14 Things We Did as Kids That Today’s Generation Will Never Understand

Growing up in the ’80s and ’90s was a unique experience filled with activities and experiences that today’s digital generation may never fully understand. Back then, life was a tad more analog, and our playtime was all about creativity, exploration, and physical interactions.

From the thrill of getting lost in neighborhood games to the simple joy of recording a mixtape, those days were marked by a sense of freedom and adventure. As technology continues to evolve, many of these childhood experiences have become distant memories. In this blog post, we’ll take a delightful trip down memory lane and explore 14 things that defined our childhood, yet seem alien to kids today.

1. Playing Outside Until Dark

There was a time when children played outside until the streetlights flickered on. Our evenings were filled with games like hide and seek, tag, and capture the flag. We weren’t tethered to screens but were bound by the unwritten rules of childhood adventure. Neighborhoods echoed with laughter and playful shouts as we ran across lawns and darted between trees. Those were the days when physical boundaries were the only limits to our imaginations. It was an era of endless exploration and friendships forged under the fading sunlight. Such experiences fostered independence and creativity, undisrupted by digital distractions.

2. Recording Mixtapes from the Radio

Creating a mixtape was an art form. We would hover over the radio, fingers poised to hit record the moment our favorite song played. It required patience and a keen ear, as we tried to exclude the DJ’s voice. Each tape was a labor of love, capturing the essence of our musical tastes and emotions. Sharing these tapes was akin to sharing a secret part of ourselves. Unlike digital playlists today, mixtapes were tangible, crafted with care and intention. They were personal soundtracks that narrated stories of crushes, heartbreaks, and unforgettable summer days.

3. Passing Notes in Class

In an age before texting, passing notes was a secretive form of communication. We would scribble messages on paper, fold them intricately to ensure privacy, and pass them hand-to-hand until they reached their destination. These notes could be anything from playful doodles to declarations of friendship or hidden crushes. The thrill lay in the potential of being caught by a teacher, which only added to the excitement. Passing notes fostered a sense of comradeship and rebellion. Today, the immediacy of digital communication has rendered this charming ritual almost obsolete.

4. Collecting Pogs and Trading Cards

Pogs and trading cards were the currency of childhood friendships. We would swap, collect, and battle with these little pieces of cardboard or plastic, each bearing images of popular characters. Whether it was the thrill of stacking pogs or finding a rare card, these activities were more than just games; they were social events. They taught us negotiation skills and the value of persistence. Trading allowed us to connect over shared interests and momentary obsessions. Unlike today’s virtual collections, these were tactile experiences that unfolded with anticipation and surprise.

5. Dialing on a Rotary Phone

Using a rotary phone was an exercise in patience and precision. Each number required a deliberate turn of the dial, accompanied by the click-click-click sound as it spun back. Conversations were tethered to the length of the phone cord, often tangled from constant use. It was a stark contrast to today’s instant and mobile communications. The rotary phone taught us the value of patience and anticipation as we dialed each number. It was a time when voice communication felt more personal, as we waited for someone to pick up on the other end.

6. Camping in the Backyard

Camping in the backyard was an adventure in itself. We’d pitch a tent close to home but far enough to feel independent. Nights were spent under the stars, telling ghost stories or watching fireflies. It was a blend of comfort and wilderness, allowing us to explore the thrill of camping without straying too far. The backyard became a canvas for our imaginations, where shadows cast by the moonlight turned into mythical creatures. This experience taught us resourcefulness and the joy of simplicity, elements often overshadowed in today’s digital-driven entertainment landscape.

7. Using a Card Catalog in the Library

Before digital databases, finding a book meant navigating the card catalog. These wooden drawers held index cards, each leading us to a world of knowledge. The process demanded patience as we learned to navigate the Dewey Decimal System. It was a journey of discovery, where each card was a step closer to the treasure of a good book. Handling the physical cards made the process tactile and memorable. Today’s quick searches lack the charm and patience that the card catalog instilled in us. It was a formative experience of exploration and learning.

8. Waiting for Film to Develop

Photographs once held an element of surprise. We’d drop off film rolls for developing and wait days to see our captured memories. Each envelope opened was a moment of anticipation and sometimes amusement at unexpected photobombs. The process made us deliberate with each shot, knowing there was no instant preview or delete button. It taught us the value of patience and cherishing each photograph. Unlike today’s digital images, developed photos were keepsakes, tucked into albums or framed on walls, preserving moments that told the stories of our lives.

9. Blowing on Nintendo Cartridges

Anyone familiar with classic gaming remembers the trick of blowing into cartridges to make games work. When a game didn’t load, we’d remove the cartridge, blow into the connectors, and hope for the best. It became a ritual, a seemingly magical fix passed down among friends. This simple act represented the perseverance and ingenuity of young gamers. While today’s consoles are more advanced, they lack the physical interaction and quirky fixes of the past. Blowing on cartridges was a shared experience, a testament to the collective wisdom of a generation of gamers.

10. Waiting for Saturday Morning Cartoons

Saturday mornings were synonymous with cartoons. We’d wake up early, pour a bowl of cereal, and settle in front of the TV for hours of animated adventures. It was a weekly ritual that brought families together, creating shared memories. Each show was savored, knowing we’d have to wait another week for the next episode. Unlike today’s on-demand streaming, there was a magic in the anticipation and the communal experience of watching scheduled broadcasts. These cartoons were a delightful escape, sparking imaginations and filling our weekends with laughter and joy.

11. Writing Letters to Pen Pals

The art of writing letters to pen pals connected us with the world beyond our immediate surroundings. It was a practice of patience, waiting weeks for replies from friends in distant places. Each letter was a window into another world, filled with stories and cultural exchanges. This form of communication fostered understanding and curiosity, building bridges across miles. Unlike instant messaging, letters carried a sense of anticipation and personal touch. The process of writing, sending, and receiving taught us the joy of meaningful connections and the warmth of handwritten words.

12. Playing Computer Games on Floppy Disks

Before digital downloads, computer games came on floppy disks. Each game required careful handling to avoid damaging the disk. It was an era when installing a game meant swapping multiple disks and waiting patiently. These games were simple yet captivating, offering endless hours of entertainment. Handling floppy disks taught responsibility and the excitement of exploring new virtual worlds. Today’s digital gaming lacks the tangible aspect of floppy disks. Yet, for many, those pixelated graphics and the whir of the disk drive hold nostalgic memories of a bygone era.

13. Watching VHS Tapes and Rewinding

VHS tapes were our gateway to movies and shows, long before streaming existed. Watching a film involved inserting the tape and, crucially, remembering to rewind it for the next viewer. The video rental store was a treasure trove of possibilities, each visit an adventure in itself. These tapes were bulky, yet they carried stories that captivated our imaginations. Rewinding was a small act of courtesy, now obsolete in the digital age. The tactile experience of handling VHS tapes, with their distinct sound and occasional tracking lines, remains a cherished memory.

14. Playing Board Games on Rainy Days

Rainy days were perfect for board games. We gathered around the table with family or friends, engaging in friendly competition. These games encouraged strategic thinking, cooperation, and sometimes a bit of luck. Unlike today’s digital games, board games required no screens, only the company of others and a shared goal. They taught us patience and the joy of face-to-face interaction. The clatter of dice and the movement of pieces created an atmosphere of excitement and camaraderie. Board games remain a timeless reminder of simple pleasures and the bonds forged over shared experiences.