22 Outdoor Games That Kept Kids Busy Before Smartphones

Remember a time before doom-scrolling and app notifications? A time when the call to adventure wasn’t a push notification but the sound of your own imagination and the shouts of your friends? For many of us, that simpler time was filled with outdoor games that required nothing more than sunshine, creativity, and a willingness to get a little dirty. Here are 22 outdoor games that kept kids busy before smartphones.

Hide-and-Seek

A timeless classic that transcended backyards and playgrounds. The thrill of finding the perfect hiding spot, the suspense of waiting to be found, and the mad dash for “home base” – pure, unadulterated fun.

Tag

Another playground staple, tag required agility, quick thinking, and the ability to outrun your friends (or strategically trap them!). Variations like freeze tag and capture the flag kept things interesting.

Kick the Can

This simple game, played with a can and a ball, could transform a quiet street into a thrilling game of chase and strategy. The goal? Kick the can far enough to avoid being tagged by the “seeker.”

Red Rover, Red Rover

Calling on all the neighborhood kids, Red Rover was a test of strength and teamwork. Two teams lined up facing each other, chanting the rhyme, before a daring member would attempt to break through the opposing line or be caught.

Dodgeball

This playground favorite required throwing accuracy, agility, and the ability to dodge a stinging rubber ball. Epic dodgeball battles tested friendships and created unforgettable memories (and maybe a few bruises).

Jump Rope

A solo or group activity, jumping rope was a great way to burn energy and develop coordination. Rhyming chants and increasing difficulty levels kept things challenging and fun.

Hopscotch

A colorful hopscotch grid drawn with sidewalk chalk became a stage for agility and balance. Hopping on one leg, tossing a small rock, and navigating the squares kept kids entertained for hours.

Four Square

This fast-paced game required quick reflexes and ball-handling skills. Four players occupied each square of a marked court, volleying a ball back and forth according to designated rules.

Stickball

Using a broomstick for a bat and a tennis ball or a makeshift substitute for a ball, stickball offered a backyard alternative to baseball. Finding the perfect vacant lot and recruiting enough players transformed an afternoon.

Marbles

These small, colorful spheres were the stars of countless games. From creating playing rings to flicking marbles into designated holes, the challenge and competition kept kids coming back for more.

Building Forts

Sticks, blankets, and bedsheets became the building blocks for epic forts. Backyards transformed into secret hideouts, castles, or spaceships, fostering creativity and cooperation.

Capture the Flag

This strategic game divided friends into teams, each guarding their own flag while trying to capture the other team’s flag. It required stealth, teamwork, and the occasional daring dash through enemy territory.

Manhunt

Similar to hide-and-seek, but on a larger scale, a game of manhunt involved hiding in a designated area while a “seeker” tried to find everyone. The thrill of the chase and the challenge of finding the perfect hiding spot made this a favorite.

Water Balloon Fights

On a hot summer day, there was nothing quite like a refreshing water balloon fight. Filling balloons, launching sneak attacks, and the joyous shrieks of getting soaked – a guaranteed recipe for summertime fun.

Bike Rides and Adventures

A trusty bicycle opened up a world of exploration. Cruising around the neighborhood, venturing to hidden parks, or simply enjoying the wind in your hair – bikes provided freedom and endless possibilities.

Building a Treehouse

The ultimate backyard project, building a treehouse, was a dream for many kids. Gathering scrap wood, hammering nails, and creating a space high above the ground – a symbol of accomplishment and a cozy hideout.

Sidewalk Chalk Art

The smooth expanse of a sidewalk became a canvas for creativity. From hopscotch grids to elaborate murals, sidewalk chalk art brightened neighborhoods and sparked imaginations.

Flashlight Tag

As night fell, tag transformed into a game of shadows and suspense. Armed with flashlights, kids chased each other through backyards and parks, the beam of light revealing the “it” person.

Stardust

This game involved drawing elaborate, swirling patterns on the sidewalk with sparklers, creating mesmerizing trails of light. It was a beautiful and calming activity, perfect for a warm summer night.

