Back in Time Today
The 1970s were wild, weird, and wonderfully unique. Bell bottoms, disco balls, and macramé plant hangers defined an era of self-expression and experimentation. I decided to immerse myself in this groovy decade by testing out classic ’70s activities that shaped a generation. After weeks of research and hands-on experience, I’ve ranked the best retro pastimes worth bringing back today.
1. Roller Disco Fever
Strapping on four-wheeled skates and gliding across a polished wooden floor while disco lights flash overhead was pure magic. The combination of physical activity and funky music created an atmosphere unlike anything we have today.
My first attempts were wobbly disasters. Arms flailing, I crashed into the rink wall twice before finding my groove. By the third session, I was confidently skating backward to “Stayin’ Alive.”
The social aspect surprised me most – strangers offering tips, impromptu dance circles forming, and the shared experience of near-falls creating instant friendships. Roller disco deserves its comeback!
2. Fondue Party Hosting
Gathering friends around bubbling pots of melted cheese or chocolate was the height of ’70s sophistication. I invited eight guests for an authentic fondue experience, complete with color-coded skewers and strict double-dipping penalties.
The cheese fondue (traditional Swiss recipe with Gruyère and Emmental) was a messy triumph. We laughed as strings of cheese stretched across the table and bread chunks occasionally disappeared into the pot.
Chocolate fondue for dessert sealed the deal. The communal nature of sharing food created conversations and connections missing from modern dinner parties. Absolutely worth the cleanup effort!
3. Macramé Plant Hanger Crafting
Knotting and twisting jute cord into intricate patterns tested my patience but ultimately rewarded me with genuine satisfaction. The ’70s craft revival isn’t just nostalgia – there’s something deeply calming about creating something functional with your hands.
My first attempt resembled a tangled fishing net more than a plant holder. YouTube tutorials helped, and by my third project, I’d created something my spider plant proudly hangs in today.
The meditative quality of the repetitive knotting process offers a screen-free alternative to modern stress relief. Plus, the finished products make perfect personalized gifts that friends actually appreciate and use.
4. 8-Track Tape Listening Party
Finding a working 8-track player on eBay was harder than expected, but worth the hunt. I collected tapes from flea markets – Fleetwood Mac, ABBA, and Earth, Wind & Fire – to host an authentic listening experience.
Friends arrived skeptical but were quickly charmed by the warm, slightly fuzzy sound quality. The ritual of physically inserting these chunky cartridges and the satisfying “ka-chunk” when they locked into place created anticipation modern streaming can’t match.
The format’s quirks became part of the fun. Songs sometimes cut off mid-track as the tape switched programs, causing playful groans from my guests. Inconvenient? Yes. Soulful experience? Absolutely.
5. Mood Ring Personality Testing
Remember those color-changing rings that supposedly revealed your emotions? I bought a dozen vintage-style mood rings and conducted a week-long experiment with friends to test their accuracy.
The rings changed from black (stressed) to blue (calm) to green (normal) throughout our days. We kept logs comparing the ring colors to our actual feelings, finding surprising correlations about 40% of the time.
The real value wasn’t accuracy but mindfulness. Checking the ring regularly made us more aware of our emotional states. These simple accessories sparked conversations about feelings that might otherwise have remained unspoken – perhaps their true purpose all along.
6. CB Radio Conversations
“Breaker one-nine, this is Bookworm, you got your ears on? Come back.” Borrowing a citizen’s band radio from a collector friend, I spent evenings listening to the chatter of modern CB enthusiasts who still maintain this pre-cell phone communication network.
Truckers, rural residents, and nostalgic hobbyists form a unique community with their own language and etiquette. The conversations ranged from road conditions to life philosophies, all shared between strangers connected only by radio waves.
The anonymity created surprising honesty – people shared personal stories they might never tell face-to-face. This analog social network felt refreshingly authentic compared to today’s carefully curated online personas.
7. Disco Dance Lessons
John Travolta made it look effortless in Saturday Night Fever, but mastering authentic disco moves required professional help. I enrolled in a six-week course taught by a former 1970s dance competitor.
The Hustle, the Bus Stop, and the YMCA dance involved more technical footwork than expected. My body protested with unexpected muscle soreness after the first two-hour session. Fellow students ranged from nostalgic baby boomers to curious twentysomethings.
Beyond the physical workout, disco dancing offered pure, uninhibited joy. Modern clubs could learn from the structured yet expressive nature of these dances that encouraged interaction without awkwardness. The final class culminated in a disco ball-lit performance that left me sweaty, smiling, and surprisingly confident.
8. Pet Rock Parenting
The Pet Rock was perhaps the strangest fad of the ’70s – literally a rock in a cardboard carrier with air holes and care instructions. I created my own authentic version using the original training manual found online.
For two weeks, I diligently “cared for” my smooth river stone named Rocky. I carried him to coffee shops, introduced him to friends, and documented his “growth” on social media. The reactions ranged from confused stares to delighted laughter.
The genius of this trend wasn’t the product but the concept. It parodied consumerism while simultaneously embodying it. My rock required nothing yet provided surprising companionship – a reminder that sometimes the simplest things offer unexpected joy.
