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
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One cent could get you a massive gumball or cheap toy to enjoy.
Riding Bikes
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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
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These 1970s New York City kids were focused on their Earth Day clean-up efforts.
Double Dutch Demo
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These kids were putting on quite the Double Dutch performance for an audience of onlookers.
Stickball in the City
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You could always count on a fun game of stick ball with your friends in this guy’s New York neighborhood.
Library Time
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This class of kids gets lost in their books during library time.
Watts Christmas Parade
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These children proudly marched in the Watts Christmas Parade in California.
Beverly Hills Cop
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Here, a Beverly Hills policeman shares some safety pointers with a captive audience.
Cards by Candlelight
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During a New York City blackout, this family makes the most by playing a game of cards by candlelight.
Shooting Hoops
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A fun game of pick-up was always in order for these city kids.
London Bridge
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A rousing game of “London Bridge” kept these little ladies entertained in their classroom.
Taking It to the Streets
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A group of young students are all bundled up for a school outing with their teachers.
Time to Shop
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These Michigan kiddos look like their heading to the grocery store — and having a good time too!
Trike Ride
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These little girls take a ride around their preschool gymnasium.
Let’s Climb!
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Here, some children climb on Alice and some mushrooms in New York City’s Central Park.
Tiny Catholics
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These girls are dressed in their Sunday best as they head to their Catholic church.
Teacher Knows Best
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These little learners enjoy some circle time in a well-decorated classroom.
Young Festival-Goers
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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
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Here, a young skateboarder enjoys the thrill of the ride.
Let’s Get Wet
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The neighborhood kids gather for a little reprieve from the summer heat in New York.
Field Trip
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Here, some young students enjoy an off-campus trip.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Gerald Israel/ via Getty Images.