Top 15+ Things That ’60s Kids Remember Best

The '60s was a decade of significant social, cultural, and political upheaval, marked by the Civil Rights Movement, the Vietnam War, and the rise of the counterculture. Thus, growing up in the ‘60s meant living through a time of bold change and unforgettable childhood adventures. From the Space Race to the rise in rock and roll, these 15 experiences capture what it truly meant to be a kid in that era.

1. TV Was a Big Deal

Watching television was a family ritual. Shows like The Ed Sullivan Show (1948-1971) and Bewitched (1964-1972) brought everyone together in the living room, which was not something that any of us took for granted. We shared laughs and drama, creating lasting memories around the warm glow of the flickering screen.

2. Life Before the Internet

Remember playing outside instead of scrolling through a tiny phone screen? In the '60s, our imaginations ran wild in the neighborhood. We explored, made friends face-to-face, and formed lasting memories without the influence of the internet.

3. The Magic of Radio

Before music was streamed, the radio was like the lifeline to the world. We would gather around waiting for our favorite songs and jot down lyrics on scrap paper. Beyond music, radio personalities would also offer expert insights and opinions on news stories.

4. Lava Lamps

The '60s brought funky decor into our homes, and lava lamps were certainly at the forefront. Their mesmerizing movement and vibrant colors added a sense of magic and relaxation to any living space. Who else had the first model, the Astro?

5. Listening to The Beatles Non-Stop

The Beatles were a cultural phenomenon. They releaseed hits nearly every year of the '60s, including "Love Me Do" (1962), "She Loves You" (1963), “I Want to Hold Your Hand” (1964), "Drive Your Car" (1965), "Eleanor Rigby," (1966), "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" (1967), “Hey Jude” (1968), and "Something" / "Come Together" (1969). Beyond music, they also influnced fashion like matching suits and psychedelic styles, and political beliefs by challenging established norms and prompting discussions on social issues of the time.

6. The Importance of the Family Car

The family car was like a gateway to adventure. It symbolized freedom, status, and a changing lifestyle. Weekend road trips, summer vacations, and unforgettable memories were all made inside those vehicles. Some of the popular models during this decade were the Ford Falcon, the Chevrolet Impala, the Ford Fairlane, and the Volkswagen Beetle. Which car did your family drive?

7. Drive-In Movies Were a Thing

The surge in car ownership and suburban development made drive-in movie theaters a popular destination for families and young couples. Eating popcorn while lounging in the backseat created a sense of excitement and togetherness that today's cinemas just can't replicate.

8. School Dances Were Major Events

School dances were unforgettable milestones. We dressed in our best, felt the buzz of anticipation, and took our first steps onto the dance floor. There were vibrant dance crazes like the Twist, popularized by Chubby Checker, alongside other popular dances like the Mashed Potato, the Frug, the Watusi, and the Swim. What do you remember from your first school dance?

9. The Civil Rights Movement

Growing up during the Civil Rights Movement undoubtedly shaped our perspectives on equality and justice. There were kids, teenagers, and young adults who played a vital role in the movement, participating in marches, sit-ins, and other forms of protest against racial segregation and discrimination. It was one thing to learn about Martin Luther King Jr. in history textbooks, and another to hear him speak live in-person or on the radio.

10. Glamorous Hollywood Stars

Hollywood stars of the '60s like Audrey Hepburn, Marilyn Monroe, Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot, and Elizabeth Taylor made a profound impact on our ideals and dreams. Much more than just stunning, they each had their own distinct personality, style, and charm.

11. The Thrill of Hitchhiking

In the '60s, hitchhiking was a common and relatively safe way to travel, often associated with a sense of freedom and adventure. Chances are that when you got in the car to go somewhere, you'd see someone or a group of young people standing on the side of the highway or entrance ramp trying to hitch a ride.

12. Telephones with Rotary Dials

Those of us who grew up in the '60s probably remember our parents making phone calls on rotary telephones. They had rotary dials, with digits arranged in a circular layout. A number of electrical pulses would then correspond to the number on the dial. By the end of the decade, many were supplanted by push-button telephones.

13. Cultural Shifts in Fashion

The '60s saw more youthful, experimental, and individualistic fashion styles. From miniskirts to bell-bottoms, much of the fashion symbolized a move away from the conservatism of the '50s. Many celebrities also influenced the fashion choices of the decade, including Jackie Kennedy, The Beatles, Twiggy, and Saint Laurent.