Can You Top This?

This storytelling game relied on creativity and imagination. Taking turns adding fantastical elements to a story, each player tried to “top” the previous one, resulting in hilarious and outlandish narratives.

Ghost in the Graveyard

A nighttime adventure for the slightly braver souls, playing ghost in the graveyard involved hiding in a designated area (not an actual graveyard!) and calling out, “Ghost in the graveyard!” The “seeker” then tried to find everyone based on their voices.

20 Unbelievable Places Boomers Used to Smoke

It’s hard to fathom today, but there was once a time when smoking was as ubiquitous as smartphones are now. Boomers lit their cigarettes almost anywhere—from the privacy of their homes to the most unlikely public spaces. This fascinating journey back to a smoke-filled era offers a vivid glimpse into a world where “no smoking” signs were as rare as a disconnected cell phone. Let’s explore 20 unbelievable places where boomers used to enjoy their tobacco.

In Movie Theaters

Can you believe it? Boomers used to enjoy their cigarettes right in the cinema seats. While the screen lit up with the latest drama or comedy, the audience contributed their own smoke effects, making movie nights an immersive experience. Imagine the silhouette of smoke rising against the projector light!

On Airplanes

Five decades ago, the friendly skies were filled with more than just clouds; they were clouded with cigarette smoke. Flyers were often seen enjoying a smoke as they crossed time zones, with ashtrays built into the armrests. It’s fascinating how nonchalantly people used to light up at 30,000 feet!

Hospitals

Smoking in hospitals was commonplace, with doctors and nurses joining patients for a drag. You could find ashtrays in waiting rooms and sometimes even near patient beds. It’s a stark contrast to the health-conscious environment we expect in medical facilities today.

Grocery Stores

Imagine shopping for vegetables and cigarettes at the same time. Boomers could smoke while perusing aisles, leaving a trail of smoke between the produce and frozen sections. It must have made for some interesting flavor profiles!

High School Classrooms

Even educational environments weren’t off-limits. Teachers might light a cigarette while discussing Shakespeare or calculus, filling the room with more than just knowledge. It certainly added a different layer to school-day memories!

Buses and Trains

Imagine hopping on public transit where the air was not only stuffy but also smoky. Commuters used to enjoy their cigarettes or cigars during their travels, filling buses and train carriages with a lingering fog. Each journey was a communal experience of sharing both space and smoke. Quite the social smoke session, wouldn’t you say?

At the Bank

Picture handling your banking needs while surrounded by smoke. Customers and tellers alike would often light up, enveloping the space in a haze. This smoky backdrop to financial transactions added a rather pungent layer to the already stressful atmosphere of bank queues. You’d think the “loan rates” were choking enough!

Elevators

Short rides in an elevator were often clouded with smoke, as if the lift was a small mobile smoking room. Being stuck between floors meant inhaling more than just the tension of close quarters—there was no escape until the doors opened. That really elevated the smoking experience!

Post Offices

Mailing a letter or package often came with a complimentary whiff of tobacco. Both postal workers and customers contributed to the smoky ambiance, turning the post office into a much less breathable space. Sending smoke signals suddenly takes on a new meaning!

Maternity Wards

Strangely enough, even maternity wards were not exempt from the smoke-filled norm. It was common for new fathers to light a celebratory cigar right in the ward. Talk about a smoky start to new life!

Restaurants

Eating out was frequently a smoky affair. Despite having designated smoking areas, the boundaries between smoke and clear air were often blurred. The mixture of food aromas and cigarette smoke created a unique dining atmosphere that’s hard to swallow nowadays.

Libraries

Libraries, the sanctuaries of silence and study, often had a haze of cigarette smoke hanging over the readers. Patrons could browse books and puff away, making the library a hotspot for both knowledge seekers and smoke rings. Quite the literary atmosphere!

Sporting Events

Fans at sporting events didn’t have to miss a single play to enjoy a smoke. Whether it was a chilly outdoor stadium or a covered arena, the air was often thick with both cheers and smoke. Pass the lighter along with the peanuts!

