22 Childhood Activities from the ’80s That Are Unthinkable Today
While the ’80s may evoke nostalgia and fond memories, many childhood activities from that era were often less regulated and more adventurous than they are today. From unsupervised outdoor adventures to toys and games with questionable safety standards, here are 22 childhood activities from the ’80s that would raise eyebrows today.
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Riding in the Back of Pickup Trucks

During the ’80s, it was customary for children to ride in the open beds of pickup trucks for various outings and adventures. Accidents resulting from falls and collisions have prompted stricter laws and regulations to protect passengers, particularly children, from harm.
Drinking from Garden Hoses

Quenching one’s thirst often involved taking a refreshing sip directly from the garden hose, especially during hot summer days of outdoor play. However, as awareness of potential health risks has increased over the years, particularly concerning contaminants in older hoses, drinking from garden hoses has significantly declined.
Playing with Lawn Darts

Lawn darts, a popular backyard game in the ’80s, provided hours of outdoor entertainment for children and families. However, the game’s sharp metal tips and potential for serious injury led to its eventual ban in many places.
Unscheduled Outdoor Play

The ’80s were characterized by freedom for children to explore their surroundings and engage in unsupervised outdoor play. From spontaneous games of tag in the neighborhood to imaginative adventures in nearby parks, kids had the opportunity to develop independence and creativity through unstructured outdoor activities.
Riding Bikes Without Helmets

In the carefree days of the 1980s, it was not uncommon to see children riding their bicycles without helmets, enjoying the exhilarating sense of freedom that comes with the wind in their hair. However, as awareness of the risks of head injuries has grown, particularly among young cyclists, helmets have become a standard safety practice.
Climbing Trees

Scaling trees and building forts among the branches was a beloved pastime for children growing up in the ’80s. However, as concerns about safety and liability have increased in recent years, the once-common practice of tree climbing has become less prevalent.
Riding in the Front Seat of Cars

In the ’80s, it was commonplace for children to ride in the front seat of cars, often without seat belts or child safety seats. Today, laws mandate that children ride in the back seat of vehicles and use appropriate accessories, like baby seats, to reduce injuries in the event of a collision.
Playing with Mercury

In the ’80s, children were often exposed to mercury through everyday household items such as thermometers and chemistry sets containing the toxic substance. As awareness of mercury exposure has grown, particularly its harmful effects on the nervous system and development, strict regulations have been implemented to limit its use in consumer products.
Using Metal Playground Equipment

Playground equipment in the ’80s often featured metal structures such as slides, jungle gyms, and merry-go-rounds, providing children with endless outdoor fun and adventure. However, the metal materials used in these playgrounds posed safety risks, including potential burns from hot surfaces and injuries from falls or collisions.
Playing Outside Until Dark

Children enjoyed the freedom of playing outdoors until the streetlights came on, signaling the end of another day of adventures in the neighborhood. However, as concerns about safety and supervision have increased, playing outside until dark has become less common.
Setting Off Fireworks Without Supervision

Children often enjoyed setting off fireworks without adult supervision, especially during festive occasions like the Fourth of July. However, as awareness of the dangers associated with fireworks has grown, particularly the risk of burns, injuries, and property damage, stricter regulations and safety guidelines have been implemented. Today, the use of fireworks is heavily regulated.
Playing with Cap Guns

Cap guns, which simulated the sound and action of real firearms, were a popular toy among children in the ’80s, providing endless hours of imaginative play and role-playing scenarios. However, concerns about the potential desensitization of children to violence and firearms, as well as the risk of accidents or misuse, have led to a decline in the popularity of cap guns in modern times.
Trick-or-Treating Without Parental Supervision

Children often ventured out to trick-or-treat in their neighborhoods without adult supervision, reveling in the excitement of Halloween and the thrill of collecting candy from neighbors. However, as concerns about safety and stranger danger have increased, unsupervised trick-or-treating has become less common.
Riding Big Wheels Without Helmets

Big Wheels, iconic tricycles popular in the ’80s, provided children with a thrilling ride and a sense of freedom as they zoomed around sidewalks and driveways. As awareness of head injuries and the importance of helmet use has grown, riding Big Wheels without helmets has become less common.
Playing with Asbestos

Asbestos, a once-common material used in various household products and building materials in the ’80s, poses severe health risks due to its carcinogenic properties and the potential for respiratory diseases. However, as awareness of the dangers of asbestos exposure has grown, strict regulations have been implemented to limit its use and mitigate its associated risks.
Roller Skating Without Protective Gear

Roller skating was a beloved pastime for children in the ’80s. Today, safety-conscious parents ensure that their children wear helmets, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards while roller skating, minimizing the risk of injuries and promoting safe skating habits.
Swimming in Unsupervised Areas

In the ’80s, children often cooled off by swimming in rivers, lakes, and ponds without adult supervision, enjoying the freedom and adventure of outdoor water play. Today, strict supervision and safety measures are implemented in public swimming areas, including the presence of lifeguards and adherence to water safety guidelines, to reduce risk.
Playing with Toxic Chemicals

Chemistry sets, popular educational toys in the ’80s, provided children with hands-on learning experiences and opportunities to conduct experiments in the comfort of their homes. However, as awareness of the potential hazards of toxic chemicals has grown, particularly among young children, the contents of chemistry sets have become subject to stricter regulations and safety standards.
Playing with Lead-Painted Toys

Lead-based paint, once commonly used in toys and household items in the ’80s, posed severe health risks, particularly to young children who may ingest or inhale lead dust. Today, toy manufacturers must adhere to stringent safety standards to ensure toys are free of lead and other harmful substances.
Exploring Nature Trails Without Adult Supervision

In the ’80s, children often ventured into the great outdoors, exploring nature trails and wooded areas without constant adult supervision. This allowed for independence and connection with nature, as kids discovered hidden wonders and forged paths.
Making Homemade Slime with Unsafe Ingredients

Homemade slime, a popular DIY activity in the ’80s, provided children with a fun and creative way to explore science and chemistry in the comfort of their homes. However, as awareness of the potential hazards of certain ingredients, particularly borax, has grown, the safety of homemade slime has come under scrutiny.
Playing with Sharp or Pointed Toys

Toys with sharp edges or pointed tips, such as lawn darts, toy swords, and metal-tipped arrows, were commonplace in the ’80s but are now considered too risky for children’s play due to potential accidents and injuries. Today, toy manufacturers must adhere to stringent guidelines to ensure that toys are free of sharp or potentially harmful components, protecting children from the risk of cuts, punctures, and other injuries during play.