that time, we can look back fondly and learn from the decade that was.
We have uncovered many photos from the ’60s, showing what life was like from just about every angle. You’ll see photos of what people did for fun then, the interior and exterior of many homes, and life in those homes.
You’ll also see various photos of people being out and about during a time when there was less to do when you stayed inside. There were no cell phones, tablets, or TikTok. Instead, people just went out and experienced life. That’s why many of these photos show people out eating, running errands, going to amusement parks, enjoying parades, having hula-hoop contests, and so much more.
To find the best and most interesting photos that encapsulate what life was like in the 1960s, 24/7 Tempo went deep into history and looked for photos that really tell a story. We used online sources to find many of these images, including History.com, Country Living Magazine, and encyclopedias for inspiration. Once you’re done learning about life in general during the decade, check out the fashion fads from the ’60s that we will never see again.
Watching TV
circa 1962: A family watching President John Kennedy on television. (Photo by MPI/Getty Images)
Popular electronics like televisions were more expensive during the ’60s, so many households only had one TV to share. It was a great chance for the family to huddle around the set and watch the news of the day. Today, many homes have a TV in every bedroom and elsewhere, and while that’s handy, it also eliminates much of the bonding time families enjoyed in the ’60s.
Work as a housekeeper
1st March 1966: A domestic maid brings a snack to her mistress in the Southern States of America. (Photo by Harry Benson/Express/Getty Images)
Back in the 1960s, many women worked as maids, caregivers, and housecleaners in homes around the country. It was a good life and earned them a nice living. Most of these homes were pleasant and had a menagerie of fun pets. Today, fewer people work as maids, but pets are still rampant!
Ice fishing competitions
As we mentioned, back in the ’60s, most people spent most of their time having fun outside of the house when they weren’t working or taking care of their kids. This photo shows a huge ice fishing competition, and everyone in town was there. Today, we spend less time outdoors, but ice fishing competitions, while not as common, still exist.
Beauty pageant
circa 1962: Group portrait of the fifty Miss America contestants wearing swimsuits and sashes and posing on the boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
This photo shows one example of life in the ’60s, especially when it came to beauty pageants. These beautiful girls are basically separated only by the color of their hair. Today, many more looks and cultures are represented in pageants.
School breakfast
1st November 1968: A boy eats breakfast cereal next to a glass of juice and a small carton of milk in a school cafeteria under the USDA Child Nutrition Program, Gary, Indiana. The program provided cash and USDA donated food to public and private nonprofit agencies to help them provide nutritious meals to children. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Here we have a nice young man enjoying breakfast at school. Back then, most kids were either provided with breakfast and/or lunch or brought one from home, often in a brown paper sack. School lunches have evolved a lot since then, but the idea of eating at school is as innocent as ever.
Working at the laundromat
circa 1965: A group of women washing laundry in a New York hotel. (Photo by Susan Schiff Faludi/Three Lions/Getty Images)
While laundry machines became more common during the 1960s, many people still went to the laundromat. This image shows women doing laundry at a hotel, which was a common scene during the decade.
Visiting Disneyland
circa 1960: Tourists visiting the medieval 'Sleeping Beauty Castle' at Disneyland. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)
One thing that has not changed since the 1960s is the love that we and our children have for Disney and visiting the Disneyland amusement park. Most of the characters are the same today as they were back then. Granted, the place has seen some upgrades over the years, and there are fewer horses roaming around, but it is still the same great fun.
A snack after a hard day at work
circa 1960: A young boy eating after a hard day's work. (Photo by John Titchen/Three Lions/Getty Images)
The official description for this picture says it’s a boy having a snack after a hard day of work. He built up quite an appetite after all of his efforts. These days, many kids aren’t as excited about getting out to do yard work, but many do, and they would also deserve a treat.
Thanksgiving Day Parade
26th November 1961: Americans celebrate Thanksgiving Day in New York. The parade nears Times Square. (Photo by William Lovelace/Express/Getty Images)
Another event that hasn’t changed since the 1960s is the existence of the fantastic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. Even during that long-ago decade, the parade had many marching bands and floats featuring the favorite characters of the day. These days, the parade is a bit bigger and with a larger crowd, but the fun memories still remain.
Tending to a sleeping baby
circa 1960: In an Inuit hut two sisters play baby-sitter to a baby sleeping snugly in an indoor hammock. (Photo by Three Lions/Getty Images)
In this photo, two siblings tend to the newest member of their family in a rustic home as the baby sleeps in an indoor hammock. This is a situation where the setting may change over the years, and there are much better baby beds in 2024. Still, the love of one sibling for another is timeless.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
circa 1960: Men from County Wexford walking down fifth avenue during the annual New York St Patrick's Day parade where an estimated 100,000 people march for 6 hours. (Photo by Peter Keegan/Keystone/Getty Images)
This is New York City’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 1960. Even back then, this was a significant event, and on this occasion, there were over 100,000 people who marched for six hours. While this parade is not as big as some other events these days, the people of New York City still know how to have fun.
