We did crazy things but somehow still survived to tell the stories.
You won’t believe some of the things we did as kids growing up in the ’60s and ’70s—things that would leave today’s safety-conscious parents clutching their pearls in disbelief. Back then, childhood was raw, messy, and gloriously unsupervised. We took risks without thinking twice, often with little more than scraped knees and dirty clothes to show for it. But the best part? We were having the time of our lives, even if it meant brushing up against real danger more than once.
Looking back now, it’s almost unfathomable how much freedom we had and how oblivious we were to the potential consequences. We lived outdoors, made up our own rules, and trusted our instincts more than any adult’s warnings. There was no GPS, no cell phone, and barely a seatbelt in sight. And yet, through all the questionable decisions and fearless moments, we made it—gritty, joyful, and with some pretty wild stories to tell. Here are 12 of the most outrageous things we did back then—without even blinking.
1. We Rode Bikes Without Helmets, and Somehow Our Heads Survived
Riding bikes was our version of ultimate freedom. We’d tear through neighborhoods, alleys, and dirt trails with nothing but the wind in our hair and a thirst for speed. Helmets? Those were for motorcycle racers, not ten-year-olds on banana-seat bikes. Our heads were completely exposed, and the thought of protective gear never even crossed our minds. If you fell off, you just hoped you didn’t knock out a tooth—and if you did, it made for a cool story at school the next day.
There were no designated bike paths, no warning signs, and no adults watching from the porch. We’d fly down steep hills, often with no brakes, daring each other to go faster. Sometimes we rode double, balanced dangerously on the handlebars or pegs, laughing all the way, according to Laurie Sue Brockway at Country Living. Looking back, it’s hard to believe we survived all those near-misses and crashes. But somehow, we did—and we wore our scrapes and bruises like badges of honor.
2. We Drank from Garden Hoses Like It Was the Fountain of Youth
After running ourselves ragged in the summer heat, we’d head straight for the garden hose, turn on the spigot, and gulp that lukewarm water like it was the finest bottled spring, as stated by Ron in his own blog. It didn’t matter that the water had been sitting in the hose baking in the sun, or that the nozzle had been dragging through dirt or left in the grass next to the dog. That metallic tang? Just part of the flavor experience.
We never questioned whether it was clean or safe—it was just what you did. No one fetched filtered water or worried about BPA in plastics. That hose was a lifeline during epic games of hide-and-seek or backyard baseball, and it kept us going until the sun went down. And the craziest part? None of us seemed to get sick from it. Either we had immune systems of steel or just incredibly good luck.
3. We Played in the Street Until the Streetlights Came On—and Sometimes Even After
The street wasn’t just where cars drove—it was our personal arena for every kind of game imaginable. We played kickball, hopscotch, and “Red Rover,” darting between curbs and yelling out plays like we were in the Super Bowl. We knew every manhole cover and sidewalk crack like the back of our hand. And when someone yelled “Car!” we instinctively scattered like roaches under a porch light, resuming the game seconds later as if nothing had happened.
Being told to be home “when the streetlights came on” was the closest thing to a curfew we had. Of course, we always stretched that rule, bargaining for more time or hiding behind bushes to get a few extra minutes. Parents didn’t keep tabs on us with tracking apps or constant texts—we were expected to roam, play hard, and show up in time for dinner, as mentioned by Patrick Nichols at The Scroller. And that little bit of rebellion? It made every moment feel like a victory.
4. We Rode in the Back of Pickup Trucks Like It Was a Parade
If you were lucky enough to know someone with a pickup truck, chances are you experienced the thrill of riding in the back like royalty. No seatbelts, no safety concerns—just the open sky and the bump of every pothole beneath the tires. We’d pile in after ball games, birthday parties, or spontaneous adventures, bouncing around like rag dolls with every turn and stop.
It felt exhilarating to stand up and feel the wind rush past your face, hair flying and laughter echoing off the pavement. We’d wave at strangers as if we were on parade floats, completely unaware of how dangerous it all was. These rides weren’t just fun—they were a rite of passage. Looking back, it’s shocking we didn’t fly out during a sharp turn. But in our minds, that truck bed was magic—and safety was the last thing we thought about.
5. We Played with Fireworks Like They Were Toys
Fireworks were less about spectacle and more about personal entertainment—and danger. We didn’t just watch them from a distance; we lit them ourselves, holding sparklers way too close or tossing firecrackers at each other just for laughs. Roman candles? We aimed those like magic wands, pointing them at trees, fences, or sometimes even each other in mock battles.
The Fourth of July felt more like a stunt show than a holiday. We’d run around with fuses already burning, squealing as the fireworks launched into the air—or exploded a bit too soon. Sure, we singed fingers, got powder burns, and made our parents panic, but none of that stopped us. We treated fireworks like toys instead of explosives, which was equal parts terrifying and thrilling. And somehow, most of us came out of it with all ten fingers intact.
