The plan was simple and completely void of anything definitive. It was a wide-open sort of plan, the kind that created itself while you were living it. The plan was to play, all day, outside. Kids flew out their front doors, onto BMXs, roller skates or sparkly bikes with banana seats. These kids were off in search of adventure which was certain to be found out there in the suburban jungle, the farmers’ fields or, simply, the local park. Summer days in the ’80s were spent playing on the streets, engaged in endless games of hide-and-seek and capture the flag with neighborhood pals of all ages. It was always “game on” until the sun went down, the street lights came on, or you heard the echo of your mom’s voice calling your name. 1980s summers also meant making your way to water—whether that was a beach, the local pool, a kiddie pool, or your friend’s pool. It was all good! But, if none of those options were available, no problem. That’s when ’80s kids turned on the hose or the sprinkler. Wouldn’t it be cool to give your kids the kind of summer where they don’t even think about their tablets and phones? Below you’ll find some suggestions, and maybe some nostalgia, for ways to create a 1980s-inspired summer.
Serve 1980s Food
One way to set the ’80s tone this summer is to provide food from that era. Feed the kids 1980s’ style, with the following items:
BurgersCanned pastaCanned soupsGrilled cheese sandwichesHot dogsMac n’ cheeseSloppy JoesMini pizzas on English muffinsSandwiches on basic, white bread
Optional sides: Ants on a Log (celery filled with peanut butter or cheese spread topped with raisins), cheezies, or some plain potato chips. For dessert: cakes in packages (like Ding Dongs and Twinkies), fruit cups, granola bars, jello, popsicles, freezies, pudding, and pudding pops. For special occasions: homemade money cake (with actual coins in it; though, please do not serve to young children who could choke on the loose change), pineapple upsidedown cake, or ice cream cake. If you’re looking to supplement the above “staples” with some additional nutrients, ’80s moms were known for their homemade popsicles. They hid all sorts of secret stuff inside like cauliflower and raw eggs. So, get creative with your popsicle-making, though it might be best to skip the eggs (salmonella would surely dampen the summer fun). In general, ’80s moms were quite overt with their veggie offerings. Trays of fresh vegetables were a common feature at backyard gatherings. Serve up a platter of freshly prepared vegetables (homegrown crudité is even more authentic). If you happen to have a mustard yellow-colored Tupperware platter, even better! Not only were ’80s moms all about the veg but some of them were actual fruit artists. They were basically the original Pinterest moms who turned watermelons into baskets for fun! Then, using special melon scoops, they filled their creations with perfect, little balls of watermelon, cantaloupe, and honeydew.
Play 1980s Music
1980s tunes are bound to get a dance party started, especially if you kickstart things with some robot moves or the worm. If not, at least it’ll add some background music to the kids’ Twister games. Since records, boom boxes, and cassettes are no longer a thing, you can just ask your virtual assistant to play music from the ’80s or get the kids to create a playlist.
Do 1980s Activities
In the 1980s, kids enjoyed simplicity and a sense of freedom that children today aren’t as familiar with. But they might be able to feel a bit of a 1980s vibe with some of the following suggestions. Obviously, feel free to modify them to suit your safety expectations and the ages of your kids.
Group Neighborhood Activities
Get the whole neighborhood involved with some of these group-minded activities:
Play tagPlay hide n’ seekPlay Capture the FlagPlay Red RoverPlay street hockeyHave a watergun fightPlay Nicky Nicky Nine DoorDo three-legged racesHave an egg and spoon raceBuy ice cream and popsicles from the ice cream truckPlay tug-o-war at the park
Smaller Group Activies
If your kids are hanging around in a smaller group, they might enjoy some of these ideas:
Go for bike rides with your friendsSwim at the beachGo to the public poolBefriend kids with pools in their backyardPlay frisbeeSee if your friends “like butter” (hold a buttercup under their chin, note if their chin skin shows the color yellow or not)Play catchRun a lemonade standJump ropePlay hopscotchJump through the sprinklerPlay kick-the-canMake daisy chainsClimb treesGet some pocket change and walk to the corner store for candy or freeziesGo hunting for tadpoles in nearby creeksCreate skits and perform themUse a camcorder to make short films and videosTake out books from the libraryRead books in a treePlay TwisterHave a picnic at the parkDo a water balloon tossGo rollerskatingGo tubing (the slow-moving kind) in a riverPlay BINGO
Quieter Activities for Inside (and Out)
Some summer days call for a more chilled-out vibe. Here are some ’80s style activities for quieter days:
Make friendship bracelets, using gimpDrink chocolate milk through licorice strawsDecorate safety pins with beads, trade them and attach them to your shoelacesMake forts—then read and sleep in themBraid each other’s hairCrimp your hairLighten your hair with lemon juice (with mom’s permission!)Play with a Rubik’s cubeRead Archie comicsCreate perfume by mixing fresh flowers (and other collectibles) with waterMake ice cream floatsStart a sticker collection in a peel-back paged photo album (and trade stickers with friends)Do rug-hookingPlay card games, like UNO and Crazy Eights
Outdoor Nighttime Activities:
When the sun goes down, enjoy the darkness 1980s style:
Catch fireflies in a jar (then release them)Make s’mores over the fireSpell your name using a sparklerGo to a Drive-InWatch 80s movies at homeCamp in the backyardCamp at a campsiteHave a sleepover (in a fort)
A Word from Verywell
1980s summers were filled with simple adventures and neighborhood fun! We hope you and your kids can try some of these ’80s ideas and make some rad memories together (and apart). Stay safe and rock on.