A game of La Boule in a 60’s casino
Guests enjoy a game of La Boule at the newly-opened Playboy Club in Barnet, 10th October 1962. (Photo by Kent Gavin/Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
This is an event that took place at the brand-new Playboy Club in the United Kingdom. The guests had a great time and tried their luck so they could win big. There were many casinos in America as well. Our casinos are a bit more advanced today, but the desire to have fun and win remains the same.
Heading to Woodstock
Members of the American youth subculture generally termed 'hippies' walk along roads choked with traffic on the way to the large rock conert called Woodstock, Bethel, New York, August, 1969. Some may get rides in or on the vehicles of likeminded motorists. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
One of the most significant events of the decade was the first Woodstock concert. In this picture, many vehicles block the road as concert-goers walk toward the festival. There was a lot of excitement for this new event, which went down in history. While we haven’t had a Woodstock in a while, you can picture the same crowd heading into a Taylor Swift concert.
Lunch in Central Park
Two young women eating lunch in Central Park, New York, July 1961. (Photo by Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
In this image, two young women enjoy lunch while sitting in beautiful Central Park in Manhattan. These days, folks can still sit and enjoy lunch in the park. However, many won’t be drinking beverages out of glass bottles, and it may be busier these days, but it’s still a pleasant experience if you get to do it.
Reading the comics
Ernest Woods reading a copy of 'Super Comics' at a toy library, Harlem, New York City, circa 1960. (Photo by FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
This image really shows what life was like for the young in the ’60s. It’s a boy sitting in a toy library reading a comic book. In addition to showing the innocence of the time and the different toys available back then, the picture also shows how much has changed. Comic books are not as common and toy libraries are rare to nonexistent.
The whole family washing the car
A family of four outside washing the car outside the garage circa 1960's. (Photo by Archive Photos/Getty Images)
This very wholesome image shows the entire clan heading outside to help wash and wax the family car. Back then, it was common only to have one vehicle per household, and the car was a treasured object. We still value our vehicles today, but it’s not as common to see the whole family out in the driveway working toward the same goal.
Teens hang out in their cars
Teenagers with their cars circa 1960. (Photo by Archive Photos/Getty Images)
In this nice picture from 1960, a group of teenagers hangs out in and near their treasured vehicles, which, of course, still happens today. However, back then, just being in each other’s company was enough, even if they weren’t indoors.
Meals on planes
Lufthansa flight attendants Jutta Kaemmerer (seated left) and Mascha Junge being served by Pan Am's Jerry Rand and Gertrude Vasel at the Pan American World Airways stewardess school in Long Island circa 1960. (Photo by Pictorial Parade/Archive Photos/Getty Images)
This 1960 photo was taken at a stewardess school, where flight attendants learned how to assist air travelers and provide their meals. It shows how much air travel has changed since the ’60s. In addition to planes with larger, more comfortable seats, it was customary to be served food on every flight, often for free. That is certainly not the norm in 2024.
A ’60s mobile home
A couple sit in front of their mobile home circa 1960. (Photo by Archive Photos/Getty Images)
This photo from 1960 shows a couple enjoying life outside their mobile home – and it looks like they’re very comfortable. While people still live in mobile homes today, they’re not as mainstream. Also, back then, it was considered to be a luxury, and many mobile homes had all the best bells and whistles.
Girls running at a day camp
A group of young girls running at a day camp. (Photo by Archive Photos/Getty Images)
This image shows a group of young girls having fun and running at a day camp. Although the clothes and hairstyles may look slightly different, this is a picture you might see today. It’s great to have fun outdoors during your youth, and the girls here appear to be having the time of their lives.
Pulling the turkey out of the oven
A woman checking a turkey in the oven circa 1960's. (Photo by Archive Photos/Getty Images)
This image shows what life was like for many families during dinner time in the 1960s: Mom, dressed in typical ’60s attire, pulls the turkey out of the oven so the family can enjoy a feast. While the appliances in this photo are from long ago, the kitchen doesn’t look that different from what we have today.
Hula hoop competition
A group of six children play with hula hoop's outside on the grass circa 1960's. (Photo by Archive Photos/Getty Images)
This picture really shows what life was like for school kids in the 1960s. Here, a group engages in an intense hula hoop competition. These contests were commonplace during this time and seemed to be a lot of fun. This activity is certainly not seen that often these days.
A typical day at the office
Men at work in a typical 1960's office. (Photo by Archive Photos/Getty Images)
This photo perfectly displays what a day of work was like for many men (and some women) during the 1960s. They’re hustling and doing all they can to impress their bosses. While people today still have plenty of hustle, you’ll notice the lack of computers in this picture. These days, everyone has one, and their absence here is startling.
