15 Things 1970s Teenagers Used To Do During Summer

Summer in the 1970s was all about freedom, fun, and a little bit of mischief. With no smartphones, social media, or streaming to keep them inside, teens had to get creative—and they absolutely did. From skating down highways to pulling pranks with pet rocks, every day felt like a new adventure. Whether it was building haunted houses or throwing wild parties in the woods, teens back then knew how to make summer unforgettable. Here are 15 fun, weird, and totally awesome things 1970s teenagers used to do during their summer break.

1. Hosted Roller Skating Rallies on the Roads
Teenagers in the 1970s took roller skating to a whole new level by holding late-night rallies on smooth, open highways. All they needed were some skates, a good road, and some friends who were ready to go. The point of these get-togethers wasn’t to race; it was to cruise together under the sky, pick up speed, and feel the wind rush by. Skaters formed tight groups and helped each other go faster by drafting like pros. Every now and then, a car would speed by, which only added to the excitement. These rallies made people feel really liberated and like they were buddies. With laughing ringing out all night, roller skating became a summer memory that everyone will always remember.

2. Put On “Anything Goes” Talent Shows
Back in the ’70s, teens didn’t need a big event to have a good time—they just cleared out a garage or basement and put on their own off-the-wall talent shows. These weren’t polished performances; they were weird, funny, and totally made up on the spot. One minute someone was juggling oranges, the next they were doing goofy impressions or pretending to be a magician. There were no sign-ups, no judges—just pure, unpredictable fun. The whole point was to be as outrageous as possible and keep everyone laughing. It was low-budget entertainment with high-energy laughs, and everyone got in on it.

3. Hosted Keg Parties in the Woods
In the 1970s, kids who wanted to have fun without their parents or the police ruining it went straight to the woods. Keg parties became a summer custom, held in secret places in nature where inquisitive neighbors and curfews couldn’t find them. Teenagers would pool their money, buy a keg, and find a quiet place to drink. Bonfires lit up the night, music played from a car, and laughing rang through the trees. It wasn’t just about grabbing a drink; it was also exciting to get away with it. These events were a real break from reality, where rules didn’t matter and people formed friends under the sky.

4. Tried Car Surfing on Slow-Moving Vehicles
Nothing screamed teenage rebellion in the ’70s like car surfing. It was risky, totally reckless—and that’s exactly why teens loved it. The idea was simple: climb onto the roof of a slow-moving car and try to stay balanced while it rolled down empty roads. One friend drove, another stood on top, and the rest cheered (or dared each other to go next). It was dangerous, no doubt, but for thrill-seeking teens, it felt like flying. Every wobble and gust of wind added to the excitement. Sure, it wasn’t the safest summer activity—but in the eyes of 1970s teens, it was pure freedom on four wheels.

5. Pulled Snipe Hunting Pranks
The traditional snipe hunt was one of the funniest pranks kids did in the 1970s. It commonly happened at summer camp or group outings, when someone fresh would be sent off to catch a made-up animal called a “snipe.” Friends handed the victim a bag, told them crazy stories about the snipe’s habits, and sent them deep into the woods—often at night—for the “hunt.” Everyone else huddled nearby and tried not to laugh while the unfortunate teen walked around making weird noises. In the end, the truth came out, and everyone laughed at the trick. It wasn’t cruel; it was just frivolous fun that made everyone feel closer.

6. Held Pillow Wars in Empty Swimming Pools
An empty swimming pool during the 70s is an instant battleground. Teens turned drained backyard pools into arenas for epic pillow wars. Armed with fluffy weapons, they’d jump in, form teams, and go all out. It was about ducking, swinging, and laughing until someone fell over. The hard surface added a challenge, but the pillows kept it safe and silly. Feathers flew, friends tumbled, and the pool echoed with nonstop laughter. It was pure, goofy chaos—and the perfect way to turn a forgotten space into the highlight of summer.

7. Made Mysterious Crop Circles
Teens in the 1970s had their own way of getting people interested long before drones or viral videos: they made crop circles. They would sneak into fields late at night with wooden boards and ropes and meticulously stamp down on crops to make big, weird shapes. People in the area would find the forms the next morning and wonder if aliens had come. The idea was to make a mystery and see how far the talk would extend. People really thought something strange had transpired since some designs were so detailed. For teens, it wasn’t simply a prank; it was a mix of being creative, working together, and the excitement of being behind something no one could understand.