9. Lava Lamp Meditation
The hypnotic motion of colored wax blobs rising and falling through liquid captivated millions in the ’70s. I purchased three vintage-style lamps in different colors to test their rumored relaxation benefits.
Setting up a dedicated corner with cushions and soft music, I spent 15 minutes daily watching the lamps warm up and perform their slow-motion dance. The first sessions felt silly, but by day five, I noticed decreased anxiety and improved focus afterward.
Modern meditation apps offer guided sessions, but there’s something powerfully simple about focusing on an analog object with no notifications or updates. These retro decorations provide genuine mindfulness benefits worth experiencing – just be patient for the 30-minute warm-up time!
10. Shag Carpet Picnicking
The ultra-plush floor covering that dominated ’70s living rooms deserved investigation. I found a 6×8 foot orange shag rug on Craigslist and hosted an authentic floor-based dinner party like those seen in vintage magazines.
Six friends joined me cross-legged on cushions around a low coffee table loaded with fondue, cheese boards, and Tang-based cocktails. The tactile experience of sinking fingers into the deep pile while eating created a sensory experience missing from modern dining.
Comfort levels varied – older guests complained about stiff knees while younger ones embraced the casual atmosphere. Cleanup proved challenging (crumbs hide effectively in shag), but the relaxed conversations that flowed made this experiment a surprising winner.
11. Platform Shoe Walking Challenge
Four-inch platform shoes defined ’70s fashion for all genders. I purchased authentic vintage platforms from a costume shop and committed to wearing them for entire days to experience their infamous challenges.
Day one brought blisters and near-falls. Navigating stairs resembled a death-defying stunt. By day three, I’d developed new muscles and walking techniques to handle the height. The most surprising benefit? The confidence boost from literally looking at the world from a higher perspective.
Fellow pedestrians either stared or offered compliments. Several elderly women shared stories of their own platform adventures from “back in the day.” These conversation-starting shoes may be impractical, but they inject fun into everyday errands that modern sensible footwear simply can’t match.
12. Avocado Kitchen Cooking Marathon
Avocado green appliances defined ’70s kitchens. I borrowed my aunt’s preserved-in-time cooking space, complete with original refrigerator, stove, and countertops in this signature shade, to prepare authentic period recipes.
Armed with vintage cookbooks, I tackled fondue, quiche, carrot cake, and the infamous gelatin-based dishes. Ambrosia salad with marshmallows and canned fruit proved surprisingly tasty. The tuna-and-jello mold, however, confirmed some culinary experiments should remain in the past.
The kitchen’s design elements – from the pull-handle microwave to the sunflower-patterned contact paper – created a cooking experience that felt like a time machine. Modern kitchens prioritize efficiency, but this retro space encouraged lingering and social cooking.
13. Bean Bag Chair Office Setup
Could the ultimate casual ’70s seating solution work for modern remote work? I replaced my ergonomic office chair with an oversized bean bag for five workdays to find out.
The initial comfort quickly gave way to postural challenges. Without proper back support, I found myself shifting positions every 20 minutes. My laptop balanced precariously on a lap desk, threatening to slide off with each movement.
Surprisingly, the constant repositioning prevented the stiffness I normally experience during long work sessions. Video conference calls generated amusement from colleagues who appreciated the retro vibe. While not a permanent solution, the bean bag created a mental shift that enhanced creativity for certain tasks.
14. Tie-Dye T-Shirt Workshop
The psychedelic swirls of tie-dye epitomized ’70s counterculture fashion. I organized a backyard workshop using traditional techniques – rubber bands, squirt bottles, and fiber-reactive dyes – to transform plain white shirts into wearable art.
Eight friends participated, creating spiral, bullseye, and crumple patterns. The messy process left everyone with temporarily stained hands but permanently brightened moods. The 24-hour waiting period before rinsing built anticipation that digital-age activities rarely provide.
The unpredictable results taught lessons in embracing imperfection. No two shirts turned out identical, even when following the same technique. Everyone left with truly unique creations and a deeper appreciation for handmade items in our mass-produced world.
15. Polaroid Photography Expedition
Instant photography revolutionized how people captured memories in the ’70s. I acquired a refurbished Polaroid SX-70 camera and spent a weekend documenting life with only 24 precious film shots.
The limitations proved liberating. Without the ability to delete or filter, I carefully considered each composition. The mechanical sound of the camera ejecting each photo created anticipation as images slowly developed before our eyes.
Friends gathered to watch photos materialize, offering a shared experience missing from digital photography. The chemical scent, slightly blurry quality, and distinctive white borders created authenticity no filter can replicate. The resulting images – imperfect, honest, and tangible – captured moments with a warmth my smartphone never achieves.
16. Wood-Paneled Van Road Trip
The custom van craze defined ’70s road culture. I rented a restored 1976 Dodge van – complete with bubble windows, shag carpeting, and wood paneling – for a weekend adventure.
Driving this conversation starter attracted waves, thumbs-ups, and parking lot conversations with strangers sharing their own van memories. The captain’s chairs proved surprisingly comfortable for long stretches, though the gas mileage reminded me why these vehicles eventually fell from favor.
