As if we need more activities, right? I mean, here I am, lounging in the haze of the end-of-school-year fatigue, thinking, “OMG! I CAN’T wait to dive into that homemade moon sand project. We’ll dye ourselves with organic veggies and sculpt our sand into a replica of the Millennium Falcon!” Or, “Of course, I’m going to haul four kids to that new science museum two hours away to eagerly explore exhibits and complete a 10-page scavenger hunt I whipped up last night. We’ll come home and discuss the scientific theories we learned because, GASP, what if we don’t keep our minds active ALL summer?”
Hold on! We absolutely must make a trip to the dollar store for 125 pool noodles to construct an extravagant backyard water park! We’ll invite the neighborhood kids, serve vegan popsicles, watermelon shaped like dolphins, and a crudité platter resembling a palm tree. And what’s a summer pool party without those nitrate-filled hot dogs on gluten-free buns covered in artisanal ketchup?
I’m over it. Just like I was over the school year, I’m already exhausted thinking of summer. And by “over,” I mean I’m done with the meticulously planned and overly supervised summer experiences I’m expected to provide for my kids. What I truly want for them is the same kind of summer I enjoyed in the late 1970s. The one where I thrived, and I know they will too. It was filled with FUN—the kind we created ourselves. What a concept!
Here are my top 10 ways to give your children a 1970s-style summer experience.
- Encourage Outdoor Play
Let them play outside all day long. Hot? Drink from the hose. Splash through the sprinklers. Swim until their hair turns green and the bottom of their feet are tough from the pool floor. Hunt for ladybugs, engage in hide ‘n’ seek, and read under a tree. I hear there’s a great author named Judy Blume worth checking out. - Let Them Watch TV—A Lot
But only classic shows! I want my kids glued to TV Land, catching episodes of The Love Boat, The Carol Burnett Show, The Jeffersons, Charlie’s Angels, and Hart to Hart. Seriously, what little girl in the 1970s didn’t dream of being a detective married to a CEO, driving a yellow Mercedes? - Free Rein on Food Choices
Let them eat whatever they want—or whatever you can find. No more organic veggie chips or gluten-free snacks. This is the summer of Frito-Lay and classic Kool-Aid made with regular sugar. I want to see their reactions when I mix up that bright red drink in a plastic pitcher! Lunch could be fried bologna with a blue can of Planter’s Cheese Balls, and dinner? Kentucky Fried Chicken, of course! - All-Day Movies
Drop them off at the cinema around 11 AM and pick them up for dinner. It’s simple; they can sneak from one showing to another without a care in the world. - Sleepovers Galore
Let them spend three nights in a row at their best friend’s house. No need for constant check-ins; they’ll be just fine. This gives you plenty of time for your own enjoyment. - Arts and Crafts from Found Objects
Encourage creativity by making things with what they find. No trips to the craft store for pre-packaged kits. Let them dig through the garage and create something imaginative. No Googling allowed! - Host a Talent Show
Let them put together a real talent show—singing, dancing, whatever they like! Promise to keep it private and not share it on social media. No themes or rules, just pure imagination. - Revive Classic Games
Introduce them to timeless games that will challenge their brains and keep them entertained for hours. - Build a Backyard Fort
Let them create their own fort using whatever materials they can find. No adult help necessary! Yes, even if it means using that pricey Pottery Barn duvet cover. - Find Joy in the Ordinary
Encourage your kids to appreciate the little things. This is a vital skill that will serve them well into adulthood.
This is the summer I envision for my kids—a nostalgic blend of freedom and creativity that reflects a simpler time.
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In summary, let your kids embrace a 1970s-style summer filled with outdoor adventures, creative play, and a touch of nostalgia.
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