Typical New York traffic
Cars on a section of the Southern State Parkway in Nassau County, New York at exit 28 showing typical weekday traffic circa 1960. (Photo by Pictorial Parade/Archive Photos/Getty Images)
This was traffic on a section of the Southern State Parkway in New York. Like today, many cars were on the road between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. The unique thing about this photo is that all the cars are evenly spaced, which is not so common these days. Still, this proves that traffic is nothing new.
Model plane enthusiasts
A group of model plane enthusiasts inspect the tethered aircraft circa 1960. (Photo by FPG/Getty Images)
Talk about having fun outdoors! This photo shows a group of model plane enthusiasts enjoying a sunny afternoon as they inspect and enjoy their tethered model aircraft. People still have this hobby today, but this scene is certainly not something you see every day.
Exercising during the 1960s
A woman wearing a white short-sleeved shirt and white trousers bends over, her fingertips almost touching the floor, as she exercises barefoot, with a sofa in the background, United States, circa 1965. (Photo by Eileen Darby/Graphic House/Archive Photos/Getty Images)
In this interesting photo, a woman dressed all in white performs what may be yoga or simple stretches with bare feet. Much of the same exercise equipment was used back then as it is today, but this lady is opting to exercise without much at all.
Sunbathing in the 1960s
A woman in swimwear reclines inside a seven-feet-long by three-feet-wide sunbathing capsule, featuring a hooded ventilator at each corner to ensure a flow of fresh air, manufactured by Fabor Robison Productions, Inc, of Burbank, California, 31st August 1963. The capsule lets in ultraviolet rays while protecting the sunbather from external elements. (Photo by Daily Express/Archive Photos/Getty Images)
While many images from the ’60s are not so unique from life today, some really show how different things were back then. This sunbather is one of them. This sunbathing capsule was designed to provide the necessary UV rays while protecting the woman from other harmful elements. Ventilators were on each side to allow fresh air to enter. This is something you don’t see in 2024.
People enjoying the Bronx Riviera
A high-angle view showing beachgoers on Orchard Beach, with the Orchard Beach Pavilion in the background, at Orchard Beach, a public beach in the Bronx borough of New York City, New York, circa 1965. Orchard Beach, the only public beach in the Bronx, is also referred to as the 'Bronx Riviera'. (Photo by Charles Marden Fitch/FPG/Archive Photos/Getty Images)
In this image, a massive crowd enjoys the beach known as the “Bronx Riviera,” the only beach in the Bronx at the time. This image was taken in 1965, but people still visit the beach today. Many aerial photos from today likely look just like this one.
Dancing in the living room
Two couples slow-dancing together in a living room, USA, circa 1960. (Photo by FPG/Archive Photos/Getty Images)
During the 1960s, people made the most of every moment. Even if they couldn’t afford to go to the disco, they didn’t care. They would just dance in their living room. This photo shows two nice couples having a great time in the comfort of their own home. Many people still do things like this today.
Attending the outdoor orchestra
Classical music enthusiasts sitting in the sun listening to a concert at the Tanglewood estate, the summer residence of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, near Lenox, Massachusetts, circa 1960. (Photo by Orlando/Three Lions/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Yet again, an image showing what life was like in the ’60s involves outdoor fun. In this case, a large group of people enjoy the Boston Symphony Orchestra in Massachusetts. There are still outdoor orchestras these days, but they’re not as popular as they were back then. There’s nothing like laying out a blanket and making the most out of the park.
The South Side of Chicago
A typical street in the working class neighborhoods of the South Side, Chicago, Illinois, circa 1950-1970. (Photo by Fred Hamilton/Archive Photos/Getty Images)
This is a photo of a random street on the South Side of Chicago that many working-class families called home. Many of these buildings still exist, but 10 times as many cars are parked on these streets at any given moment. Things were a lot more peaceful back then, and fewer people owned cars and instead took public transportation.
Enjoying the family TV
Three children watching the television. One sitting very close to the television set circa 1960. (Photo by FPG/Getty Images)
This is an image of three youngsters sitting up close and personal with what was likely the only television in the home. There were fewer channels to choose from back then, and hopefully, these kids found something to enjoy. You’ll see this same scene in many homes these days as well.
Tents on the beach
Lines of tents on Bellevue beach. (Photo by Fox Photos/Getty Images)
These days, you can go to the beach and pay extra to get a cabana to enjoy the sights without being stuck out in the sun. Back in the 1960s, they had something similar, but they were tents that likely only allowed two people inside. This is an excellent picture that shows how much things have changed. If this look back has made you excited to visit the beach, then check out some of the world’s best beaches.