Things Kids Did in the 90s to Pass the TimeThe 1990s were a magical time for kids—a decade before smartphones and social media became the default pastime. Instead, kids of the ’90s found joy in simpler, more creative, and often more physical activities. Here’s a nostalgic look at some of the ways children passed the time in the ’90s.
1. Playing Outside Until the Streetlights Came OnIn the 90s, kids practically lived outside. Whether it was riding bikes, playing tag, or building forts, the outdoors was the ultimate playground. Games like hide-and-seek, Red Rover, and hopscotch brought friends together, while activities like skateboarding and rollerblading were essential for the adventurous.
2. Video Games and Consoles
While kids spent a lot of time outside, video games became increasingly popular. Consoles like the Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, and the revolutionary Sony PlayStation gave rise to gaming classics like Mario Kart, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Crash Bandicoot. Many kids spent hours trying to beat high scores or perfect their moves in fighting games like Street Fighter and Mortal Kombat.
3. Collecting Everything.
The 90s were the heyday of collecting. Whether it was Pogs, Beanie Babies, Pokémon cards, or trading cards from sports or TV shows, kids spent hours curating their collections. The thrill of the trade and the quest for that one rare item were a huge part of the fun.
4. Watching TV and Saturday Morning Cartoons.
Television was a staple for 90s kids. Shows like Rugrats, Power Rangers, Doug, and Animaniacs kept kids glued to the screen. Saturday mornings were sacred, reserved for hours of cartoons while munching on sugary cereals.
5. Exploring Music with Mixtapes and CDs.
Music was a big deal in the 90s. Many kids made mixtapes from radio recordings or saved up to buy the latest CD from artists like Britney Spears, NSYNC, or Nirvana. Walkmans and Discmans were prized possessions, and kids would spend hours rewinding and replaying their favorite tracks.
6. Reading Books and Comics.
Before tablets, kids turned pages in actual books. Series like Goosebumps, The Baby-Sitters Club, and Animorphs were staples for young readers. Comics from Marvel, DC, or Archie provided hours of entertainment, and some kids even dabbled in creating their own stories and drawings.
7. Visiting Arcades.
Arcades were the ultimate social hangout for 90s kids. Games like Pac-Man, Street Fighter II, and Dance Dance Revolution were always surrounded by crowds. Winning tickets for prizes was a rite of passage, even if all you could afford was a handful of plastic toys.
8. DIY Fun and Crafts.
Kids of the 90s knew how to get creative. Friendship bracelets made from colorful string, bead crafts, and even DIY slime were popular pastimes. For many, doodling in Lisa Frank notebooks or making collages from magazines was the perfect way to spend a rainy afternoon.
9. Board Games and Card Games.
Family game nights were a big deal in the 90s. Games like Monopoly, Clue, and The Game of Life brought families together. Card games like Uno and Magic: The Gathering also provided hours of competitive fun among friends.
10. Calling Friends on Landlines.
Before texting, kids spent hours chatting on landlines. A cordless phone with a long antenna was a prized household item. For those lucky enough to have their own line, the phone became a lifeline for after-school gossip or planning weekend meetups.
The 1990s were a simpler time filled with creativity, imagination, and shared experiences. Whether it was exploring the outdoors, diving into the latest craze, or just hanging out with friends, 90s kids knew how to have fun. In a world less connected by technology, the connections they made in real life were what mattered most.
