Boomers didn’t have smartphones, games or streaming services then. They needed to get inventive – sometimes in ways that seem entirely bizarre now. From playing with life-threatening objects to finding fun in the simplest (and oddest) pursuits, they had their own special kind of magic. We can’t imagine Gen Z going into these hobbies without rolling their eyes and thinking, “Wait… people actually did this for fun?” Let’s step back in time to a few of Boomers’ wildest idle pastimes.
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Playing with Lawn Darts
Lawn darts or “jarts” were basically big, metal darts that you tossed around the lawn. The point was to aim for a plastic ring but come on—the chaos was half the fun. They were thrown with a vengeance, sometimes with little thought for safety. It’s no wonder they got outlawed due to too many accidents. But for Boomers? It was backyard fun in the most idealistic of ways.
Collecting Pet Rocks
Yep, this was a thing. In the ’70s you actually bought smooth rocks that came in little boxes with “care manuals.” It did nothing, it just sat there — but that was the joke. Boomers liked its quirky humor. Just imagine Gen Z struggling to rationalize buying a rock when they can get one in the woods free.
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CB Radio Chatting
Before DMs and TikTok live streams, Boomers were hopping on CB radios and talking to strangers. They had cool nicknames, or “handles,” such as “Night Rider” or “Papa Bear,” and they talked about anything and everything. It’s like an open group chat, but with static and weird lingo. It wasn’t uncommon for truck drivers and teens to end up in the same conversation and, somehow, it was normal.
Making Prank Calls
No caller ID meant prank calls were the ultimate mischief. Boomers would ring random numbers or shops with, “Is your refrigerator on?” jokes, and laugh themselves silly when the victim fell for it. It was silly sure, but it worked. Now prank calling is next to impossible, and Gen Z is better off making viral videos.
Spending Hours on Pinball Machines
Boomers didn’t own consoles or gaming PCs, so pinball was all they had. These machines weren’t just games—they were works of art with flashing lights and quirky themes. Kids crowded around each other, trying to outdo each other, sometimes for hours. Gen Z might find it weird to play something that lacks levels or a narrative, but for Boomers it was pure skill and bragging rights.
Roller Rink Hangouts
The roller rink was the place to be. Skaters put on their skates, slid under disco balls, and twirled to disco music. And then there was the couple’s skate where you held your crush’s hand awkwardly as you circled around. It wasn’t just about the skating—it was the ultimate social scene. Today, most roller rinks are relics of the past, but Boomers remember them as magical.
Watching Test Patterns on TV
In the old days, TV stations were not open 24 hours a day. After programming was completed, a test pattern — a strange line and shape image — appeared on the screen with an unpleasant sound. There were Boomers who sat and waited for the broadcast to come back on. Now imagine Gen Z – accustomed to streaming at a never-ending clip, staring into an unused screen for entertainment.
Making Friends Through Chain Letters
Chain letters were like the OG version of going viral. You’d receive a handwritten message of good fortune or curse unless you copied it and sent it to x amount of people. Kids would rush to write copies and mail them in, as if they were part of something more. It was superstitious, half-funny, partly amusing.
Creating Elaborate Forts Outdoors
Boomers didn’t have Minecraft, so they made forts in the real world. Using tree branches, scrap wood, or even old sheets, they’d set up camps in backyards or nearby woods. These castles turned into castles, pirate ships or secret clubhouses. It was so much fun creating it with friends.
Watching Cars Cruise Main Street
Boomers would “cruise” down Main Street every weekend night, swerving back and forth, honking at friends, playing music. They weren’t going anywhere – it was about being noticed. The cooler your car, the better. This kind of hanging out would seem like a lot of work (and gas money) for Gen Z, who are addicted to Snapchat or Discord.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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