Kids these days have technology at their fingertips 24/7 these days, but that wasn’t the case for most of us growing up.
The 1980s were a time of big hair, neon colours, and some truly unique ways to pass the time. Entertaining ourselves involved habits and pastimes full of creativity and charm — and that didn’t involve swiping on a screen. From iconic toys to timeless trends, here are 15 ways we entertained ourselves in the ’80s that’ll still make you feel nostalgic today.
1. Playing arcade games for hours
Arcades were the ultimate hangout spot, where kids and teens spent hours mastering classics like *Pac-Man*, *Donkey Kong*, and *Space Invaders*. The thrill of stacking quarters on the machine for your turn was unmatched. It wasn’t just about the games—it was about the camaraderie and the shared excitement of friendly competition.
2. Watching MTV when it was all about music
MTV revolutionised how we experienced music, turning music videos into an art form. Bands like Duran Duran and artists like Madonna became larger-than-life icons through their visuals. It was more than just TV; it was a cultural touchstone that defined the way we consumed music and influenced fashion and trends.
3. Spending afternoons with a boombox
Boomboxes were portable parties, whether you were blasting mixtapes at home or taking them to the park. Carefully crafting mixtapes by recording songs off the radio was an art in itself. Music wasn’t just background noise—it was central to our identities and friendships, shared and celebrated loudly.
4. Collecting and trading stickers
Sticker albums were a massive trend, and swapping duplicates with friends was a social activity in its own right. From scratch-and-sniff stickers to holographic ones, these little treasures were an obsession for kids everywhere. The satisfaction of finding a rare sticker or completing a page was unmatched and felt like a small triumph.
5. Watching Saturday morning cartoons
Saturdays weren’t complete without a line-up of *He-Man*, *Thundercats*, or *The Smurfs* on TV. It was a sacred ritual that involved cereal and uninterrupted time on the couch. Those colourful characters became part of our childhoods, giving us something to look forward to all week.
6. Playing outside until the streetlights came on
Unstructured outdoor play was a staple of childhood. Whether it was riding bikes, playing tag, or organising a game of kickball, the neighbourhood streets were our playgrounds. The freedom to roam and create adventures shaped our imaginations and fostered lifelong friendships.
7. Renting movies on VHS
Heading to the local video rental store and picking out a movie for the weekend was a big deal. You’d scour the aisles for the perfect film and pray no one else had rented it first. The ritual of rewinding tapes and returning them on time became part of our weekend routines.
8. Obsessed over Rubik’s Cubes
The Rubik’s Cube wasn’t just a toy—it was a phenomenon. People spent hours twisting and turning the colourful squares, whether to solve it or simply not admit defeat. It became a symbol of patience, problem-solving, and the joy of small victories.
9. Hosting sleepovers with board games
Sleepovers weren’t complete without marathon sessions of *Monopoly*, *Clue*, or *Sorry!*. The thrill of staying up late, eating snacks, and laughing until your sides hurt made these nights unforgettable. Late-night chats and inside jokes cemented bonds that carried over into the next school day.
10. Spending time at roller rinks
Roller skating under disco lights to the beat of *Thriller* or *Stayin’ Alive* was a quintessential ’80s pastime. Roller rinks were social hubs where friendships were forged, and skating backwards was a brag-worthy skill. The music, lights, and laughter created memories that linger even today.
11. Playing with iconic toys like Cabbage Patch Kids and Transformers
Every kid wanted the latest toy craze, from adopting a Cabbage Patch Kid to battling with *Transformers*. These toys weren’t just playthings—they were cultural moments. Parents queued in stores for hours to get these coveted items, which became the stars of playtime adventures.
12. Drawing with spirographs
Spirographs turned simple shapes into intricate, hypnotic patterns that could keep you occupied for hours. Watching the designs emerge felt almost magical, and every creation felt like a masterpiece. It was one of those rare activities that combined fun with a bit of creativity and patience.
13. Listening to Walkmans on the go
The Sony Walkman revolutionised how we listened to music, letting us take our favourite songs everywhere. Whether it was Madonna, Michael Jackson, or The Clash, soundtracking your life on cassette tapes was pure joy. Carrying your mixtape in your pocket felt like carrying a piece of your identity wherever you went.
14. Enjoying prank toys like Whoopee Cushions and Slime
Sometimes entertainment was as simple as a Whoopee Cushion or a gooey handful of neon Slime. These cheap but endlessly amusing novelties brought laughter and the occasional mess. They were the kind of fun that required no planning—just a good sense of humour and a willingness to get silly.
15. Following dance crazes like the Moonwalk or the Robot
Dance moves in the’80s were iconic, and everyone wanted to master the Moonwalk or perfect their Robot routine. Whether you were learning at home or showing off at a party, these moves were badges of pop culture pride. The dance floor was where confidence and fun collided.
