Groovy Times! How to Relive the 1970s (for Kids)
The 1970s! A decade of bell bottoms, disco fever, shag carpets, and some seriously cool toys. It’s a vibrant time that might feel like ancient history to kids today, but trust us, it’s packed with fun and experiences that are begging to be rediscovered. This isn’t just about history; it’s about creativity, expression, and a whole lot of good times. So, buckle up your platform shoes (metaphorically, of course!) and get ready to travel back in time. This guide will show you how to bring the 1970s to life for your kids, step-by-step.
Getting the 70s Look: Fashion Fun
Let’s start with the most visible part of the decade – the fashion! The 70s were all about bold colors, funky patterns, and comfortable freedom. Here’s how to create a 70s-inspired wardrobe:
Bell Bottoms are Back (Sort Of): While finding true bell bottoms might be tricky, look for wide-legged pants or jeans. A flared leg is the key. If you can’t find anything suitable, you can also DIY them by adding fabric to the bottom of an old pair of pants. Think denim, corduroy, or even brightly colored fabrics.
Tie-Dye Everything: Tie-dye is synonymous with the 70s! Get some plain white t-shirts, fabric dye, rubber bands, and plastic gloves. Follow a tie-dye tutorial online (there are tons!) and let the creativity flow. The messier, the better! You can tie-dye shirts, bandanas, even socks.
Polyester Power: The 70s loved polyester. Look for shirts and blouses with fun patterns or bold colors. Think geometric designs, florals, paisley, or anything that screams “retro.” Second-hand stores are goldmines for finding affordable vintage options.
Platform Shoes (Safely): While towering platforms might not be practical for everyday wear, consider chunky sandals or shoes with a slightly elevated sole. Avoid anything too high that could lead to falls. Look for fun colors like browns, oranges, and yellows.
Headbands and Hair: Long, flowing hair was the look for many. If your kids have long hair, encourage them to let it flow free. If not, consider fun headbands or scarves. Bandanas tied around the head are a classic 70s look too. For girls, pigtails and braids were also common.
Accessorize: Think long beaded necklaces, peace sign jewelry, and oversized sunglasses. These small touches can make a big impact. Look in your own jewelry boxes or raid some thrift stores.
Layering is Key: The 70s loved layering. Vests, jackets, and cardigans were all popular. Try layering a colorful vest over a patterned shirt or a denim jacket over a tie-dye shirt.
Setting the Scene: Decorating Like the 70s
Transform a room or play area into a 70s haven with these decorating ideas:
Shag Carpet: Okay, maybe you don’t want to install wall-to-wall shag, but a small shag rug or even just a piece of fluffy fabric can add that classic 70s texture. Think deep browns, oranges, and golds.
Color, Color, Color: The 70s were not shy about color. Think earthy tones like avocado green, mustard yellow, burnt orange, and deep browns. Use these colors in wall paint, blankets, pillows, and other decorations. You can even create a color palette with construction paper.
Geometric Patterns: Look for decorations featuring geometric patterns like circles, squares, and triangles. These were very popular in the 70s. You can create patterns yourself using paint or markers, or look for printed fabrics.
Macrame Magic: Macrame was everywhere! You can find simple macrame projects online and make your own plant hangers or wall hangings. It’s a fun, tactile activity and provides a great retro look.
Lava Lamps: No 70s room is complete without a lava lamp. These mesmerizing lamps are relatively easy to find online or in stores and provide a groovy glow. However, make sure to use them safely.
Posters and Prints: Look for vintage-style posters of bands, movies, or iconic imagery from the 70s. You can find printable images online or browse vintage stores for originals. Alternatively, you can draw your own, influenced by the style of the time.
Beanbag Chairs: These comfortable, slouchy chairs were all the rage in the 70s. If you have space, add a few beanbag chairs to your 70s room. You can find them in various colors and fabrics.
