The 1970s were full of many memorable experiences. When we think back on them now, we can feel a sense of nostalgia as we remember all of the things we got up to. Here are 20 fun things only those born in the 1970s can remember.
Saturday Morning Cartoons
Saturday morning cartoons used to bring kids great joy. For example, Looper writes, “Animation studios like Filmation and Hanna-Barbera dominated Saturday mornings in the 1970s. With each new hit, the shows got weirder and wackier, a testament to the strangeness of the decade.” Hit shows included Scooby-Doo and The Flintstones.
The Disco Craze
Disco wasn’t just about the music; it was also about the fashion. People would dress up in bell bottoms and far too much glitter, then head to disco clubs for an evening full of fun and dancing. You’d also have to make sure you knew the moves to do “the hustle.”
Classic Arcade Games
You could spend hours at the arcade playing games such as Pac-Man and Space Invaders. It was also a great place to hang out with friends or even make new ones, as you’d battle strangers at your favorite game. These arcades were what pioneered modern video gaming today.
The Original Star Wars Trilogy
The first Star Wars movie came out in 1977, and it was one of the greatest cinematic experiences of all time. The cultural impact was huge, with so many merchandise options. It soon became one of the most popular sci-fi sagas of all time.
Vinyl Records
Vinyl records became extremely popular in the 1970s. They were so popular that they accounted for 66% of all music format revenues in the decade, according to The Hustle. People found pleasure in playing a tactile record, and it was a great way to interact with friends, as you could swap records and speak about your favorite album.
Mood Rings
There was a fascination with mood rings that turned them into one of the most fun accessories of the decade. It was the “science” that made them so enjoyable, where the color of the ring defined your mood. They became some of the best conversation starters.
Pet Rocks
Pet Rocks became a quirky fad that literally meant you looked after a rock as though it were a pet. While it may not be something that’s considered fun by today’s standards, the 1970s loved the simplicity of it; only they could see the humor behind owning a pet rock.
Roller Skating Discos
There wasn’t anything better in the 1970s than roller skating to ABBA songs or The Bees Gees. Roller rinks became a popular place to go to socialize and even made for a great first date. They were an exciting way to keep your fitness levels up, especially if you were a regular.
Shag Carpets
It was the uniqueness of shag carpets that made them so fun. They had a furry, shaggy texture and often came in bright colors. They were as popular as minimalist décor is today. Their casual style helped give a home a cozy and laid-back feel.
Waterbeds
The waterbed became associated with excitement in the 1970s, said Apartment Therapy, and then hit its peak in the 1980s before it started to lose its popularity. They were seen as a symbol of modern luxury during that time; however, there were still many challenges that came with them and some very funny stories.
Personal Computing
The 1970s were when people first started to come to terms with personal computing and were able to try it out themselves. Three machines were released in 1977, which were the Apple II, PET 2001, and TRS-80. It was the start of the tech revolution and it created high levels of excitement.
Bell Bottom Jeans
Bell bottom jeans were the most fashionable item in the 1970s, and everyone had to have a pair. People loved that they were a youthful and playful version of practical jeans. It showed that fashion could also be about personal expression and gave a sense of fun in getting dressed each morning.
Smiley Faces Everywhere
It was hard to escape smiley faces during this decade. They ended up everywhere, including the backs of cars, in fashion, and plastered on walls. They were a symbol of the post-hippie era, but they also brought an element of fun to everyday life.
Cable Television
Cable TV started to take off in the 1970s. People had access to many more TV channels, and it kept families entertained all through the evenings. The abundance of channels meant people had a variety of shows to choose from, and it had a huge impact on viewing habits.
Lava Lamps
Smithsonian Magazine writes, “The lava lamp came to symbolize all things countercultural and psychedelic.” People loved the way a lamp could create a groovy feel in a room thanks to its bright, glowing colors. While they didn’t cast much light, they were a fun décor item.
Bean Bag Chairs
Bean bag chairs shot up in popularity, as they became a casual and comfy furniture item to have in the home. They could come in different shapes, sizes, and colors, which only increased their excitement. Bean bags were the start of people opting for more casual furniture items.
Fast Food Chains
If there’s one thing that massively took off in the 1970s, it was fast food restaurants. Many popular chains, such as McDonald’s and Burger King, had started to spread. It became the start of American culture as we know it today. Heading to a fast food restaurant was a fun activity for people in the 1970s.
Handheld Electronic Games
Handheld games started to emerge in the 1970s and they became incredibly fun, as people hadn’t seen anything like them before. It was a transition from mechanical to electronic toys, and this step into technology was nothing but exciting. It had a huge positive impact on the toy industry.
CB Radios
Historic Tech tells us that the craze for CB radios kicked off in the early 1970s thanks to technology bringing down the price of radio equipment. They were an easy way to address a large number of people, which made them popular for emergency services and also in social settings.
TV Dinners
The 1970s saw the trend of TV dinners start to take off. Everyday life became increasingly casual during this decade, and people realized they didn’t need a sit-down meal at a table every night. They could heat ready-made food and sit in front of the TV to watch their favorite show.
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