15 Things You Did On A Rainy Day In The ’70s Before Cable TV
Ah, the groovy ’70s—when fashion was fabulous, disco balls spun like there was no tomorrow, and bell bottoms flared wider than your aunt’s Tupperware collection. Rainy Saturdays? Oh, they were a whole vibe.
With no cable TV to binge-watch or smartphones to scroll, you had to rely on good ol’ imagination and whatever you could scrounge up around the shag-carpeted living room. Remember blanket forts that doubled as top-secret spy bases? Or spinning your parents’ vinyl like you were the next Casey Kasem?
Maybe you called your best friend on the rotary phone just to complain about being bored—for 45 minutes. It was a time of board games, burnt popcorn from the air popper, and staring longingly out the window hoping the rain would stop… but kind of loving that it didn’t.
Join me on a funky, fun-filled flashback as we explore 15 classic rainy-day activities from the pre-cable era!
1. Played Board Games With Missing Pieces
First up was the classic family game night, though it was never without a hitch. Monopoly, Life, Sorry!, or Clue—these were the staples of our rainy day repertoire. Of course, that thimble was always missing, and the Monopoly money had somehow merged with Uno cards.
But no worries, we made it work! The kitchen table became a battlefield of strategy and luck, with the occasional sibling squabble. Our imaginations filled in the gaps, and we’d invent new rules on the fly, ensuring every game was a unique adventure.
Sometimes, I wonder if those missing pieces had their own secret life, hiding out with the socks that vanished in the dryer. Ah, the mystery of the universe!
2. Made Blanket Forts Like a Tiny Architect
Every couch cushion, old sheet, and dining room chair had a higher purpose on a rainy day. My siblings and I transformed the living room into our own private empire, a palace of pillows and blankets. Once inside, the world outside ceased to exist.
We were architects designing castles, skyscrapers, and secret hideaways, each more elaborate than the last. Our imaginations soared as we huddled together, telling stories and whispering secrets. The fort was a fortress of dreams, guarded against any adult intrusion.
And let’s not forget the inevitable fort-collapse, usually caused by someone’s dramatic entrance or exit. But that just meant we could start all over again, each construction more ambitious than the last.
3. Read the Comics in the Newspaper (Again)
No rainy day was complete without revisiting the colorful world of newspaper comics. Garfield, Peanuts, Blondie—these iconic strips brought laughter and amusement, even if you’d already read them that morning.
The newspaper became a portal to humor and wit, each panel a tiny slice of comedic genius. We’d snicker at Charlie Brown’s endless bad luck or Garfield’s insatiable appetite, loving every moment.
Sometimes, I’d try to mimic the art style, doodling my own characters in the margins. Ah, the simple joy of good old-fashioned ink and paper, where creativity knew no bounds and punchlines were king.
4. Played with the “Good” Toys That Lived in the Closet
Ah, the secret treasure trove of rainy day bliss—the toy closet. This was where the “good” toys lived, awaiting their moment in the spotlight. Lincoln Logs, Etch A Sketch, Spirograph, and that slightly creepy doll with the blinking eyes lined the shelves.
Each toy held endless possibilities for creativity and fun. We’d build, sketch, and spin, lost in our own worlds of imagination. The closet was a magical place, a portal to adventures only limited by our creativity.
And, of course, there was always the thrill of discovery when a long-forgotten toy was unearthed. It was like finding buried treasure, sparking joy and excitement in an otherwise gloomy afternoon.
5. Dug Out the Family Photo Albums
Rainy days were the perfect time to embark on a journey through family history, thanks to the trusty photo album. Each page revealed faces in bell bottoms and bouffants, stories waiting to be told.
We’d flip through the pages, pointing and giggling at hairstyles and fashion choices. Each photo sparked a cascade of questions for our parents, who often feigned annoyance but secretly loved the nostalgia.
These albums were more than just pictures; they were time machines, capturing moments of joy, laughter, and love from years gone by. Every photo held a story, a memory waiting to be shared on a rainy afternoon.
6. Listened to Records and Pretended You Were on the Radio
With a hairbrush in hand and a stack of vinyl records, I became the hottest DJ in town. Rainy days turned our living room into a radio station, with The Bee Gees and Fleetwood Mac providing the soundtrack.
I’d introduce each song with flair, imagining a devoted audience hanging on my every word. My siblings would join in, forming bands and creating our own top 40 hits.
