16 Things Kids Did on ’70s Road Trips
Remember those epic family road trips of the 1970s? Long before iPads and smartphones kept kids occupied, children of the ’70s had to get creative during those seemingly endless journeys across the American landscape. Parents packed station wagons to the brim, maps were unfolded across dashboards, and families hit the open road with minimal entertainment options.
Here is a list of 16 nostalgic activities that defined the quintessential ’70s road trip experience for kids.
License Plate Games
Children searched for license plates from various states on the highways for hours. Seeing all fifty states in one vacation was the ultimate accomplishment.
In order to create a continuous battle that could go on all summer, some families even had special notebooks where kids would write down every new state they saw.
Window Writing
Drawing shapes and messages on foggy windows was an irresistible pastime. Children would wait for the right combination of outside temperature and car heating to create the perfect canvas.
Parents inevitably complained about the fingerprints left behind, but this simple activity could occupy kids for surprising stretches of highway.
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The Alphabet Game
Finding words on signs and billboards that started with each letter of the alphabet, in order, was a classic challenge. Q and X created particular difficulties, causing kids to scan every roadside advertisement with laser focus.
The game could stretch across hundreds of miles before someone finally reached Z.
Hangman
This word-guessing game required only paper and pencil but delivered hours of entertainment. One child would think of a word while others guessed letters one by one.
The simplicity made it perfect for cramped car conditions, though potholes and sharp turns often resulted in stray pencil marks across the page.
View-Master Reels
These handheld viewers with circular reels of tiny color photographs were perfect for car trips. Kids would click through scenes of national parks, cartoon characters, or tourist attractions.
The immersive 3D effect made these viewers seem almost magical compared to regular photographs.
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Punch Buggy
Spotting Volkswagen Beetles became a competitive sport with this game. The first child to spot one would call out ‘Punch buggy!’ and deliver a light punch to their sibling’s arm.
Parents eventually regretted teaching this particular game as the friendly taps often escalated throughout long journeys.
Travel Journals
Many parents encouraged their children to document trips in spiral notebooks. Kids would record highlights, draw pictures of interesting sights, and collect souvenirs like brochures and ticket stubs.
These journals became cherished keepsakes long after the family returned home.
Magnetic Board Games
Special travel versions of classics like chess and checkers featured magnetic pieces that stayed put despite bumpy roads. The compact boards opened to reveal secure storage compartments for game pieces.
These games provided more sophisticated entertainment for older children during extended drives.
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Walkie-Talkies
Lucky kids with these battery-powered communication devices created their own entertainment between family vehicles traveling in convoy. The limited range meant connections worked best when cars drove close together.
This added excitement when signals faded in and out as distances changed.
Crafting Friendship Bracelets
Colorful embroidery floss occupied many young hands during long stretches of highway. Children would pin their work-in-progress to the seat in front of them, carefully braiding and knotting intricate patterns.
The completed bracelets were proudly worn or exchanged with siblings and friends.
CB Radio Listening
Tuning into the conversations of truckers and other travelers on the family CB radio was endlessly fascinating. Kids would listen attentively to the mysterious codes and nicknames used by unseen road companions.
Some brave children even practiced speaking into the microphone using proper radio lingo.
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Memories That Last a Lifetime
Those simple backseat diversions created bonds and memories that have endured for decades. Without constant digital stimulation, seventies kids developed patience, creativity, and a genuine appreciation for the journey itself.
Today’s travelers might have endless entertainment options, but they’ll never know the special magic of those unplugged adventures across the American landscape.
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