14 Leisure Activities Popular in the 70s That Are Now Obsolete

The 1970s were a vibrant decade characterized by revolutionary changes in music, fashion, and social norms. This era also brought forth a unique array of leisure activities, many of which have faded into obscurity or evolved significantly in the face of technological advancements and changing societal interests. Here’s an overview of 14 leisure activities that were once the hallmark of 70s culture but are now considered obsolete, offering a nostalgic look back at a bygone era and reflecting on how entertainment has transformed over the decades.

1. Roller Disco: Skating to the Beat

Roller disco, a unique fusion of roller skating and dance, epitomized the disco era of the 70s. Skaters would glide around a rink adorned with disco balls and neon lights, moving to the latest beats. While roller skating remains popular, the discotheque-on-wheels concept has largely vanished, replaced by modern skate parks and inline skating trends. Roller disco’s decline mirrors the waning of disco music itself, but it remains a cherished memory of 70s nightlife.

2. Drive-In Theaters: Cinema Under the Stars

Drive-in theaters, where audiences could watch movies from the comfort of their cars, were a quintessential part of 70s Americana. These outdoor cinemas combined entertainment with a sense of community and freedom. However, with the rise of multiplexes and streaming services, drive-ins have become a rarity, more often celebrated for their nostalgia than their convenience in today’s digital age.

3. CB Radio: The Original Social Network

Citizens Band (CB) radio was the 70s equivalent of social media, allowing individuals to communicate across distances without the need for a phone line. CB radio culture was so pervasive that it influenced music, movies, and language. Today, with the advent of instant messaging and social platforms, CB radio is a relic of the past, though it laid the groundwork for the interconnected world we live in now.

4. Arcade Halls: The Golden Age of Gaming

Before the era of home gaming consoles, arcade halls were the go-to destinations for video game enthusiasts. Titles like “Space Invaders” became cultural phenomena. While some retro arcades still exist, the ubiquity of gaming on personal devices has rendered the traditional arcade hall a novelty rather than a necessity for modern gamers.

5. Pet Rocks: A Low-Maintenance Craze

The Pet Rock was a peculiar fad of the 70s, where rocks were marketed as pets, complete with care manuals. This quirky trend was a testament to the era’s penchant for whimsical, low-maintenance entertainment. Although the Pet Rock is now a humorous footnote in pop culture history, it exemplifies the creative and often eccentric nature of 70s leisure activities.

6. 8-Track Tapes: The Soundtrack of a Decade

The 8-track tape was a popular music format in the 70s, known for its distinctive sound and portability. However, with the advent of more compact and higher-quality formats like cassettes and CDs, 8-tracks became obsolete. Today, they are a symbol of 70s music culture, cherished more for nostalgia than functionality.

7. Mood Rings: Colorful Emotion Detectors

Mood rings, which purportedly changed color in response to the wearer’s emotional state, were a fashion and leisure novelty of the 70s. While they provided no real insight into one’s emotions, they were a fun, mystical accessory of the time. In today’s era of wearable technology that can genuinely monitor health and mood, the simple mood ring is a quaint reminder of a simpler time in personal gadgets.

8. Fondue Parties: A Social Dining Experience

Fondue parties, where guests gathered around a communal pot to dip various foods into melted cheese or chocolate, were a social dining trend of the 70s. While fondue has not disappeared entirely, the widespread popularity of hosting a party specifically around this dining concept has waned in favor of more diverse and health-conscious culinary trends.

9. Macramé: The Art of Knotting

Macramé, the art of creating decorative items using knotting techniques, was a ubiquitous hobby in the 70s, adorning homes with handmade plant hangers, wall hangings, and more. While it has seen a resurgence in recent years as part of the boho chic trend, macramé as a widespread leisure activity has not returned to its 70s popularity levels.

10. Key Parties: Swinging 70s Style

Key parties, a controversial and risqué element of 70s leisure culture, involved couples swapping partners in an effort to embrace sexual liberation. The concept has largely faded from mainstream culture, but it is often cited as an emblem of the decade’s exploratory and boundary-pushing social dynamics.

11. Daisy Chains: Nature’s Craft

Making daisy chains was a simple, pastoral pastime that involved linking flowers together to make necklaces or headbands. This leisurely activity, emblematic of the 70s’ connection to nature and the outdoors, has largely been overshadowed by today’s digital entertainment options.

12. Blacklight Posters: Fluorescent Art

Blacklight posters, which glowed under ultraviolet light, were a staple of 70s decor, reflecting the era’s psychedelic art scene. Modern LED technology, and digital art have transformed how we experience visual entertainment and decoration.

13. Soapbox Derbies: Racing Downhill

Soapbox derbies, where children raced homemade, engineless cars, were a popular community event in the 70s. While still held in some areas, the widespread enthusiasm for these races has diminished in favor of more technologically advanced and accessible forms of entertainment.

14. Jiffy Pop: The Magic of Stovetop Popcorn

Jiffy Pop, with its expandable aluminum foil and stovetop cooking method, made popcorn popping a fun and interactive experience. Although still available, the convenience of microwave popcorn and the allure of gourmet popcorn varieties have primarily eclipsed the once-popular Jiffy Pop ritual.

Appreciating the Leisure Activities of the 70s

The leisure activities of the 70s reflect a time of social change, technological innovation, and a quest for new forms of entertainment. While many of these pastimes may now be obsolete, they offer a window into the values, creativity, and spirit of an era that continues to influence modern culture in unexpected ways.