50 Bonkers Things Boomer, Gen X, And Millennial Kids Did That’ll Make You Wonder How We All Survived
1. Riding in the Back of Pickup Trucks
Remember when riding in the back of a pickup truck was just another way to get around? No seat belts, no worries, just the wind in your hair and a sense of freedom.
2. Drinking from Garden Hoses
Before bottled water was a thing, we quenched our thirst straight from the garden hose, not even thinking about what might be lurking inside.
3. Playing with Lawn Darts
Lawn darts were basically heavy, pointy missiles that we threw around for fun. It’s a miracle more of us didn’t end up in the ER.
4. Climbing Trees Without Supervision
We’d scale the tallest trees without a second thought. No helmets, no harnesses, just pure adventure and scraped knees.
5. Riding Bikes Without Helmets
Helmets? What helmets? We rode our bikes at top speed, feeling invincible, despite the very real possibility of a crash.
6. Playing Outside Until Dark
We’d leave the house in the morning and not come back until the streetlights came on. Our parents had no idea where we were, but it was all part of the fun.
7. Using Fireworks as Toys
Fireworks were more than just for the Fourth of July. We’d set them off whenever we got our hands on them, often with little regard for safety.
8. Making Creepy Crawlers
We’d pour liquid plastic into molds and cook them in a tiny oven to make our own toys. The smell of melting plastic was all part of the experience.
9. Playing with Chemistry Sets
These kits came with real chemicals and the potential for real explosions. Our curiosity often got the better of us, leading to some interesting “experiments.”
10. Hitchhiking
Need a ride? Just stick out your thumb and hop into a stranger’s car. It was a common practice, despite the obvious risks.
11. Walking to School Alone
We walked miles to school, often alone or with friends, without a second thought about safety. It was just part of growing up.
12. Building Forts in the Woods
We’d spend hours constructing elaborate forts out of sticks and leaves, far from adult supervision. It was our own little world.
13. Eating Raw Cookie Dough
Salmonella? Never heard of it. We devoured raw cookie dough straight from the bowl, and it was delicious.
14. Jumping Off High Dives
Climbing up the high dive was a rite of passage. The higher the jump, the bigger the thrill, and we loved every second of it.
15. Playing with BB Guns
BB guns were a popular toy, and we’d have epic battles with them, often resulting in a few minor injuries.
16. Roller Skating Without Pads
We’d zoom around on roller skates without any protective gear. Falling was just part of the fun.
17. Sledding Down Steep Hills
We’d find the steepest hills and sled down them at breakneck speeds, never considering the potential for a crash landing.
18. Swimming in Unsupervised Lakes
We’d dive into lakes and ponds without a lifeguard in sight. It was refreshing and a bit risky, but we loved it.
19. Climbing on Playground Equipment
Playgrounds were made of metal and wood, and we climbed all over them, often getting splinters and bruises in the process.
20. Playing with Matches
Matches were fascinating, and we’d light them just to watch them burn. Sometimes we’d even start small fires, which wasn’t the smartest idea.
21. Exploring Abandoned Buildings
Old, abandoned buildings were like magnets to us. We’d explore every nook and cranny, despite the obvious dangers.
22. Making Mud Pies
We’d mix dirt and water to create “mud pies” and pretend to eat them. It was messy, but oh so fun.
23. Running Through Sprinklers
On hot summer days, we’d run through sprinklers for hours, cooling off and having a blast.
24. Jumping on Trampolines
Trampolines were a backyard staple, and we’d bounce on them for hours, often trying risky flips and tricks.
25. Building Ramps for Bikes
We’d construct makeshift ramps out of plywood and bricks, then launch ourselves off them on our bikes, hoping for a smooth landing.
26. Playing Chicken with Cars
We’d play a game of chicken by standing in the street and waiting for a car to approach before jumping out of the way. Not the smartest game, but it was thrilling.
27. Eating Pixie Sticks
We’d pour the sugary contents of Pixie Sticks straight into our mouths, giving ourselves an instant sugar rush.
28. Playing with Sparklers
Sparklers were a favorite during celebrations, and we’d wave them around, creating patterns in the air, sometimes getting a little too close to each other.
29. Climbing on Roofs
We’d climb onto roofs for a better view or just for the thrill of it. Getting up was easy; getting down was another story.
30. Building Treehouses
Treehouses were our secret hideaways, and we’d build them high up in the trees, using whatever materials we could find.
31. Playing with Super Soakers
Water gun fights with Super Soakers were a summertime staple. We’d drench each other and laugh until we were soaked to the bone.
32. Trying to Fly with Umbrellas
Inspired by Mary Poppins, we’d jump off low structures while holding umbrellas, hoping to catch some air. Spoiler: it never worked.
33. Eating Snow
Freshly fallen snow was irresistible, and we’d scoop it up and eat it, never worrying about what might be in it.
34. Playing Tag on Bicycles
We’d play tag while riding our bikes, weaving in and out of each other’s paths, trying to avoid getting tagged.
35. Having Rock Fights
We’d throw rocks at each other in mock battles, often resulting in a few bumps and bruises.
36. Sliding Down Staircases
We’d slide down staircases on our bellies or on makeshift sleds, racing to see who could reach the bottom first.
37. Swinging from Rope Swings
We’d find rope swings in the woods or make our own, swinging out over creeks and letting go at the highest point.
38. Playing in Junkyards
Junkyards were like treasure troves to us, and we’d explore them for hours, climbing on old cars and finding hidden gems.
39. Building Go-Karts
We’d construct go-karts out of old wood and wheels, then race them down hills, often crashing spectacularly.
40. Making Slip ‘N Slides
We’d create our own Slip ‘N Slides with tarps and hoses, sliding down them at high speeds and sometimes wiping out.
41. Playing with Magnifying Glasses
We’d use magnifying glasses to focus the sun’s rays and burn patterns into wood or leaves, fascinated by the power of the sun.
42. Taking Long Road Trips Without Seat Belts
Family road trips meant piling into the car without seat belts, playing games, and singing songs to pass the time.
43. Collecting Insects
We’d capture insects in jars, creating mini zoos and watching them for hours before setting them free.
44. Building Snow Forts
Winter meant building elaborate snow forts and having epic snowball fights with friends.
45. Playing Hide and Seek in the Dark
We’d play hide and seek after dark, using flashlights to navigate and trying to scare each other.
46. Making Paper Airplanes
We’d fold paper
