Lisa O
Growing up in the ’70s meant living in a world that felt a little slower, a little simpler, and honestly, a lot more fun in ways that are hard to explain today. From the joy of Saturday morning cartoons to the magic of lava lamps and roller disco nights, these 15 moments shaped childhoods in ways that still bring back warm memories. If you were there, you’d know exactly what we’re talking about.
The Original Star Wars Action Figures
Back in the ’70s, before there were massive movie franchises and digital toys, kids had the chance to play with Star Wars action figures that felt like a piece of movie magic brought right into their hands. These figures weren’t just toys you’d toss aside—they were treasures. Kids would spend hours creating adventures for characters like Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader, imagining the kind of epic space battles only Star Wars could inspire.
The Sound of the Ice Cream Truck
Anyone who grew up in the ’70s can instantly recall the sound of that ice cream truck jingle drifting through the neighborhood, setting off a wave of excitement. There was nothing like hearing that familiar tune from blocks away, then racing out the door, change in hand, trying to be the first to reach the truck. The excitement was real, but the hardest part was always choosing which frozen treat to get.
Saturday Morning Cartoons
Saturday mornings in the ’70s meant one thing: cartoons. No streaming or video-on-demand—just the simple joy of getting up early, plopping down in front of the TV with a bowl of cereal, and watching cartoons that would become part of childhood memories. Shows like Scooby-Doo, The Super Friends, and Fat Albert were a weekly ritual, and it felt like the entire weekend was spent anticipating those few golden hours of animated fun.
The Sears Catalog Wishbook
Every holiday season, kids couldn’t wait to get their hands on the Sears Wishbook. Children would spend hours flipping through its colorful pages, circling their favorite toys, and imagining how their Christmas mornings might look. From the latest Barbie doll to remote-control cars and action figures, the Wishbook gave kids the chance to dream big, and for a while, it felt like the holidays would never be the same without it.
Vinyl Records and Record Players
Before music could be played instantly on a phone or computer, the ’70s brought vinyl records’ rich, warm sound. Back then, kids would take care of their albums, carefully placing the needle on the grooves and listening to every song as it was meant to be heard. Unlike today’s digital music, records weren’t just about the song—they were an experience.
The Magic of Polaroid Cameras
In the ’70s, taking a picture didn’t mean waiting for it to upload to your phone— it meant waiting for that magic moment when the Polaroid picture would develop right before your eyes. Kids would gather around, watching the instant photo appear in front of them, amazed at how something so cool could happen so quickly.
Drive-In Movie Theaters
Before Netflix and cozy home theaters, the drive-in movie was where families went to watch the latest flick under the stars. You’d pile into the car, bring blankets, snacks, and maybe even a pillow to set up in the backseat and enjoy a movie in the open air. The charm of the drive-in was the experience of gathering together, hitting play on the car’s speakers, and sharing those unforgettable moments with friends.
Home Haircuts with Mom’s Scissors
In the ’70s, a trip to the salon was a luxury, so many kids grew up with haircuts done at home by Mom, using a pair of old-school scissors. This wasn’t just about saving money—it was a family ritual. Sometimes, it didn’t go exactly as planned, and the results were uneven or messy, but those home haircuts became part of the charm of growing up.
Lava Lamps
Lava lamps were a symbol of the groovy, laid-back vibes of the time. Watching the blobs of wax move and float in the lamp was like watching an abstract art piece come to life. The slow, mesmerizing motion of the lava made it something to stare at for hours, and it wasn’t just the cool colors that drew you in—it was the calming, hypnotic effect that made the lava lamp feel almost like a companion in the corner of the room.
Cabbage Patch Kids
In the ’70s, the Cabbage Patch Kids took the world by storm. These soft, unique, and quirky dolls seemed to have personalities of their own, and every kid wanted to buy one. At that time, getting a Cabbage Patch Kid felt like winning a small victory, and each one had its own distinct charm, making it a lifelong friend.
The Saturday Morning Cartoons Snack
Saturday mornings were about the snacks that went with them in the 70s. A bowl of sugary cereal, perhaps with some milk dripping over the side, was an essential part of the viewing experience, and the crunch of those colorful, sugar-packed cereals, paired with the latest episode of The Flintstones or Super Friends, made those mornings feel extra special.
Roller Disco Parties
Roller skating wasn’t just for kids in the 70s—it was a full-on social event. Roller disco parties were a cultural phenomenon, where kids, teens, and adults alike would roll around to the funky beats of disco music under flashing lights. For a brief, unforgettable time, the rink was where the coolest kids (and adults) came to let loose, make new friends, and feel the rhythm of the times.
The Classic Board Games
Before gaming consoles and online multiplayer, board games were the go-to way for kids to bond and pass the time. Monopoly, Risk, and The Game of Life weren’t just games—they were events. Whether you were spending hours building your empire in Monopoly or strategizing in Risk, board games were a key part of family nights.
Walkman and Mixtapes
In the ’70s, the Walkman changed the way people experienced music. Suddenly, kids didn’t have to crowd around a record player—they could take their music with them anywhere. The real magic, though, was in the mixtapes. Carefully crafted, recorded from the radio or your favorite albums, mixtapes were personal soundtracks that told the world exactly who you were.
The Joy of Getting a Letter
Long before instant messages, getting a letter in the mail was one of the most exciting things a ’70s kid could experience. Whether it was a birthday card, a note from a friend, or even a pen-pal letter from another part of the country, those letters felt personal. The anticipation of tearing open an envelope, reading what someone had written, and holding onto that tangible connection to the outside world made letters a cherished part of growing up.