With summer just around the corner, social media feeds and family magazines are brimming with ideas for fun activities to do with kids. But let’s be real—do we really need more planned events? As I find myself lounging in a post-school year haze, I’m definitely not feeling inspired to create elaborate projects or take the kids on a scavenger hunt at a distant science museum.
What I truly want for my children is the carefree summer I enjoyed in the late 1970s. You know, the kind where fun was self-created, not meticulously scheduled. So, here are my top ten suggestions for giving your kids that authentic 1970s summer vibe:
- Encourage Outdoor Play: Let them play outside all day, every day. Hot sun? Drink from the garden hose. Swim in the pool until their hair turns green and their feet are tough from the bottom. Explore the neighborhood, climb trees, and read books under the shade. I suggest checking out works by Judy Blume!
- Let Them Watch Classic TV: Allow them to indulge in some good old-fashioned television. Anything from The Love Boat to Charlie’s Angels is fair game. It’s time for them to discover the brilliance of 1970s television programming.
- Embrace Unrestricted Snacking: Forget organic snacks! This summer will be about Frito-Lay and sugary drinks. Picture them experiencing the joy of mixing up cherry Kool-Aid with heaps of white sugar. For lunch, fried bologna sandwiches and cheesy snacks await, and dinner could mean a bucket of fast food with dessert right from the can.
- Movie Days: Drop them off at the cinema for the day. They can sneak into different films, enjoying the magic of the big screen without adult supervision.
- Sleepovers with Friends: Send them to stay at their best friend’s house for multiple nights—no need for constant check-ins. This freedom will allow them to fully embrace the spirit of adventure.
- Crafting with Found Objects: Encourage creativity with items they find around the house. No pre-packaged craft kits; just good old-fashioned imagination and resourcefulness.
- Host a Talent Show: Let them put together a talent show without any rules or themes. Just pure, unfiltered creativity. I promise I won’t share their performances anywhere online.
- Play Classic Games: Dust off the old board games that could lead to hours of fun and laughter—games that might make them want to throw the pieces in a fit of excitement.
- Build a Backyard Fort: No assistance required; let them use whatever they find to create their own hideaway. Even that fancy duvet cover can be sacrificed for a memory.
- Find Joy in the Ordinary: Teach them to appreciate the simple things around them. This skill will serve them well later in life, trust me.
Happy summer!
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Summary: This article presents ten nostalgic ideas for creating a carefree 1970s summer experience for children. From outdoor play and classic TV shows to spontaneous talent shows and backyard adventures, the focus is on unstructured fun that encourages creativity and independence.