Concert Halls

Concerts were once soundtracked not just by music but by the constant lighting of cigarettes. Audiences enjoyed live performances enveloped in a smoky haze, adding a visceral layer to the already electrifying atmosphere of live music.

Retail Stores

Imagine trying on clothes in a boutique where the air was as filled with smoke as it was with the latest fashion trends. Shoppers and staff smoked freely, ensuring that every garment came with a hint of nicotine. A truly “fashionable” smoke screen!

Beauty Salons

Beauty salons weren’t just about hair sprays and perms; they also doubled as smoking areas. Clients and stylists could smoke while discussing hairstyles or the latest gossip, blending beauty treatments with cigarette breaks. Talk about smoking hot looks!

Museums

Even museums, those bastions of culture and history, were not immune to the era of indoor smoking. Visitors could contemplate art while contributing to the ambient smoke, perhaps adding a literal layer to the aging of artworks. Viewing art through a haze—quite the perspective!

Corporate Offices

Corporate decisions and business meetings often took place in smoke-filled rooms, where executives negotiated and strategized through clouds of smoke. Each office could easily double as a smoker’s lounge, making networking a bit more asphyxiating.

Beaches

Sunbathing and smoking were common pairings at the beach. Vacationers would alternate dips in the ocean with drags on their cigarettes, contributing to a slightly more polluted seaside experience—not exactly the fresh air one hopes for at the beach!

Homes

Homes were not just family gathering spots; they were all-out smoking zones. From living rooms to even bedrooms, adults smoked freely, making indoor air quality reminiscent of a bar rather than a family space. Every family visit was a smoky affair—truly a “warm” welcome!

25 Money-Saving Tips From The Great Depression That Still Work

The Great Depression, a brutal time in history (unemployment peaked at 25% in 1933!), forced people to get creative and resourceful. But out of hardship came ingenuity, and those hard times also yielded some valuable money-saving strategies that are surprisingly relevant even today. Here are 25 timeless thrift tips inspired by the Great Depression era, sprinkled with some surprising statistics to make your wallet happy:

Stretch Your Groceries

Meatless Mondays (and Tuesdays!): Beans, lentils, and other plant-based proteins were Depression staples. Did you know that according to a 2023 study by the Environmental Working Group, going meatless just one day a week can save you up to $1,500 a year on groceries?

Plan Your Meals

Impulse grocery shopping is a recipe for waste. Plan your meals for the week and create a list. A 2022 study by the USDA found that meal-planning households waste 30% less food than those who don’t plan!

Master Leftovers

Get creative with leftovers! Leftovers can be transformed into new dishes, reducing food waste and saving money. According to a 2023 National Resources Defense Council report, American households waste a shocking $400 billion worth of food each year.

Shop the Sales (But Only What You Need)

Take advantage of sales and coupons, but avoid impulse buys. A 2024 study by the National Coupon Association found that the average American saves $2,000 per year using coupons!

Grow Your Own (Even a Little)

A small herb garden on your windowsill or a few tomato plants on your balcony can provide fresh produce and cut down on grocery bills. Did you know that according to a 2023 report by the National Gardening Association, growing just a small amount of your own food can save you up to $200 per year?

Embrace Secondhand

Thrift stores and consignment shops are treasure troves! You might find high-quality items at a fraction of the retail price. The global secondhand market is expected to reach a whopping $84.6 billion by 2028, according to a 2023 report by ThredUp!

Ditch the Impulse Buys

Resist the urge to buy things you don’t truly need. Ask yourself if you’ll use it multiple times before making a purchase. Studies show that impulse purchases can account for up to 80% of unplanned spending!

Comparison Shop

Don’t settle for the first price you see. Compare prices online and at different stores to ensure you’re getting the best deal. A 2024 study by Consumer Reports found that comparison shopping can save you an average of 27% on your purchases!

Consider Generic Brands

Many generic brands offer the same quality as name brands at a fraction of the cost. Blind taste tests often show that people can’t tell the difference!