The Sound of the 70s: Music and Games
Music and games were a huge part of the 70s culture. Here’s how to introduce kids to the sounds and entertainment of the decade:
Disco Fever: Start by introducing the sounds of disco. Play songs by artists like the Bee Gees, ABBA, Donna Summer, and the Village People. Put on some groovy music and have a family dance party! Teach your kids some basic disco dance moves like the hustle and the bump.
Rock and Roll: The 70s were also a great time for rock music. Introduce your kids to artists like Led Zeppelin, Queen, Fleetwood Mac, and David Bowie. Encourage them to explore different genres within rock like glam rock or soft rock. Create a playlist together and discuss how different the music was from today’s popular music.
Classic Toy Time: Introduce some classic toys from the 70s. Things like Rubik’s Cubes, Slinkies, pet rocks, and Matchbox cars were popular. You can find some of these toys in second-hand stores or online. If possible, let them try some vintage board games like Operation or Simon Says, or even play a game of hopscotch.
Crafty Fun: The 70s were a time of DIY and creativity. Do some crafting activities inspired by the decade. Make friendship bracelets, create paper crafts inspired by the geometric patterns of the era, or design your own lava lamp using a jar, oil, water, and food coloring.
Family Games: Play family games that were popular in the 70s. Go outside and have a game of frisbee, play tag, or jump rope. These classic games are still fun today! You can also set up an obstacle course or have a scavenger hunt.
Make a 70s Time Capsule: Together with your children, gather some small items that represent your 70s experience. It could be drawings, small toys, printed images of the items discussed, family photos, or even a written letter to your future selves. Put them all in a box and seal it. Designate a date to open it together in the future, and create a fun countdown to build excitement.
70s Food: A Taste of the Past
While the 70s aren’t exactly known for their culinary masterpieces, there are some iconic foods that can add to your retro experience:
Fondue Fun: A classic 70s party treat! Set up a fondue pot with melted cheese or chocolate and let your kids dip bread, fruits, and marshmallows. It’s a fun and interactive food experience.
Jell-O Molds: Jell-O molds were a staple at 70s gatherings. Try making a simple Jell-O mold with different colors and layers. It’s a fun, jiggly dessert that is surprisingly fun to make.
Popsicles: Popsicles were a favorite treat in the 70s. Make your own homemade popsicles using fruit juices or yogurt. It’s a refreshing and simple treat.
Tang: This artificially flavored powdered drink was very popular in the 70s. Mix up a batch of Tang for a truly authentic experience. Just be prepared for a burst of flavor!
Snack Platters: Create a snack platter with 70s favorites like cheese and crackers, chips and dips (like French onion dip), and raw veggies. These are easy to assemble and are great for a casual 70s gathering.
Pizza Rolls: A quick and easy snack loved by many in the 70s. Bake up a batch of frozen pizza rolls and enjoy this retro snack. You can even try making a homemade version.
Capturing the Memories
Don’t forget to document your 70s adventure! Here are some ideas:
Photo Booth: Create a 70s-themed photo booth with props like oversized sunglasses, wigs, and peace signs. Let your kids take pictures and have fun with it.
Scrapbook Creation: Gather all the photos, drawings, and keepsakes created through this project and make a scrapbook together. It’s a great way to remember the experience.
Family Movie Night: End the day with a family movie night featuring a classic 70s film. Look for age-appropriate options that capture the spirit of the decade. Make some popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready for a 70s movie marathon.
Why Relive the 70s?
Reliving the 70s isn’t just about dressing up and listening to old music. It’s about sparking creativity, fostering family bonding, and learning about a different time period in a fun, engaging way. It’s a chance to introduce kids to a different culture and to appreciate how things have changed and, in many ways, stayed the same. The 70s were a time of self-expression, and that’s a message that resonates with everyone, no matter their age. By bringing this decade to life, you’re not just teaching history; you’re creating memories that your kids will cherish for years to come. So, get ready to groove, create, and explore the fantastic world of the 1970s!