6. We Ate Food Off the Ground and Called It the “Five-Second Rule”
If something edible hit the ground, you didn’t cry or toss it out—you picked it up, gave it a half-hearted blow, and popped it in your mouth. We truly believed in the mythical power of the “five-second rule,” as if germs knew to wait a bit before contaminating our snacks. Dropped cookie? No problem. Rogue piece of gum? Worth the gamble.
It wasn’t just about stubbornness—it was about resilience. We weren’t grossed out easily, and we didn’t grow up in antiseptic bubbles. Our hands were usually dirty, our clothes grass-stained, and our knees scabbed. Yet somehow, we were fine. Our stomachs could handle a little dirt, or so we believed. Whether true or not, that fearless attitude carried us through every picnic, playground, and birthday party like little warriors of grit.
7. We Walked or Biked Everywhere Without Telling Anyone Where We Were Going
Back then, we had the kind of freedom that would make today’s parents break into a cold sweat. We hopped on bikes or laced up our sneakers and just… left. No one knew exactly where we were going or when we’d be back, and that was perfectly normal. If you made it home by dinnertime, all was forgiven. And if you were late, well—you got a warning and maybe had to eat cold meatloaf, but that was it.
Exploring the neighborhood was an unsupervised adventure. We made up routes, followed railroad tracks, and ducked through woods or empty lots like explorers on a mission. If you got a flat tire or fell in a ditch, you figured it out yourself—or a buddy helped you limp back home. It was dangerous, sure. But it also made us independent and scrappy in a way that’s rare today.
8. We Jumped Off Swings at the Highest Point for the Ultimate Thrill
Swing sets weren’t just for gentle back-and-forth motion—they were launchpads. We’d pump our legs with all our might, leaning so far back it felt like we might flip over, just to get that perfect arc. And then, right at the peak, we’d leap. For one glorious second, we were flying, free of gravity, arms outstretched and fearless.
The landings? Well, they weren’t always smooth. Sometimes we’d tumble, crash, or land flat on our backs—but the thrill was worth every bruise. The higher you jumped, the cooler you looked. It wasn’t about safety or common sense—it was about guts and glory. Today’s playgrounds have rubber mats and height limits. Ours had gravel, rust, and raw adrenaline—and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
9. We Explored Abandoned Buildings Like It Was a Treasure Hunt
Any building with boarded-up windows or broken fences was fair game. We saw them not as off-limits but as invitations—mysteries waiting to be unraveled. Whether it was an old house, a shuttered warehouse, or a burned-out shed, we were in there, flashlights in hand, ready to uncover secrets and scare ourselves silly.
It didn’t matter how unsafe it was—crumbling floors, broken glass, and strange smells were part of the charm. We tiptoed around corners like we were in a spy movie, half-expecting ghosts or treasure at every turn. In hindsight, we were probably inches from tetanus or falling through a floorboard. But at the time, it felt like the ultimate adventure—raw, spooky, and full of endless possibility.
10. We Ate Mystery Meat from School Lunches and Didn’t Ask Questions
Cafeteria food was more mystery than meal. We didn’t have nutrition labels or allergy charts—just a grayish slab of “meat” accompanied by mushy vegetables and a carton of lukewarm milk. If you were lucky, there was ketchup to disguise the taste, and you learned to chew fast and not ask questions. Salisbury steak? Could’ve been anything. We didn’t care.
There was no alternate option or picky eating allowed. You either ate it or went hungry until your mom packed bologna the next day. Somehow, we adapted. Maybe it built character, maybe it destroyed taste buds—but it bonded us in collective confusion. We still remember that meatloaf, those neon orange beans, and the square pizzas with a fondness that only nostalgia can explain.
11. We Played Lawn Darts—A Game That Was Basically a Weapon
Lawn darts were a backyard staple and a lawsuit waiting to happen. These heavy, pointed metal missiles were designed to be thrown high into the air and land in a plastic ring on the grass—but more often than not, they landed dangerously close to someone’s foot or head. It was thrilling and terrifying all at once.
Some kids even made it a game of dodge, testing how close they could get to being hit without actually getting skewered. It was pure chaos disguised as a family game. Eventually, they were banned for obvious reasons, but at the time, they were just part of summer fun. We didn’t realize how reckless we were being—we just knew it felt exciting to play with something that probably belonged in a hardware store.
12. We Piled as Many Kids as Possible into a Single Car Without Seatbelts
Going for a ride meant packing every available inch of the car with bodies. Lap sitting, lying across the back window ledge, or crouching in the footwell—however you fit, you went. Seatbelts were buried somewhere under the seats, but no one used them. They were more nuisance than necessity, and we didn’t even blink at the idea of riding unsecured.
It wasn’t just normal—it was fun. We’d play games, pass snacks, and swap seats mid-drive. Long road trips were like mobile slumber parties, and somehow we all made it through unscathed. Today, the idea of not buckling up is unthinkable, but back then? It was just part of the ride. Another miracle in a long list of childhood moments we somehow survived.