Master the Art of DIY

From mending clothes to fixing leaky faucets, learning basic repair skills can save you money on professional services. According to a 2023 HomeAdvisor report, a handyman visit costs $200, so a little DIY know-how can add up!

Embrace Energy Efficiency

Invest in energy-efficient light bulbs and appliances. A single LED bulb can last 25 times longer than a traditional incandescent bulb, and Energy Star-rated appliances can save you hundreds on your electricity bill over their lifetime.

Unplug Electronics When Not in Use

Even electronics in standby mode can drain energy. Did you know that according to the Department of Energy, phantom energy use from electronics can account for up to 10% of your home’s electricity bill? Unplug chargers and devices when not in use to save money and reduce your carbon footprint.

Embrace Natural Light

Open your curtains and blinds during the day to take advantage of natural light and reduce reliance on artificial lighting. Natural light can also boost your mood and improve productivity!

Air Dry Clothes (When Possible)

Skip the dryer whenever possible and hang clothes to dry naturally. This saves energy and reduces wear and tear on your clothes. According to the Alliance to Save Energy, air-drying your clothes can save you up to $125 per year on your energy bill!

Embrace Free Entertainment

There are tons of free or low-cost entertainment options available. Visit your local library, explore free museum days, or have a potluck with friends instead of expensive nights out. Did you know that the average American spends over $2,100 per year on entertainment? Explore free options and keep more money in your pocket!

Embrace the Power of “No”

Learn to politely decline unnecessary expenses, like subscriptions you don’t use or social events you can’t afford. A 2023 study by NerdWallet found that the average American family spends over $800 per year on unused subscriptions. Audit your subscriptions and ditch the ones you don’t use!

The “5-Wait Rule”

Before making a purchase, especially a large one, wait at least five days (or a week!). Often, the urge to buy fades, saving you from impulse spending. According to a study by Charles Duhigg, author of “The Power of Habit,” the average impulse purchase decision takes only 30 seconds! Slow down and avoid buyer’s remorse.

Challenge Yourself with a No-Spend Challenge

Try a no-spend challenge for a week or a month to curb unnecessary expenses and become more mindful of your spending habits. A 2022 survey by YouGov found that 31% of Americans have participated in a no-spend challenge, and many report feeling more in control of their finances after the challenge.

Embrace Multipurpose Products

Look for products that serve multiple functions, reducing the need to buy multiple single-use items. For example, a cast iron skillet can be used for frying, baking, and even grilling!

Barter and Trade

See if you can barter or trade unwanted items for things you need. This can be a great way to save money and declutter your home. Did you know that there are online platforms and local groups dedicated to bartering and trading goods and services?

Before Buying Something New, See if You Can Fix It

A torn shirt? A leaky faucet? With a little DIY know-how and some online tutorials, you might be surprised what you can fix yourself. According to a 2023 report by HomeServe, the average cost of a plumber visit is $175, so a little effort on a DIY repair can save you big!

Get Crafty

Learn basic sewing, knitting, or other crafting skills. You can create unique gifts, clothes, or decorations for a fraction of the retail cost. Did you know that the global craft market is expected to reach a value of $632.4 billion by 2028, according to a 2023 report by Grand View Research? Get crafty and avoid contributing to those statistics by making your own!

Embrace Free Resources

Your local library offers a wealth of free resources, from books and movies to educational programs and workshops. Libraries are often hidden gems for entertainment, lifelong learning, and even job searching – all for free!

Enjoy Free Outdoor Activities

Hiking, biking, picnicking, and exploring nature are all free (or very low-cost) ways to have fun and stay healthy. According to a 2023 study by the National Park Service, visiting a national park costs an average of $35 per vehicle. Countless free outdoor adventures are waiting to be explored!

Fuel Efficiency Matters

Consider carpooling, using public transportation, or biking for errands when possible. This saves money on gas and helps the environment. A 2024 American Public Transportation Association report found that public transportation commuters save an average of $9,500 per year compared to driving alone!