If you grew up in the ’70s, you probably spent countless hours playing outside with friends. Back then, playgrounds and neighborhood games were full of energy and often a bit wild, but the games you played wouldn’t fly in today’s world.
Many childhood games from the ’70s are no longer allowed due to safety concerns and changing social rules. This means the way kids play now is very different from what you might remember, with a lot more focus on keeping things safe.
Dodgeball with no safety gear
You remember dodgeball as a fast-paced, no-holds-barred game. Back in the ’70s, it wasn’t played with soft foam balls but hard rubber ones.
Getting hit wasn’t just part of the fun—it was expected. You dodged balls flying at your face, ribs, or stomach without any protective gear.
Today, this kind of rough play would be a safety nightmare. Schools ban it because it can cause real injuries. But back then, it was a test of reflexes and toughness, all without helmets or padding.
Heavy-duty metal merry-go-rounds
You remember those metal merry-go-rounds from the ’70s, right? They were solid, heavy-duty, and didn’t slow down unless you dragged your feet. No speed controls or safety brakes—just pure spinning.
If you were brave, you’d stand up or lean out as it whirled, testing physics and your balance. Kids would push each other to go faster, making it a wild ride. Nowadays, playgrounds have tamer versions with speed limits for safety, but back then, it was all about the thrill, no questions asked.
Lawn Darts (Jarts)
You probably remember lawn darts as that backyard game where you toss heavy metal-tipped darts at a plastic ring on the ground. It was a staple of family gatherings in the ’70s and looked pretty harmless.
But those sharp metal points made it risky. If someone accidentally got hit, it could cause serious injury.
Because of the injuries and even some tragic accidents, lawn darts were banned in the late 1980s. Today, you won’t find them in toy stores, and for good reason.
Playing tag with rough tackles
Remember how tag wasn’t just about running? In the ’70s, there was a version called “Contact Tag” where you had to wrestle someone down to tag them. It made the game way more physical than the simple chase you know today.
You could end up on the ground after a tackle or two. Bruises and scraped knees were pretty much part of the fun back then. Nowadays, this version wouldn’t fly because of safety rules and concerns about rough play. It’s wild to think about how much rougher tag once was!
Jump rope double Dutch in crowds
You’d often find kids playing Double Dutch right on busy sidewalks or crowded playgrounds. It wasn’t just a game; it was a way to gather friends, show off skills, and have fun together.
The ropes spun fast, and you had to time your jumps perfectly as others watched or joined in. The game thrived in urban neighborhoods where space was tight but energy was high.
Playing Double Dutch in crowds made it social and lively. Everyone cheered, and sometimes the game turned into informal competitions that kept people coming back.
Keep-away with aggressive grabs
You probably remember keep-away as a fast-paced game where one player tries to hang onto the ball while others chase and try to snatch it. Back in the ’70s, things often got a bit rough, with grabbing and shoving more than just rushing.
It wasn’t unusual for kids to use aggressive grabs to steal the ball, sometimes leading to bruises or scraped arms. Today, this kind of physical contact would likely be banned in schools and playgrounds for safety reasons.
Still, that mix of chasing and tussling gave the game its edge, making it way more exciting than today’s gentler versions.
Kick-the-can in dark streets
You’d spend hours playing Kick-the-Can outside, long after sunset. The dark streets made the game more exciting and challenging. Imagine running through alleys and sneaking into yards while trying not to get caught.
The sound of the can being kicked would call everyone back from hiding. You had to be quick and alert, or risk getting tagged. Today, this kind of night play in the neighborhood would probably worry parents too much to allow.
