13 Childhood Games From the ’60s That Will Make You Smile
Step back in time to an era where imagination reigned supreme, and entertainment was powered by creativity rather than screens.
The 1960s were a golden age of childhood games, filled with laughter, friendly competition, and boundless energy. Whether played on sidewalks, schoolyards, or backyards, these games brought kids together in a way that felt truly magical.
From high-speed chases to clever strategy games, each of these beloved pastimes left an imprint on childhood memories. Some are still played today, while others exist only in the stories of those who experienced them firsthand.
Let’s take a joyful journey through 13 classic games from the ’60s and relive the simple pleasures of childhood fun.
1. Kick the Can
As twilight settled and streetlights flickered on, Kick the Can became the game of choice for kids eager to squeeze every last drop out of the day.
This thrilling combination of hide-and-seek and tag had players sneaking through shadows, trying to kick an old tin can before being captured. The suspense, the strategy, and the inevitable last-minute dashes made it an adrenaline-pumping adventure.
While modern kids may favor video games, Kick the Can lives on in the hearts of those who remember the excitement of outwitting their friends and sprinting toward victory.
2. Red Rover
Few childhood games tested strength, strategy, and sheer determination quite like Red Rover.
Lined up in two teams, kids would lock hands and call out the name of an opponent, daring them to run full-speed and break through the human chain. The challenge? Brace yourself or risk getting bulldozed!
It was exhilarating, competitive, and—let’s be honest—sometimes slightly painful. But most of all, it built bonds, fueled friendly rivalries, and guaranteed plenty of giggles.
Though rarely played today, Red Rover still sparks nostalgic smiles for those who remember the rush of charging full speed ahead.
3. Hopscotch
With a piece of chalk and a well-placed stone, kids transformed any sidewalk into a hopscotch court.
Balancing on one foot, hopping through the squares, and celebrating a perfect run made this game an absolute playground staple. But half the fun was actually in drawing the board itself, often accompanied by doodles, flourishes, and personal flair.
Simple yet endlessly entertaining, hopscotch remains a timeless game that proves fun doesn’t have to be complicated.
4. Jacks
Sitting cross-legged on the floor, eyes locked on the bouncing ball, Jacks demanded quick reflexes and serious coordination.
The objective? Toss the ball, snatch up as many tiny metal jacks as possible, and grab the ball before it hit the ground. The stakes got higher with every round, as players moved from picking up onesies to sweeping up entire clusters.
It was a game of skill, speed, and strategy—and just the right amount of sibling rivalry.
5. Marbles
For kids in the ’60s, a pocket full of marbles was like holding treasure.
With a flick of the thumb and a keen eye, players aimed to knock marbles out of a ring, hoping to claim the most coveted ones in the process. The best shooters were practically celebrities on the playground.
And let’s not forget the thrill of swapping prized marbles—because trading wasn’t just about the game; it was a social art form.
6. Tag
The simplest of games often brought the biggest bursts of energy, and tag was proof of that.
One player became “it” while the rest scattered like speedy little escape artists, dodging, weaving, and sprinting to avoid the inevitable tap. No playground was complete without shouts of “You’re it!” echoing through the air.
With countless variations like freeze tag, flashlight tag, and TV tag, this game never got old.
7. Hide and Seek
Few childhood experiences rival the exhilaration of squeezing into a hiding spot while suppressing giggles.
With eyes shut tight, the seeker counted down, while everyone else vanished into the best nooks and crannies they could find. Whether ducking behind trees, diving under porches, or wedging into closets, the thrill of NOT being found was pure gold.
Even today, Hide and Seek remains one of the greatest games ever invented.
8. Capture the Flag
For kids craving high-stakes adventure, Capture the Flag was the ultimate battlefield.
Splitting into teams, players strategized, sprinted, and sometimes dove heroically into the grass to snatch the enemy’s flag without getting caught. The best part? The dramatic escapes and last-minute victories.
A true test of speed, stealth, and teamwork, this game was pure adrenaline.
9. Four Square
A playground staple, Four Square turned a simple rubber ball into a battle for dominance.
Players took their places in four numbered squares, bouncing the ball into each other’s zones with just the right mix of power and precision. The goal? Stay in the top-ranked square and avoid elimination.
House rules varied—some allowed spins, slams, or tricky bounces—but one thing remained the same: rising through the ranks felt like a true victory.
Fast, competitive, and always unpredictable, Four Square was the game where friendships were tested, skills were honed, and recess was never boring.
10. Hula Hoop
A simple plastic hoop turned into a whirlwind of motion, laughter, and competition.
With hips swaying and arms flailing, kids tried to keep their hula hoops spinning as long as possible—sometimes adding extra challenges like walking, jumping, or even spinning multiple hoops at once.
This wasn’t just a game; it was a dance of rhythm and balance, with kids pushing the limits to see who could master the hoop the longest.
Though hula hoops are still around, nothing quite matches the 1960s craze that had kids twirling in every backyard and playground.
11. Jump Rope
“Miss Mary Mack, Mack, Mack…”—if you can hear the rhythm in your head, you probably spent your childhood jumping rope with friends.
Jump rope was a mix of coordination, endurance, and musicality, often paired with catchy rhymes that made each session feel like a performance. Whether played solo or with two friends swinging the rope for double dutch, the game was an endless source of fun and fitness.
Even today, jump rope remains one of the best ways to combine play with exercise, proving that some childhood pastimes never lose their charm.
12. Mother May I?
Patience, listening, and quick thinking were key to winning “Mother May I?”—a game that was part strategy and part obedience test.
One player, acting as “Mother,” stood at the front, while the others lined up at a distance. Players took turns asking, “Mother, may I take five steps forward?” But only those granted permission could move—otherwise, they had to stay put.
Of course, Mother had full control, throwing out bizarre requests like “Take two bunny hops” or “Crawl like a crab.” The goal? Be the first to reach Mother without breaking the rules.
It was a game of patience and playful mischief, where kids learned that sometimes, listening carefully was just as important as speed.
13. Tetherball
Few games brought out the competitive spirit quite like Tetherball—a fast-paced, back-and-forth battle where reflexes ruled.
A volleyball, tethered to a pole by a rope, became the center of every recess showdown. The goal? Smack the ball hard enough to wrap it completely around the pole while your opponent desperately tried to stop you.
It was a test of timing, strategy, and brute force, often leading to heated duels where victory felt oh-so-satisfying.
Though tetherball courts have become less common, for those who grew up in the ’60s, the memory of that perfectly timed strike is still unforgettable.