Summer’s Sizzling Heat: A Blast from the Past
Summer has descended upon us with the intensity of a relentless inferno, leaving many American towns simmering in its wake. I don’t recall summers ever feeling this hot when I was a kid, but that probably has something to do with the fact we were always soaking ourselves with cold water in some manner.
Summer Adventures Require Some Serious Toys
Every day was a new adventure when you had very few responsibilities, except for maybe a paper route or babysitting the neighbor’s brats. We always made sure to be back in the house before the streetlights came on and re-runs of Laverne & Shirley started (dating myself here).
The Joys of Unstructured Play
With no screens to distract us (outside, at least), we made our own entertainment, and we were really good at it. Hide ‘n Seek was a favorite, though we’re still not sure if we ever found Derek. Red Rover, Red Rover was fun, and I still have the scars to prove it. Come to think of it, many of the things we did to keep ourselves busy were really quite dangerous.
The Potential for Danger Only Made Us Tougher
And when I say dangerous, I mean even the toys we played with. Water toys turned us into little stunt professionals (or amateurs) and were quite plentiful. I remember buying low-grade fireworks at the candy store. Many of these toys were likely to poke your eye out, stab your foot, or practically strangle you.
Summer Toys That Kept Us Busy
But here we are, mostly okay. So let’s take a look at some of the summer toys that kept us busy while we were pretty much running wild in our neighborhoods. From the wet and wild to the shootin’ and tootin’, these playthings had us keeping cool, looking cool, and only a few trips and falls away from the emergency room.
Classic Summer Toys: Then and Now
Photogallery: Classic Summer Toys
Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz
From the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s, summer toys were a lifeline because many of us were locked outside (until the street lights came on). Inside was no place for a kid! Check out these classic summer toys that kept us cool, kept us busy, and always seemed to add a dash of danger.
Conclusion
Summer may have changed, but the joy of childhood has remained the same. The freedom to play, explore, and get a little messy has been a hallmark of childhood for generations. As we look back on our own childhood summers, we can’t help but smile at the memories of laughter, adventure, and the simple joys of unstructured play.
FAQs
Q: What are some classic summer toys that you remember from your childhood?
A: Some of my personal favorites include Slip ‘N Slide, Water Pistols, and the trusty old jump rope.
Q: What’s the most memorable summer toy you played with as a kid?
A: Hands down, it was my favorite toy, the Super Soaker!
Q: Do you think the lack of screens and structured play is beneficial for kids today?
A: Absolutely! While it’s important for kids to have access to technology, unstructured play is essential for their development and creativity.
Q: What’s the most creative way you’ve seen kids play this summer?
A: I recently saw a group of kids using everyday objects like cardboard boxes and sticks to create their own obstacle course. It was amazing to see their creativity and imagination at work!
