11 Ways 80s Kids Kept Themselves Busy and Happy

The 1980s may seem simpler compared to now, but there were still significant cultural and technological changes, especially for children.

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While many of the activities enjoyed by kids in that decade may seem outdated by today’s standards, they still hold a special place in the hearts of those who grew up during that era. Here are some activities that were popular among kids in the 1980s.

Perhaps one of the most classic childhood activities, riding bikes was a staple of 1980s playtime. With fewer electronic distractions, kids would spend hours exploring their neighborhoods on two wheels, often with a group of friends.

Riding Bikes

While video games have come a long way since the 1980s, they were still a popular pastime for kids back then. Games like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and Super Mario Bros. were all the rage, and kids would often spend hours at the arcade trying to beat high scores.

Plyaing Video Games

Saturday morning cartoons were a childhood staple in the 1980s. Kids would wake up early and tune in to shows like The Smurfs, Transformers, and He-Man and the Masters of the Universe, to name a few.

Watching Saturday Morning Cartoons

Not everyone could afford to have video games at home, so board games were a popular way for kids to pass the time. Classics like Monopoly, Scrabble, and Risk were all popular choices, and families often spent evenings playing together.

Playing Board Games

Playing with Action Figures

Action figures were a big deal in the 1980s, with popular lines like G.I. Joe, He-Man, and ThunderCats dominating toy store shelves. Kids would spend hours creating elaborate stories and battles with their favorite characters.