When you get to a certain age, you start to get nostalgic about the way things used to be. Many of us look back at summers filled with bike rides, picnics and hours spent just playing outside – running through sprinklers, going to the pool, exploring the neighborhood and beyond with the kids on our street, and so many more good things.  

One thing we seemed to have plenty of in the summers of years gone by was TIME. Time and boredom. Boredom is so underrated as it forces us to either rest or be creative. Both of these are very good things. Having the time and the space to be bored, to rest and to be creative is a luxury not many of us have these days. 

I don’t know if my kids have ever experienced the level of boredom that my generation did. With so much technology, so many camps, sports and scheduled activities, their days were filled as soon as they woke up. My kids are wonderful. They express sincere gratitude for the privileges they have. The way their summer days unfolded isn’t bad or wrong. But, sometimes, I wonder how they would have liked the simplicity of what we had.

Here is a look back at what boredom and creativity sparked in those of us who remember the summers of days gone by.

Sidewalk Chalk Creations

Sidewalk chalk was an outlet for endless imagination. Kids drew hopscotch grids, rainbow murals or pretend towns that stretched across driveways and sidewalks. With just a box of chalk, the whole neighborhood became a canvas. It was art, it was a maze of roads, it was a game and, sometimes, it was a stage for neighborhood talent shows – all in one colorful, washable medium.

Slip ’N Slide

A staple of backyard summers, the Slip ’N Slide turned a patch of grass into a water park. Kids would take a running start and belly-flop onto a wet plastic sheet as water sprayed across its surface. Simple thrills kept everyone cool – and made the backyard the most popular spot in the neighborhood. 

Red Rover

This energetic team game had two lines of kids standing apart, arms locked, calling out one brave runner to try and break through their hands. If they succeeded, they pulled someone back to their side; if not, they stayed. The game was all about momentum, strength and that moment of suspense as someone sprinted full speed toward your link.

Sprinkler Play

Simple, joyful and endlessly refreshing, sprinkler play was a summertime staple of summers past. Parents would hook up a hose to a rotating sprinkler and let the kids run wild through the cool sprays. Laughter echoed through backyards as bare feet darted across wet grass. It was spontaneous fun that brought families together – and a perfect way to cool off without ever leaving home.

Backyard Camping

Camping didn’t require a forest – just a few trees, a tent and a sense of adventure. Families set up camp in their own yards, complete with sleeping bags, flashlights and maybe even a ghost story or two. It offered all the fun of a weekend getaway without leaving home, and the backyard became a magical escape under the stars.

Water Balloon Fights

Water balloon fights were the essence of summer fun back in the day. Filling up colorful balloons with water and engaging in a friendly water battle with friends and siblings was a great way to cool off on hot summer days. 

Tug of War

All it took was a sturdy rope and two teams. Tug of War brought out friendly rivalry as players dug in their heels and gave it everything they had. This simple, physical, competitive and social activity was wildly fun on a hot summer’s day. Anyone could join in – all ages and abilities were welcome and the more the merrier. Tug of War produced instant bonding and healthy competition where camaraderie and community were the order of the day. At the end of the game, everyone wound up in a pile, dirty and laughing. 

Catching Tadpoles in the Pond

Catching tadpoles was a classic, magical summer activity. This was the epitome of going outside to explore. Finding a pond, creek, ditch…all these became little exciting worlds. All it took was a jar, a net (or even your hands) and you could have your own new pets! Watching tadpoles grow legs and slowly become frogs was like a real life science experiment – but also a lot of fun. We learned about metamorphosis, ecosystems and responsibility since we were responsible for them…and ultimately setting them free. Trying to scoop up fast moving tadpoles is pretty tricky. It felt like quite an accomplishment to complete this task. 

Hide and Seek, Sardines & Kick the Can 

These were all legendary backyard games which brought all the neighborhood kids together. These games were usually played in the evening or at night, so there was a thrill that took over as the streetlights came on. It felt a little spooky and full of adventure. Kids didn’t stay in a fenced yard for these games. They maneuvered through the entire street and beyond running through backyards, hopping fences, passing across driveways, bushes, porches…not many places were off limits. No parents, only the rules of the game…determined by the kids and agreed upon by the kids. It brought together kids from all ages and became a ritual of summer.