The ’60s! A time when people could find enjoyment in the simplest (and oddest) of activities. Remember, if you’ve ever felt the urge to revisit (or start) any of these 20 hobbies, it’s never too late to go for it.
Hula Hooping
Ah, hula hooping, the quintessential ’60s yard activity that would leave us all dizzy and in fits of laughter. Remember how it was all fun and games until Sue from next door showed up and out-hula’d everyone? She was like the neighborhood hula champion, showing off her skills while the rest of us just tried not to fall over.
Troll Doll Collecting
Troll dolls, with their crazy hair and little gemstone belly buttons – weren’t they a sight? It’s funny to think how much shelf space we dedicated to these little critters. It’s like they were silently judging us from their perch with their wide, unblinking eyes. A slightly weird fad, but hey, it was the ’60s!
Pet Rocks
Why bother with a pet that needs feeding and walking when you could have a rock, right? The pet rock was the ultimate low-maintenance companion. Great listeners, never talked back, and you didn’t have to clean up after them. It was the perfect pet for the laid-back ’60s lifestyle.
Beetle Fighting
Beetle fighting wasn’t for the squeamish. It was like having your own miniature gladiator arena. Those little beetles took their battles seriously – it was survival of the fittest in the insect world. And let’s not forget the excitement of placing bets on your champion bug.
Trolling CB Radios
Remember those chill nights spent chatting with strangers over CB radios? “Breaker 1-9, this is Disco Duck!” It was the original social media, but with a lot more truckers. You never knew who you’d end up talking to, making it an adventurous way to pass the time.
Spirograph Drawings
Ah, the hours spent with a Spirograph, creating those intricate, colorful designs. It was oddly mesmerizing, even if all the patterns did start looking the same after a while. But there was something about watching those spirals take shape that was just so satisfying.
Jell-O Molds
Every ’60s potluck had that one wiggly, jiggly Jell-O mold with the mystery bits floating inside. Was it sweet? Was it savory? You never really knew until you took a bite. It was like culinary Russian roulette, but the thrill was part of the fun.
Lava Lamps
Lava lamps were all about staring at those gooey blobs moving up and down in a lamp. It was strangely mesmerizing, and maybe more than a little hypnotic. There was just something about the slow, flowing motion that was so relaxing.
Sea Monkeys
Sea Monkeys were advertised as this whirlwind of aquatic excitement. In reality, they were just tiny brine shrimp. But the excitement and anticipation when you first got them were real – it was like having your own underwater kingdom in a glass.
Painting by Numbers
Painting by numbers was the DIY art project of the ’60s. No need for art school when you had these kits. We all secretly hoped one of our creations would end up in a gallery. It was a simple pleasure, but it made us feel like budding artists.
Whittling
Whittling was all about taking a piece of wood and turning it into… well, a smaller piece of wood. But there was something deeply therapeutic about it. You’d sit there for hours, chipping away, and end up with something that was uniquely yours, even if it was just a smaller block of pine.
Soap Carving
Remember when a spare bar of soap and a little imagination could keep you entertained for hours? Soap carving was like the budget-friendly version of sculpting. Your creations might end up as fancy guest bathroom decor, or more likely, as unrecognizable blobs.
Collecting Stamps
Back before emails and texts, stamps were the real treasures. Collecting those little sticky squares from around the world was like holding tiny pieces of far-off places. It was a hobby that took patience and dedication, but it was so rewarding, especially when you found a rare gem.
Making Macramé
Macramé was like the ’60s version of a Pinterest project. It started as a fun hobby, but before you knew it, your house was overrun with rope plant hangers and owl wall hangings. It was crafty and creative, even if it did take over your living space.
Potato Printing
Potato printing was the most fun you could have with a potato outside of eating it. It was art, it was messy, and it was surprisingly enjoyable. Who knew a spud could be so versatile?
Mood Ring Collecting
Mood rings were all the rage. They were supposed to tell you how you were feeling, changing colors with your mood. Sure, they might not have been scientifically accurate, but they were a fun, quirky part of ’60s culture.
Model Airplane Building
Glue everywhere, missing pieces, and at the end? A tiny airplane that doesn’t even fly. At least it looked cool.
Quicksand Pit Making
Because who didn’t want a danger pit in their backyard? Turns out, it’s harder to trap your younger sibling than it looked on TV.
Backyard Bomb Shelters
Ah, the good ol’ days of Cold War paranoia. Nothing says family bonding like preparing for nuclear annihilation.
Listening to War of the Worlds on Repeat
The radio adaptation of H. G. Wells’ acclaimed tale scared the pants off everyone the first time, but on the tenth listen? It became a comedic masterpiece of overacting.