Remembering The 1970s
Kids these days would have a hard time imagining what growing up in the 1970s was like. There were no smartphones and the Internet didn't exist, so the way everyone spent their time was wildly different.
From listening to 8-track tapes to boogying to disco hits, these are the things only '70s kids will remember.
Vinyl Records
If you grew up during the 1970s, you experienced a time before digital music took over everything. Back then, vinyl records were the number one way for folks to listen to their favorite artists. Of course, there's a reason why vinyl records are rising in popularity once again.
There's something so satisfying about seeing the album art up close and reading the liner notes. In a world where almost everything can be found online, there's something very personal about starting a record collection that you can browse and curate to your heart's content.
Drive-In Theaters
Today, drive-in theaters are quite rare—and are treated like a novelty. However, in the '70s, this was just the norm. There was nothing quite like watching a movie under the stars with your family, the film's audio streaming through the car radio.
If you remember seeing classics like Star Wars for the first time at a drive-in theater, it's a memory only kids from the '70s will be able to cherish.
Massachusetts Office Of Travel & Tourism, Flickr
Rotary Phones
Rotary phones certainly hark back to a simpler time—one where folks weren't glued to their mobile phones every second of the day. To get in touch with someone, you had to time your call correctly.
Communication wasn't always instant and there was something so freeing about not being accessible to everyone 24/7.
Pet Rocks
The Pet Rock has often been cited as one of the dumbest inventions—and yet it made its creator, Gary Dahl, a millionaire. It was such a simple concept that worked shockingly well. If you remember owning a pet rock, then you are truly a child of the '70s.
Pet Rock Net, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
The Disco Era
Disco was huge in the '70s—flashy, groovy, and loud. It spurred an unforgettable nightclub scene, with signature dance moves and music from a wide variety of artists, from ABBA to Donna Summer.
There was also the iconic Saturday Night Fever soundtrack, crazy hair-dos, and glittering fashion styles.
Classic Toys
Several classic toys came out of the 1970s—some of those have stood the test of time. These include the iconic Etch A Sketch and the Rubik's Cube, which were genius designs that are still so pleasing to play with today.
The Milkman
Today, people are usually looking forward to their next Amazon delivery—but in the 1970s, you could count on your local milkman to deliver your milk right to your doorstep.
Bewe eller Wigforss, Wikimedia Commons
Platforms and Bell-Bottoms
Fashion in the 1970s was a little over-the-top—but aspects of the decade's popular trends keep coming back into style. Retro looks that included towering platform shoes or wide bell-bottom pants continue to inspire the youths of today.
Deutsche Fotothek, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Mood Rings
Mood rings might have been a little cheesy, but man were they fun. As humans, we've always been fascinated by things that change colors before our very eyes—and mood rings were no exception. Jewelry that reflects emotions? Count me in.
Saturday Morning Cartoons
These days, we're all spoiled with the many streaming services that are out there. Children can now watch whatever they want, whenever they want. However, '70s kids couldn't say the same.
There was something so exciting about Saturday morning cartoons, and the anticipation that came with a fixed line-up of shows—everything from Scooby-Doo to Super Friends.
Hanna Barbera, Scooby Doo, Where Are You!
The Watergate Scandal
Unfortunately, not everything on this list can be a dose of warm nostalgia. People who grew up in the '70s will almost surely remember the Watergate scandal—a defining moment in American history that led to the resignation of President Richard Nixon.
National Archives, Wikimedia Commons
8-Track Players
Forget AirPods! If you were a '70s kid, one of your most prized possessions was likely an 8-track player. This way, you could listen to your music anywhere you wanted. Though they're pretty much obsolete these days, some people still collect them as a novelty.
JCHaywire, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Space Hopper
Life was all about the simple pleasures in the 1970s—and that's exactly what the space hopper was all about. It was just a big rubber ball you could bounce around on and kids loved it.
Star Wars
In 1977, one of the greatest cultural phenomenons in Hollywood history kicked off. Star Wars: A New Hope was unlike anything audiences had ever experienced. People fell in love with the science fiction story and its characters.
Seeing Darth Vader in theater for the first time must have been an experience to remember.
The Atari 2600
Do you remember playing video games like Space Invaders and Pac-Man on your Atari 2600? This home video game console came out in 1977 and turned living rooms into mini arcades.
Yarivi, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Tang (Drink Mix)
The popularity of Tang soared after it became associated with space. NASA used the drink mix during Project Mercury in 1962, and it continues to be used by the agency today.
This sweet, orange drink was a flavor many '70s kids were familiar with. Its creator was also responsible for other popular products like Jell-O, Pop Rocks, and Cool Whip.
Chris Radcliff, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Waterbeds
Waterbeds certainly had their moment in the sun, even if they are not the preferred choice of bed these days. These fun beds are rarely used today, so if you got a chance to sleep on one, consider yourself lucky.