Evening accommodations were authentic too – the rear converted to a cozy sleeping space under a disco ball. No modern camper van offers the same character, though they certainly provide better amenities. This rolling time capsule transformed a simple weekend getaway into a memorable journey.
17. Key Party Simulation (Rated PG)
The notorious “key parties” of the ’70s had participants randomly selecting car keys to determine partners for the evening. I created a family-friendly version where keys selected dinner companions and conversation topics rather than the original adult implications.
Twelve friends participated, dropping their keys in a bowl upon arrival. The random pairings for dinner conversation created unexpected connections between people who normally wouldn’t interact at parties. Designated conversation cards with ’70s themes (first concert, childhood TV shows) sparked nostalgic discussions.
The experiment broke social autopilot patterns where guests typically gravitate toward familiar faces. Several participants reported making genuine new connections through this structured randomness – proving the concept has merit even without its controversial original purpose.
18. Waterbed Sleeping Challenge
Approximately one in four American beds in the late ’70s sloshed with water. I located a hotel in Portland that still offers waterbed rooms and booked three nights to test this liquid sleeping surface.
First impressions were mixed. The gentle undulation felt womb-like and calming, but temperature regulation proved tricky. The bed’s heater needed adjustment throughout the night. Moving without disturbing a partner required new techniques – any shift created waves affecting the entire surface.
Sleep tracking data showed I actually slept deeper once adjusted to the movement. Morning back pain I typically experience disappeared completely. While not practical for everyone, waterbeds offer therapeutic benefits that modern memory foam can’t replicate.
19. Tab Cola and Pop Rocks Taste Test
The ’70s introduced distinctive snacks and beverages that defined a generation’s palate. I organized a blind taste test comparing original recipes (when available) to modern equivalents, including Tab cola, Pop Rocks, and Tang.
Twenty participants rated flavors and shared memories triggered by these nostalgic tastes. Tab’s saccharin bitterness proved polarizing – older tasters experienced emotional connections while younger ones questioned how anyone drank it voluntarily. Pop Rocks created universal delight across age groups.
The experiment revealed how taste preferences have shifted toward subtler flavors over decades. Modern palates found many original formulations overwhelmingly sweet or artificial. Yet the sensory experience transported older participants back to specific childhood moments with remarkable emotional clarity.
20. Harvest Gold Bathroom Makeover
Harvest gold fixtures defined ’70s bathrooms alongside avocado green. I temporarily transformed my modern bathroom using removable elements – shower curtain, rugs, towels, and adhesive vinyl – to create an authentic gold experience.
Living with this bold color daily proved surprisingly mood-enhancing. Morning routines felt more energetic in this sunny space compared to my usual neutral tones. Guests commented on the immersive time-travel experience, often lingering to examine authentic details like matching soap dishes and toothbrush holders.
The experiment challenged my assumptions about contemporary design superiority. While I won’t permanently install gold fixtures, incorporating selective bold colors into otherwise neutral spaces creates personality modern minimalism often lacks. Sometimes design choices from the past deserve reconsideration.
21. Tube Sock Roller Skating
Knee-high tube socks with colorful stripes weren’t just fashion – they were essential roller skating gear. I joined a weekly adult skate night sporting authentic attire: shorts, striped socks pulled to the knees, and traditional four-wheel skates.
The practical benefits became immediately apparent. The thick cotton provided crucial shin protection during inevitable falls. The height prevented skate boots from rubbing against ankles. Beyond function, these iconic socks served as conversation starters with fellow skaters.
Modern athletic socks prioritize moisture-wicking technology over style. However, the simple joy of colorful rings circling my calves as I glided around the rink connected me to generations of skaters before me. Sometimes retro choices combine function and fun in ways high-tech options cannot.
22. Atari Gaming Tournament
Before photorealistic graphics and online multiplayer, video games meant pixelated challenges on the Atari 2600. I connected an original console to a modern TV and invited friends for a tournament featuring Pong, Space Invaders, and Pitfall.
The simplicity created immediate accessibility – even non-gamers quickly understood the straightforward controls. Competitive spirits emerged as participants battled for high scores. The limitations of two-color sprites and basic sound effects somehow enhanced rather than detracted from the experience.
Most revealing was the social nature of this gaming. Without immersive headsets or complex controls, players maintained conversations while playing. The Atari created a genuine party atmosphere where the game enhanced rather than replaced human interaction.
23. Lawn Darts Danger Assessment
Banned since 1988, lawn darts (Jarts) were beloved backyard entertainment despite their obvious dangers. Using a regulation-compliant modern version with blunted tips, I hosted a tournament to understand this controversial game’s appeal.
The simple concept – tossing weighted darts into ground target rings – proved surprisingly challenging and addictive. The satisfying arc of a well-thrown dart created a distinct pleasure missing from safer alternatives like cornhole. Players naturally increased difficulty by standing further back as skills improved.
Modern safety versions maintain most of the original gameplay without the emergency room risks. The combination of skill, strategy and outdoor socialization explains why enthusiasts still seek vintage sets despite legal restrictions. Sometimes danger really was part of the fun.