The Toys From The 1980s That Will Make You Cry Of Nostalgia

Summer has arrived with an intensity that feels unprecedented, leaving towns across the U.S. sweltering. It’s hard to recall such scorching summers from childhood, though it’s worth noting that cold water was a constant ally back then.

Summer Adventures Demanded Serious Toys

In those days, every day brought a new adventure, with responsibilities limited to a paper route or babysitting the neighbor’s kids. Returning indoors before the streetlights flickered on and re-runs of Laverne & Shirley began was a must.

Without the distraction of screens outdoors, kids had to get creative with their play. Games like Hide ‘n Seek kept everyone on their toes (though it remains a mystery whether Derek was ever found), while Red Rover resulted in a few lasting scars. In hindsight, much of the fun involved significant risks.

The Dangers Made Us Tougher

The word “risky” also applied to the toys of the time. Water toys often transformed kids into little daredevils, while low-grade fireworks were a common find at corner stores. These toys could easily poke an eye, stab a foot, or even cause serious harm.

Despite the hazards, most emerged unscathed. Let’s take a look back at the classic summer toys that kept kids entertained while they roamed the neighborhood, from the water-soaked to the downright dangerous.

How Many of These Classic Summer Toys Bring Back Memories?

If you were a kid in the ’60s, ’70s, or ’80s, summer toys were your key to adventure since many of us were locked outside until the street lights turned on. Being inside was never an option! Here are some classic summer toys that kept us busy, cool, and a little bit bruised.

Cap Guns
Remember that distinct smell of cap guns? Whether you loaded the gunpowder rolls, smashed them with a rock, or ignited them with your thumbnail, it felt like playing out a scene from a Western movie.

Playing Cards on Bike Wheels
Not a store-bought toy, but a timeless trick from the junk drawer. Just a few clothespins and playing cards, and you had yourself a roaring, makeshift motorcycle. (And now you can even buy a pre-made version online!)

Gayla Kites
These kites, sold at corner stores, were the ultimate sky adventure but rarely lasted more than a couple of hours. Designs ranged from bloodshot eyes to fierce eagles—perfect for a breezy afternoon.

Flying Gliders
Cheap foam gliders soared through the skies, mimicking real planes with loop-da-loops and long flights, often landing in a neighbor’s yard. They were so affordable you could always grab a few more for the next adventure.

Fisher-Price Adventure People
Now these weren’t just indoor toys; Adventure People were made for risk-taking. Exploring a drainage ditch with a submarine felt like an epic expedition.

Pogo Bal
The Pogo Bal (not to be confused with a Pogo Ball) was easier on the ears than a Pogo Stick but could still cause some serious back pain. Quieter but not much safer!

Water Balloons
Did anyone really master filling water balloons? When they didn’t pop on impact, they ended up exploding in someone’s face, adding a splash of fun to summer days.

Croquet
Croquet always felt like a fancy game, though we never played it by the rules. Inevitably, it turned into a mini-golf with mallets and someone getting whacked.

Big Wheel
This plastic tricycle was the vehicle for younger siblings who couldn’t keep up on long bike rides. They might not have gone far, but it made them feel part of the crew.

Willy Water Bug/Water Wiggle Sprinkler
Known as “Wet Willy” in some circles, these sprinkler toys never worked like in the commercials and sometimes even looked a bit terrifying.

Mini Water Guns
Tiny and cheap, these water guns weren’t just for battles; they were handy for a quick drink of warm, probably not-so-clean water.

Jarts
Marketed as “an outdoor game for adults,” Jarts became a favorite among kids for backyard battles. Think dodgeball with sharper, more hazardous projectiles.

SKIP IT
This toy was an early way to count your steps and beat your high score. Without that counting feature, it might have just been a boring workout tool.

Tonka Trucks
Made to outlast any storm, Tonka Trucks turned any pile of dirt into a bustling construction site, igniting the imaginations of young builders everywhere.

Wham-O Super Balls
These super-bouncy balls sparked chaos as we tried to out-bounce each other. Finding them with a lawnmower later? Now, that was dangerous.

Slip’n Slide
The Slip’n Slide offered chaotic wet fun. Racing down the slippery path often ended in a collision or a muddy lawn but was worth every second of it.

The Garden Hose
No list of summer toys is complete without the garden hose. For many, it was the primary water source on a hot day and the best toy to cool off with, whether as a sprinkler or a quick drink.