Did You Grow Up In The 70s? Here are 15 Things You Will Remember

Bogaerts, Rob / Anefo – Wikimedia Commons

Take a trip back to the 70s with us, a time of groovy tunes, far-out fashions, and some downright funky trends. If you were around then, these 15 blasts from the past will definitely ring a bell. Let us dive into the memories that made the decade unforgettable.

Saturday Morning Cartoons

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What was better than jumping out of bed on a Saturday morning, grabbing a bowl of cereal, and planting yourself in front of the TV? Those cartoons were sacred. Whether you were all about “Scooby-Doo” trying to solve mysteries or “The Flintstones” causing a laugh with their stone-age shenanigans, those shows were our weekend highlights. No Saturday was complete without them.

Disco Fever

Greyson Joralemon greyson_joralemon1, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Oh, disco! It was not just music; it was a lifestyle. Remember hearing “Stayin’ Alive” and just needing to groove? Disco took over everything, from our clothes to our school dances. Maybe you were not at the discotheques, but who didn’t try some of those dance moves at home? And the music, those beats were as catchy as anything.

Vinyl Records

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There is something about vinyl, right? The feel of them, the art on the covers, and the ritual of putting one on the player. You would listen to the entire side, not just one song, read the back cover, and get lost in the music. From classics like Pink Floyd to David Bowie, those records were our prized possessions.

Playing Outside Until Dark

D. Sharon Pruitt from Hill Air Force Base, Utah, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Remember when Mom would tell you to be home by the time the streetlights came on? We were out there, playing tag, building forts, or riding bikes until our legs were sore. It was freedom, and it was the best. And nothing beats that feeling of racing home for dinner after a day full of adventures.

Family TV Nights

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TV shows were real family events. Everyone would gather around the television after dinner for shows like “MAS*H” or “The Brady Bunch.” These shows weren’t just funny; they were part of the family. We talked about the episodes, quoted the characters, and they gave us some real hearty laughs.

Cassette Tapes

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Remember when you got your first cassette tape? You would pop it into your portable player, and you had music wherever you went. Making mixtapes for friends or recording songs straight off the radio was the norm. Rewinding with a pencil to save the batteries, now that was a hack before hacks were even a thing!

Pet Rocks

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Yes, pet rocks were a real fad. It sounds crazy now, but back then, having a rock as a pet, complete with a carrying case and breathing holes, was the cool new thing. It was all about the novelty, the fun of having something so simple yet so bizarre as a pet. 

Mood Rings

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These were all the rage. You would wear one, and it would supposedly tell your mood from the temperature of your finger. A change in color meant a change in mood. Whether or not they really worked did not matter; it was about trying to guess what mood you were in and comparing with friends. 

The Waterbed Craze

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If you had a waterbed, you were the epitome of cool. These beds, filled with water, promised a dreamy night’s sleep and became a symbol of the 70s lifestyle. They were a bit of a novelty, sure, but also a sign of modern luxury and comfort at the time. Plus, the wave motion was a bonus!

Star Wars Mania

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When “Star Wars” hit theaters in 1977, it was not just a movie; it became a cultural phenomenon. Whether you stood in line for hours to see it or gathered with friends to play with the newest action figures, “Star Wars” was everywhere. It sparked imaginations and brought sci-fi into the mainstream in a way that no other movie had before.

The Chopper Bike

By Brian Snelson – originally posted to Flickr as Peter Fonda riding Captain America, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you were a kid in the 70s, chances are you either had or wanted a Chopper bike. With its distinctive long handlebars, banana seat, and bold colors, this bike was not just a ride; it was a statement. It represented freedom and style, making every kid feel like the coolest on the block.

Platform Shoes

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The 70s would not be complete without mentioning platform shoes. Both men and women rocked these high-soled shoes, strutting with a bit more height and a lot of confidence. Whether they were boots, sandals, or formal shoes, the platforms added an unforgettable flair to any outfit and were a must-have fashion statement.

The Fondue Craze

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Fondue parties were the hit of the 1970s. They were more than just a meal; they were a social event. Gathering around a pot of melted cheese or chocolate with long forks, everyone enjoyed dipping bread, fruits, or veggies. It was a fun, interactive way to share a meal with family or friends.

Smiley Faces Everywhere

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The iconic yellow smiley face symbol was ubiquitous in the 70s. It adorned t-shirts, bags, and even bumper stickers, symbolizing the era’s emphasis on peace, love, and happiness. The simple smiley face was more than just a logo; it was a cultural icon that encouraged everyone to keep smiling.

The Advent of Video Games

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The late 70s saw the dawn of the video game era with the introduction of home consoles like Atari. Games like “Pong” and later “Space Invaders” transformed living rooms into arcades. Suddenly, you could play video games in the comfort of your home, a concept that was revolutionary at the time and set the stage for the gaming explosion in the decades to follow.

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