Childhood in the ’70s: A Look Back at a Simpler Time

From bustling cities to more rural towns, children in the 1970s had the luxury of a pre-screen, pre-internet life. The simple joys of skateboarding, bike riding, jumping rope and playing cards were just a few of the many ways this generation passed time. Take a walk down Memory Lane and take a nostalgic look back at yesteryear. Here’s what childhood was like in the 1970s. Enjoy!

Penny Bubblegum Stand

One cent could get you a massive gumball or cheap toy to enjoy.

Riding Bikes

It didn’t matter if you were a city kid or a country kid, two wheels and daylight meant hours of freedom.

Earth Day Cleanup

These 1970s New York City kids were focused on their Earth Day clean-up efforts.

Double Dutch Demo

These kids were putting on quite the Double Dutch performance for an audience of onlookers.

Stickball in the City

You could always count on a fun game of stick ball with your friends in this guy’s New York neighborhood.

Library Time

This class of kids gets lost in their books during library time.

Watts Christmas Parade

These children proudly marched in the Watts Christmas Parade in California.

Beverly Hills Cop

Here, a Beverly Hills policeman shares some safety pointers with a captive audience.

Cards by Candlelight

During a New York City blackout, this family makes the most by playing a game of cards by candlelight.

Shooting Hoops

A fun game of pick-up was always in order for these city kids.

London Bridge

A rousing game of “London Bridge” kept these little ladies entertained in their classroom.

Taking It to the Streets

A group of young students are all bundled up for a school outing with their teachers.

Time to Shop

These Michigan kiddos look like their heading to the grocery store — and having a good time too!

Trike Ride

These little girls take a ride around their preschool gymnasium.

Let’s Climb!

Here, some children climb on Alice and some mushrooms in New York City’s Central Park.

Tiny Catholics

These girls are dressed in their Sunday best as they head to their Catholic church.

Teacher Knows Best

These little learners enjoy some circle time in a well-decorated classroom.

Young Festival-Goers

Here, two of the younger attendees of the Vortex I Biodegradable Festival of Life in Oregon enjoy a romp through the grass.

Skateboarding is Life

Here, a young skateboarder enjoys the thrill of the ride.

Let’s Get Wet

The neighborhood kids gather for a little reprieve from the summer heat in New York.

Field Trip

Here, some young students enjoy an off-campus trip.

The image featured at the top of this post is ©Gerald Israel/ via Getty Images.