8. Built Homemade Roller Coasters
Teenagers in the 1970s didn’t need theme parks, simply because they created their own roller coasters in their backyards. They built crazy, rickety rides out of wood, old bike parts, and other junk they found. The tracks were rickety, the drops were tremendous, and safety was… well, not certain. But that was part of the fun. When they were done, pals lined up to take turns flying down homemade slopes, yelling and laughing the whole time. It wasn’t Six Flags, but the thrill of making something from scratch and then riding it made it a memory that will last a lifetime. It was the most audacious kind of DIY pleasure.

9. Played Trash Can Jousting
Leave it to 1970s teens to turn a parking lot into a medieval arena. Trash can jousting was a wild game where kids rode go-karts or bikes, armed with broomsticks as lances and trash can lids as shields. The goal? Knock your opponent off balance without falling over yourself. It was loud, chaotic, and totally ridiculous—in the best way. Friends would gather to watch, cheer, and sometimes jump in for their turn. No one took it too seriously; it was all about the laughs, the bumps, and the bragging rights. Who needs a jousting horse when you’ve got a BMX bike and a lid?

10. Organized Secret Fireworks Shows
’70s teens didn’t wait for the Fourth of July to light up the night. They organized secret fireworks shows in secluded fields, far from adults and the long arm of the law. Fireworks were often illegal or hard to find, but that only made the mission more exciting. Teens would pool their money, pick a hidden spot, and wait for nightfall. Once the sky went dark, the show began—colorful explosions, loud booms, and cheers from the crowd. The danger added to the thrill, but it was really about the fun of doing something forbidden with friends. It was loud, a little reckless, and totally unforgettable.

11. Set Phone Booth Pranks
Back when phone booths were on every corner, 1970s teens found a way to turn them into comedy gold. The prank? Rig the booth with water balloons, shaving cream, or other messy surprises, then wait for someone to step inside. As soon as the door closed—splat! The prankster crew would hide nearby, barely able to hold in their laughter. Catching that perfect reaction turned every ordinary phone call into a hilarious memory. These playful traps added a spark of mischief to summer days and left everyone with a story to tell.

12. Raced Pet Rocks
Only in the ’70s could racing pet rocks be a legit summer pastime. Teens would decorate their rocks with googly eyes, faces, even tiny hats—giving each one its own personality. Then, they’d set up ramps or slanted boards and let the rocks tumble to the finish line. The randomness made it exciting—you never knew which rock would win. It wasn’t about speed or skill, just pure, silly fun. Friends cheered like it was the Olympics, laughing at every twist and roll. Pet rock racing may have been ridiculous, but that was the whole point—it was all about creativity, laughter, and making the most out of the simplest things.

13. Made Ghost Calls on CB Radios
Before prank calls were popular on phones, kids would use CB radios to have scary fun. They would act like ghosts, aliens, or strange voices and deliver creepy messages to truck drivers or radio users who didn’t know what was going on. They made a scary atmosphere with some static and spooky sound effects that made people think. Teenagers took turns at the mic, telling unusual stories or giving strange cautions to see how people would react. It was all just about harmless fun. The laughing that came after each prank made it one of the strangest and most fun summer activities.

14. Held Impromptu Drive-In Concerts
Back in the ’70s, teens didn’t wait for tickets or big-name bands—they brought the concert to the drive-in. With a few instruments and some portable amps, they’d turn an ordinary parking lot into a makeshift stage. Word would spread fast, and soon cars were pulling in, windows rolled down, music blasting into the summer night. These pop-up shows weren’t fancy, but that’s what made them so fun. No schedules, no pressure—just friends jamming, dancing, and soaking up the moment. It was raw, loud, and full of energy—the kind of summer memory you never forget.

15. Sneaked Out of Summer Camp at Night
Sneaking out of summer camp after lights out was the ultimate thrill. Once the counselors were asleep, friends would quietly slip out of their cabins and meet at a secret spot—maybe a lake, a clearing in the woods, or just a hidden trail. The darkness made every step feel risky, but that only added to the excitement. Whispers, giggles, and the crunch of twigs underfoot filled the air as they explored the unknown. Kids enjoyed bonding, sharing secrets, and chasing adventure under the stars. Every sneaked-out night felt like a story waiting to happen.