They don't make them like they used to when it comes to playgrounds. Concrete tubes, vertiginous slides and steepling climbing frames, with no woodchip or rubber matting to cushion your fall, were all part of the fun back in the 70s, as, of course, was the witch's hat. Children had more freedom back then, too, with many recalling how they were able to stay out until the street lamps came on, without their parents worrying.placeholder image
They don't make them like they used to when it comes to playgrounds. Concrete tubes, vertiginous slides and steepling climbing frames, with no woodchip or rubber matting to cushion your fall, were all part of the fun back in the 70s, as, of course, was the witch's hat. Children had more freedom back then, too, with many recalling how they were able to stay out until the street lamps came on, without their parents worrying. | Getty Images

The 9 things you did growing up in the 70s that made a perfect weekend - most of which you can't do anymore

Robert Cumber
By Robert Cumber

Property and retro writer

Published 19th Jul 2025, 11:30 BST

Phones still came attached to the wall, there were only three TV channels, and the shops were shut on a Sunday.

But children growing up in the 70s never lacked for entertainment, and they often enjoyed greater freedom to make their own fun.

The perfect weekend was different for everyone, of course, but some elements were almost universal.

These are some of the best things you could look forward to doing at the weekend, from classic games to shops and restaurants, if you were lucky enough to grow up during the 70s.

Most of these you will only remember if you are a child of the 70s, and there are many you can sadly no longer do.

How many of these things do you remember, and what else did you enjoy doing at the weekend in the 70s? Let us know in the comments section.

If one smell sums up the 70s for children growing up then, it's probably the intoxicating aroma of the pic 'n' mix counter at Woolworths. It was a confectionery heaven, where you could fill up with all your favourites, from peanut brittle to cola bottles. Many people also remember buying cut-price broken biscuits from Woolworths, or browsing the vinyl records. If you were into music perhaps you hung out at your local Virgin Records store, checking out the latest releases in the listening booth. Wherever you went, it had to be on the Saturday as it would be many years before shops were allowed to open on a Sunday.

5. Pic 'n' mix from Woolworths

If one smell sums up the 70s for children growing up then, it's probably the intoxicating aroma of the pic 'n' mix counter at Woolworths. It was a confectionery heaven, where you could fill up with all your favourites, from peanut brittle to cola bottles. Many people also remember buying cut-price broken biscuits from Woolworths, or browsing the vinyl records. If you were into music perhaps you hung out at your local Virgin Records store, checking out the latest releases in the listening booth. Wherever you went, it had to be on the Saturday as it would be many years before shops were allowed to open on a Sunday. | Getty Images Photo: Peter Trulock/Fox Photos/Hulton Archive

Photo Sales
The iconic Raleigh Chopper or 'banana seat' bike - was the vehicle of choice for youngsters back in the 70s. Perhaps you remember trying to pull off stunts, using whatever planks of wood you could find to create a ramp, and some willing participants to jump over.

6. Daredevil stunts on your Raleigh Chopper

The iconic Raleigh Chopper or 'banana seat' bike - was the vehicle of choice for youngsters back in the 70s. Perhaps you remember trying to pull off stunts, using whatever planks of wood you could find to create a ramp, and some willing participants to jump over. | National World Photo: Frank Orrell

Photo Sales
The first Argos catalogue was launched in 1973, and which child of the 70s doesn't remember leafing through the toy section, circling the items you dreamed of owning? It was the retro equivalent of online shopping.

7. Browsing the Argos catalogue

The first Argos catalogue was launched in 1973, and which child of the 70s doesn't remember leafing through the toy section, circling the items you dreamed of owning? It was the retro equivalent of online shopping. | Getty Images Photo: Evening Standard/Hulton Archive

Photo Sales
Scalextric was one of the must-have toys of the 70s, with children everywhere dreaming of emulating their Formula 1 idols as they raced their friends around the track until one of the vehicles flew across the living room. Everyone remembers trying to smooth out the metal brushes on the underside of the cars when they stopped working too.

8. Scalextric races

Scalextric was one of the must-have toys of the 70s, with children everywhere dreaming of emulating their Formula 1 idols as they raced their friends around the track until one of the vehicles flew across the living room. Everyone remembers trying to smooth out the metal brushes on the underside of the cars when they stopped working too. | Getty Images Photo: Daily Express/Hulton Archive

Photo Sales
Previous
2 / 3
Next Page
Related topics:MemoriesPhoto memoriesNostalgiaBoost
News you can trust since 1925
Follow us
© 2026 Iconic Media Group Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice