15 Iconic 70’s Moments That Will Take True 70’s Kids Down Memory Lane

The 1970s: a time of feathered hair, bell bottoms, disco balls, and the Fourth Generation of computing. 

While technological advancements like VLSI and the microprocessor were paving the way for the digital age, transforming research in various fields, a cultural revolution was also underway.¹

This was the decade that gave us these iconic moments that are etched in the memories of those who lived through it. Here’s 15 moments 70s kids will never forget.

1. The Bicentennial Celebration

The year 1976 marked the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This was a big deal, with parades, fireworks, and tall ships sailing into New York Harbor.

2. Evel Knievel’s Jumps

This daredevil motorcyclist made headlines with his attempts to jump over everything from buses to canyons. His Snake River Canyon jump in 1974 was a particularly memorable (if unsuccessful) event.

3. The Pet Rock Craze

It’s hard to believe, but in 1975, people went crazy for smooth stones packaged in cardboard boxes with breathing holes.

It was a testament to the power of marketing and a bit of a head-scratcher for anyone who didn’t live through it.

4. The Disco Era

From the Bee Gees to Donna Summer, disco music dominated the airwaves in the late ’70s.

The dance floors were packed with people wearing platform shoes and bellbottoms, grooving to the beat under shimmering disco balls.

5. The Rise of Star Wars

The first Star Wars movie hit theaters in 1977 and changed the landscape of popular culture forever. Suddenly, everyone wanted to be a Jedi knight or pilot the Millennium Falcon.

6. The Watergate Scandal

The break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in 1972 led to a political scandal that ultimately resulted in President Richard Nixon’s resignation in 1974.

It was a major turning point in American history and a moment many ’70s kids remember vividly.

7. The Energy Crisis

The 1973 oil embargo led to long lines at gas stations and a heightened awareness of energy conservation.

Many ’70s kids remember having to bundle up indoors to save on heating costs or waiting in line for hours to fill up the family car.

8. Saturday Morning Cartoons

Back in the ’70s, Saturday mornings were a special time for kids. You could wake up early, grab a bowl of cereal, and settle in for hours of cartoons like Scooby-Doo, Josie and the Pussycats, and The Super Friends.

It was a simpler time, and for many ’70s kids, it was pure bliss.

9. The Skateboard Craze

In the mid-70s, skateboarding exploded in popularity. Kids everywhere were hitting the streets (and empty pools) on their boards, pulling off ollies and other tricks.

10. Mood Rings

These color-changing rings were all the rage. They were supposed to reflect your mood based on the temperature of your finger, but mostly they just turned black or blue. Still, they were fun to wear and a quintessential ’70s accessory.

11. Pong

This simple arcade game was one of the first video games to hit the mainstream. It was incredibly basic by today’s standards, but back then, it was revolutionary.

Pong tournaments were a big deal, and many ’70s kids spent countless hours perfecting their paddle skills.

12. Farrah Fawcett’s Hair

This actress’s feathered hairstyle became iconic in the ’70s. Girls everywhere were getting their haircut and styled just like Farrah’s, and her iconic swimsuit poster adorned countless bedroom walls.

13. The “Streaking” Fad

This bizarre trend involved running naked through public places. It was a brief but memorable moment in ’70s culture, and it’s something that only those who lived through it can truly understand.

14. The Brady Bunch

This wholesome sitcom about a blended family captured the hearts of millions of viewers. The Brady kids’ adventures (and their iconic house) became a part of pop culture, and the show’s theme song is still instantly recognizable today.

15. Troll Dolls

These cute (and sometimes creepy) little dolls with wild hair were a popular toy in the ’70s. They came in all sorts of colors and styles, and kids loved collecting them and swapping them with friends.

Source:

1. American Physiological Society