10 Things Gen X Kids Did Growing Up All The Time That Would Make Gen Z Cry

Growing up as a Gen X kid was a unique experience filled with quirks and adventures that today’s Gen Z might find bewildering. These were the days before smartphones, when kids roamed free and explored the world in their own unique ways.

From playing outside until the streetlights came on to making mixtapes from the radio, Gen X kids thrived in an analog world where creativity and independence were key. While some of these activities seem almost prehistoric to modern youngsters, they were the norm for Gen X. Let’s explore ten things Gen X kids did every day that might just bring tears (of laughter or confusion) to Gen Z’s eyes.

1. Drinking from the Hose

Drinking water straight from the garden hose was a quintessential experience for Gen X kids. On hot summer days, instead of running inside for a drink, they’d simply grab the nearest hose and take a refreshing gulp. The water might have been warm at first, but it quickly cooled down, quenching their thirst.

This habit, although frowned upon today due to hygiene concerns, was a practical solution back then. Kids believed the water tasted better, with a hint of rubbery nostalgia.

Parents didn’t worry much about germs, trusting that their kids’ immune systems would handle any issues.

2. Making Mixtapes

Creating the perfect mixtape required patience and timing. Gen X teenagers would spend hours in their rooms, waiting patiently by the radio with a blank cassette loaded, ready to hit ‘record’ when their favorite song played.

Mixtapes were more than just music; they were expressions of identity and emotion. Carefully curated tracks told stories of unrequited love, friendship, or rebellion.

The tangible joy of gifting or receiving a mixtape was unparalleled. It was a personal art form, a painstakingly crafted message wrapped in melodies and lyrics, unique to its creator.

3. Riding Bikes Without Helmets

Before helmet laws, Gen X kids rode their bikes freely, wind in their hair, feeling invincible. They’d race down streets, perform daring stunts, and explore new terrains, all without the protective gear we deem essential today.

Freedom and adventure were the main attractions, and safety concerns were secondary. Parents rarely worried, as skinned knees and elbows were seen as badges of honor.

While helmets are crucial today, the carefree spirit of those helmet-less rides remains a cherished memory, symbolizing a time when risks were part of the fun.

4. Using Rotary Phones

Operating a rotary phone was a rite of passage for Gen X kids. Learning to dial by turning the rotary dial, waiting for it to spin back, was both a skill and a patience tester.

These phones, often fixed to a wall, limited movement but sparked lengthy conversations tied to a single spot. Memorizing phone numbers and hearing the satisfying click of each digit were part of the charm.

In today’s touchscreen world, the tactile engagement of the rotary phone feels like a distant relic, yet it holds a nostalgic curiosity for those who knew its spins.

5. Playing Outside Until Dark

For Gen X kids, the rule was simple: play outside until the streetlights came on. This unwritten rule was a testament to independence and trust. Children roamed neighborhoods, played games like tag or hide and seek, and created adventures in their backyards.

The outside world was their playground, filled with endless possibilities. Friendships were forged, and imaginations soared in the absence of screens.

Returning home dirty and tired, they carried with them stories of the day’s escapades. Today, such freedom seems rare, but it was the norm for Gen X, fostering resilience and creativity.

6. Developing Photos

Developing photos was an art form for Gen X teens, a hands-on process that required both patience and skill. They’d use darkrooms to bring images to life, watching as memories appeared on paper.

Each photograph held significance, captured moments preserved in time, unlike today’s digital abundance. The anticipation of seeing the final image added to the excitement.

This tangible connection to photography fostered creativity and appreciation for the craft. Although the process may seem cumbersome now, it was a cherished hobby that taught patience and attention to detail.

7. Watching Saturday Morning Cartoons

Saturday mornings were sacred for Gen X kids, dedicated exclusively to cartoons. From superheroes to slapstick comedy, the lineup was diverse and exciting.

This ritual meant waking up early, grabbing a bowl of sugary cereal, and settling in front of the TV for hours of entertainment. Animated characters became childhood friends, and their adventures were eagerly anticipated each week.

In an era before streaming, these blocks of cartoons were a must-see event, shaping imagination and humor. The nostalgia of those mornings remains vivid, a comforting memory of carefree weekends.

8. Listening to Records

Vinyl records were the soundtrack of Gen X’s formative years. Listening to music was an intentional act, involving the careful placement of a record on a turntable and the gentle drop of a needle.

Each album demanded full attention, with crackles and pops adding to the auditory experience. Album covers, with their intricate artwork, were as cherished as the music itself.

In the age of digital music, the tactile engagement of vinyl holds a special place, offering a richer, more personal connection to the music. It was an experience that required time and presence.

9. Using Encyclopedias for Homework

Before the internet, encyclopedias were the go-to resource for homework. Gen X kids would spend hours poring over volumes, gathering information for school projects.

The physical act of flipping pages and deciphering text fostered research skills and a deeper understanding of topics. Encyclopedias were knowledge treasures, offering a world of information at one’s fingertips.

Though time-consuming, this method of research was thorough and rewarding. Today’s digital shortcuts lack the tactile exploration and satisfaction of finding the right information through dedicated effort.

10. Passing Notes in Class

Passing notes in class was a clandestine art among Gen X students. These handwritten messages, often folded intricately, carried secrets, jokes, or flirtations.

The thrill of passing a note undetected added a layer of excitement to the school day. It required stealth and creativity, ensuring the message reached its intended recipient without being intercepted by a teacher.

In today’s age of instant messaging, the simplicity and suspense of note-passing are lost arts, but for those who lived it, it remains a nostalgic reminder of youthful rebellion and connection.