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.

There were some great films during the 70s but no one had ever seen anything quite like Star Wars, released in 1977. It was storytelling on an epic scale. Suddenly children everywhere were fighting with whatever could be a makeshift lightsaber, wearing their hair like Princess Leia, or doing both. Other classic films of the 70s which had youngsters streaming to the cinema included Jaws, Grease and Superman.

9. Fighting with lightsabers

There were some great films during the 70s but no one had ever seen anything quite like Star Wars, released in 1977. It was storytelling on an epic scale. Suddenly children everywhere were fighting with whatever could be a makeshift lightsaber, wearing their hair like Princess Leia, or doing both. Other classic films of the 70s which had youngsters streaming to the cinema included Jaws, Grease and Superman. | National World Photo: National World

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