The 1960s were a different time. Back then, kids had a level of freedom that would make parents today gasp. Whether it was the relaxed attitudes toward safety or just the way society worked, kids got away with things that would never fly now. Some of these activities weren’t just risky; they’d land someone in serious trouble if they happened today. If you were a kid in the ‘60s, you probably did a few of these without thinking twice.
Riding in the Back of a Pickup Truck
It wasn’t unusual to see kids bouncing around in the back of a pickup truck, with nothing but gravity holding them in place. This wasn’t seen as reckless, it was just another way to get from point A to point B.
Today, strict safety laws prohibit this, and for good reason. Back then, though, it felt like an adventure, even if it was dangerous.
Walking Miles to School Alone
Parents today would shudder at the thought of their kids walking several miles to school without supervision, but it was common in the ‘60s. Whether it was rain or shine, kids grabbed their books and headed out on their own. There were no GPS trackers or constant check-ins, you just had to trust that they’d get there safely.
Playing with Lawn Darts
Lawn darts, also known as Jarts, were a popular backyard game, despite being essentially weighted spears. Kids hurled them into the air, often with little regard for where they landed. The danger only added to the excitement. It’s no surprise these were banned in later years after causing countless injuries.
Smoking Candy Cigarettes
Candy cigarettes were everywhere in the ‘60s, and kids loved pretending they were the real thing. Holding one between your fingers and blowing out powdered sugar “smoke” felt grown-up and cool. These days, candy sticks are frowned upon, because they glamorized smoking and sent kids the wrong message.
Hitchhiking Everywhere
With thumbs out and smiles on their faces, kids in the ‘60s thought hitchhiking was a perfectly acceptable way to get around. Strangers picked them up and drove them to their destinations without anyone batting an eye.
Nowadays, the dangers of hitchhiking are well-documented, but back then, it was just another way to travel.
Riding Bikes Without Helmets
The idea of wearing a helmet while riding a bike would have been laughable to kids in the ‘60s. They rode down hills, across busy streets, and even attempted stunts without a second thought. Today, helmet laws are in place to protect kids from serious head injuries, but back then, scraped knees and bruises were just part of growing up.
Playing Outside Without Supervision
From sunup to sundown, kids in the ‘60s were outside doing whatever they wanted. There were no cell phones to check in with parents, and nobody worried as long as they were home by dark. This freedom was a rite of passage back then, but in our world today it could lead to child neglect charges.
Drinking from the Garden Hose
When kids got thirsty playing outside, they didn’t head indoors for filtered water. They turned on the garden hose, drank straight from it, and thought nothing of it. Concerns about water quality and contamination have made this a thing of the past, even though it was completely normal decades ago.
Bringing Pocketknives to School
Boys in the ‘60s usually carried pocketknives, even to school. They used them for carving sticks or doing harmless tasks, and nobody saw it as a problem. Modern zero-tolerance policies have made it clear that any kind of weapon-like item is strictly forbidden in schools, a stark contrast to the attitudes of the past.
Riding Without Seatbelts
Seatbelt laws weren’t enforced the way they are today, and many cars didn’t even have seatbelts in the back seats. Kids piled into cars, often standing or lying down, with no thought of restraint.
The focus on car safety now means such behavior would be met with heavy fines and parental backlash.
Lighting Fireworks
Fireworks weren’t just for adults to supervise, kids often had their own stash of sparklers, firecrackers, and bottle rockets. Lighting them up without any real precautions was half the fun. Stricter regulations now require adult supervision and restrict who can purchase and use fireworks, drastically limiting kids’ freedom to handle them.
Hanging Out in “Dangerous” Playgrounds
Playgrounds in the ‘60s were a mix of sharp edges, tall metal slides, and asphalt ground. Monkey bars towered over hard surfaces, and seesaws could easily catapult someone into the air.
Modern playgrounds are designed with padded surfaces and safer equipment, a far cry from the risky fun kids once enjoyed.
Running Barefoot Everywhere
Kids in the ‘60s didn’t think twice about running barefoot through fields, streets, or even construction sites. Shoes were optional, and stubbed toes or splinters were just part of life. Parents now are much more cautious about potential hazards, making kids wear proper footwear at all times.
Driving Before They Had Licenses
Teenagers often took the wheel long before they were legally allowed. Whether it was driving tractors on a farm or sneaking the family car around the block, it wasn’t seen as a big deal. Current laws around underage driving would make this an unimaginable risk, but back then, it was almost a rite of passage.
Selling Things Door-to-Door
Enterprising kids in the ‘60s frequently knocked on doors selling everything from cookies to homemade crafts. What used to be considered a harmless way of making pocket money now raises concerns about safety, privacy, and liability.
Door-to-door sales by children are now rare, and usually organized through adult-supervised programs.
Riding Carnival Rides Without Safety Checks
Carnivals in the ‘60s were a blast, but the safety standards were far looser than they are today. Kids hopped on rides without seatbelts, and nobody questioned whether the equipment had been inspected. Stricter enforcement of ride safety laws ensures better protection for kids these days.
Burning Trash in the Backyard
Many families in the ‘60s had burn barrels where they disposed of household waste. Kids often helped out by throwing in trash and lighting it up, without thinking about the environmental or safety risks. Burning trash is now widely restricted due to pollution and fire hazards, making this once-common activity a relic of the past.