9 forgotten hobbies that kept 60s kids entertained for hours without a screen

Growing up in an era overflowing with digital devices, it’s easy to forget that previous generations had their own ways of staying occupied—without a single screen in sight.

Kids in the 1960s may not have had smartphones or streaming services, but they had a treasure trove of creative pastimes that immersed them in hands-on learning, social connection, and outdoor fun.

Today, I want to revisit some of these long-lost hobbies and show you how they can offer a refreshing change of pace for anyone looking to reconnect with simpler, more mindful pursuits.

Let’s dive right in.

1. Building model airplanes

I still remember discovering a dusty box of model airplane kits in my grandparents’ attic. Even though I didn’t grow up in the 60s, it felt like I was stepping back in time.

Piecing together each little part demanded concentration—and sometimes a whole lot of patience.

In the 60s, kids found endless entertainment in assembling these kits. There’s something deeply satisfying about turning a bunch of plastic parts into a miniature plane you can display on your shelf.

Hands-on hobbies often help develop fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and even improve focus. It’s like a secret workout for your brain, hidden behind the fun.

2. Writing letters and keeping pen pals

For a generation that didn’t have social media, letter writing was a window to the world. Kids would eagerly wait for the mailman, anticipating responses from friends across town—or even strangers across the globe.

The simple act of putting thoughts on paper demanded deeper reflection than firing off a quick DM or text message.

I remember a time when I traveled to a small village in France, and the local school had a pen pal program with students in Canada. The excitement in those kids’ faces when the letters arrived was contagious.

That personal touch—seeing the unique handwriting, doodles, and stamps—offered a tangible reminder that someone took the time to connect. As Tim Ferriss has said, “Focus on being productive instead of busy.”

Writing a heartfelt letter is one of those small yet meaningful activities that can yield a big emotional payoff.

3. Collecting and trading baseball cards

You don’t have to be a huge baseball fan to appreciate the buzz around collecting baseball cards.

In the 60s, kids would save up their spare change to buy packs, then gather around with friends to compare stats, trade for favorite players, and argue about who got the best deal.

It was a fun way to practice basic math (calculating batting averages) and negotiation skills—without ever calling it “learning.”

There was also a certain thrill of the unknown. You never knew if you’d get that coveted rookie card or another duplicate. This sense of anticipation created a natural excitement around collecting, fueled by real human interaction.

4. Sewing, knitting, and crocheting

Talk about a skill that’s fallen out of favor with all our digital distractions. In the 60s, it was perfectly normal to see kids learning basic sewing techniques, knitting scarves, or crocheting potholders.

These activities served a dual purpose: they were enjoyable, and they taught practical skills that came in handy for mending clothes or making handmade gifts.

I learned to crochet in college (yes, you read that right), and it’s one of those hobbies I’ve mentioned before but didn’t fully appreciate at the time. After long days in digital marketing, crocheting was a way to switch off the mental noise.

It’s also surprisingly therapeutic: experts have found that repetitive needlework can help reduce stress and anxiety. Here at DM News, we love spotlighting any hobby that offers that kind of mental health boost.

5. Amateur radio (ham radio)

Long before the internet, ham radio was a way for people—even kids—to connect with voices from different states or even different countries. It was a blend of technical know-how and social curiosity: you had to learn how to operate the radio, pick the right frequencies, and maybe even brush up on Morse code.

One of my uncles was really into ham radio back in his youth. He’d talk about the excitement of hearing a crackly voice from overseas, never knowing who he might connect with next.

Stepping outside our local bubble and conversing with strangers can broaden our cultural understanding and empathy. That’s something we could all use more of, right?

6. Coin and stamp collecting

Ever notice how older relatives have stacks of stamps from letters they’ve received over decades? Or jars of coins from their travels?

Collecting stamps and coins was a major pastime in the 60s. It transformed ordinary objects—currency and postage—into treasured pieces of history and art.

Kids would spend hours sorting and categorizing their collections, marveling at foreign designs and historic dates. It was almost like a mini-lesson in geography, economics, and world cultures.

As Dale Carnegie once said, “Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage.” Starting a stamp or coin collection might not seem like the boldest “action,” but it fosters curiosity and a sense of purpose that can spark a lifelong love of learning.

7. Making and flying kites

If you grew up with windy afternoons and open fields, then you’ll know the simple joy of launching a homemade kite.

In the 60s, kids often built their own from lightweight wood or bamboo sticks, newspaper, and string. They’d experiment with different designs to see which one soared best.

There’s a playful engineering aspect to kite-making. You tinker with materials, angles, and knots—then watch the outcome float (or crash) in real time.

I once attempted to make a kite out of plastic bags while visiting the coast, and although it didn’t stay airborne for very long, the process was a great reminder that failure can be fun, too.

As Gary Vaynerchuk has noted, “Skills are cheap. Passion is priceless.” Sometimes, just being passionate about trying something, even if it flops, can be incredibly rewarding.

8. Putting together jigsaw puzzles

I have a friend who says jigsaw puzzles are the ultimate mindfulness exercise, and I’d be inclined to agree.

In the 60s, you might find an entire family huddled around the dining room table piecing together elaborate scenes of landscapes or famous artworks.

For kids, puzzles offered a real challenge. It wasn’t about leveling up on a video game, it was about patience, pattern recognition, and collaboration with siblings or friends.

Psychologists point out that jigsaw puzzles help develop problem-solving skills and improve cognitive function. It’s relaxing yet stimulating at the same time, which is the best kind of hobby—especially when you need to switch off from the digital world.

9. Neighborhood talent shows

To finish, let’s talk about a hobby that involved pure creativity and zero technology: organizing talent shows right in your neighborhood.

Kids would round up friends, set a stage in someone’s garage or backyard, and perform magic tricks, play music, or put on short skits.

I’ve heard stories from people who grew up hosting these impromptu performances. They’d use bedsheets for curtains, flashlights for spotlights, and invite parents to watch.

It taught them public speaking, gave them confidence, and encouraged them to collaborate with others in a completely unstructured environment.

This one hits close to home for me, having spent much of my career in digital marketing, where “performance” usually refers to analytics and metrics. Neighborhood talent shows are the opposite: no data, no metrics—just raw, kid-powered creativity.

Putting it all together

When we think of the 1960s, it’s easy to romanticize or dismiss those days as ancient history. But the truth is, there’s a lot we can learn from the hobbies that once captivated kids for hours on end.

Whether it’s the focus you develop while building model planes, the broader perspective you gain from writing letters, or the creativity sparked by hosting a makeshift talent show, these activities remind us that fulfilling entertainment doesn’t need a screen at all.

If you’re looking for a refreshing way to unwind—and maybe learn a new skill in the process—why not revisit one of these pastimes?

Sometimes, stepping back to simpler pursuits can be the perfect antidote to our fast-paced, tech-saturated lives. And who knows? You might discover something about yourself in the process.

Here at DM News, we believe in the power of connecting with our roots and exploring hobbies that stir both curiosity and creativity. The 60s might be gone, but the spirit of hands-on discovery they embodied is very much alive if you’re willing to give it a shot.

So go on, pick a hobby, and let your sense of wonder lead the way.