Those records spun tales of love and heartbreak, the crackling of the vinyl adding authenticity to our imaginary broadcasts. It was pure magic, and for a few hours, we were rock stars in our own right.
7. Rearranged Your Room Just Because
Sometimes, a change of scenery was all you needed to brighten up a rainy day. That’s why I’d embark on a mission to rearrange my room, shifting furniture with determination and a dash of chaos.
It wasn’t about tidying up or finding feng shui; it was about the thrill of creating a new space to inhabit. The bed by the window, the desk facing the door—it was a creative endeavor that always ended in satisfaction.
Even if the room didn’t end up any cleaner, the sense of accomplishment and novelty made the effort worthwhile. Plus, it was great exercise, a bonus for a rainy day indoors.
8. Made Crafts That Left Glitter in the Carpet for Years
Crafting was an art form, and rainy days were our canvas. Glue, macaroni, paper plates, and googly eyes were our tools, and chaos was our medium. We’d dive into projects with gusto, leaving trails of glitter that sparkled for years.
Every creation was a masterpiece, even if the cat occasionally became an accidental participant, adorned with glitter and macaroni. The process was messy, but it was all part of the fun.
Our imaginations ran wild, turning mundane supplies into treasures. Crafting days were about the journey, not the destination, and every glue-covered finger was a badge of honor.
9. Watched Whatever Was on the 3 Channels You Had
Ah, television in the ’70s—a magical realm where content chose you, not the other way around. With just three channels, options were limited, but we embraced whatever flickered on the screen.
Game shows, soap operas, static-filled cartoons, or reruns of Gilligan’s Island—each show was a gift, holding our attention captive. We’d gather around the TV, eyes glued to the screen, mesmerized by the stories unfolding.
There was something special about the unpredictability, never knowing what would come on next. It was a shared experience, and even the most mundane program became entertainment gold on a rainy day.
10. Tried to Bake Something You Were Definitely Too Young To Make
The kitchen became a culinary laboratory, with us young chefs trying our hand at baking delights. The results were often questionable—undercooked, burnt, or mysteriously salty creations emerged from the oven.
Despite the culinary disasters, each attempt was met with pride and excitement. We’d mix, stir, and pour, pretending to be master bakers, giggling as flour dusted our noses.
Even if the final product was less than perfect, the experience was always a sweet success. The kitchen was a place of experimentation and laughter, where even the failures were deliciously fun.
11. Wrote or Drew in a Notebook You Treated Like a Secret Diary
On a rainy day, a notebook became a canvas for the mind. Every storm felt like the perfect backdrop to pen memoirs, doodle superheroes, or invent comic strips.
The pages held dreams and secrets, a private realm where creativity knew no bounds. Each stroke of the pen was a step into a world only I could see, fueled by imagination and the patter of rain.
This quiet retreat allowed for reflection and expression, a sanctuary from the day’s chaos. The notebook was a trusted confidant, capturing thoughts and ideas in its pages, a testament to a child’s boundless creativity.
12. Played “Store” or “Library” With Random Household Stuff
Imagination turned the ordinary into extraordinary, especially when playing “Store” or “Library”. Every item got a fake price or a checkout card, and I became the most intense pretend cashier or librarian ever.
Household objects transformed into merchandise or books, and friends became customers or patrons. Each transaction or book lending was a mini adventure, filled with haggling or whispered recommendations.
These role-playing games taught us about commerce and responsibility in the most entertaining way. They were more than just games; they were life lessons wrapped in fun and creativity.
13. Sat by the Window and Just… Watched the Rain
There’s a simple pleasure in watching the rain, a rhythm that brings peace. Sitting by the window, I’d lose myself in the sound of raindrops and the sight of puddles forming.
No devices or distractions, just me and the rain—a perfect backdrop for daydreaming. Lightning and thunder added drama, a symphony of nature that never failed to captivate.
This meditative moment became a cherished ritual, a chance to pause and reflect. The rain told stories, whispered secrets, and carried thoughts away on its endless journey to the earth.
14. Built Card Houses or Played Solitaire Until the Cards Were Bent
A deck of cards offered endless entertainment, from building precarious card houses to intense games of solitaire. Each session was a test of patience and dexterity, a challenge I embraced with determination.
Card houses rose to dizzying heights, only to fall to a misplaced breath or an errant elbow. Solitaire games stretched on, with bent cards bearing witness to my repeated victories and defeats.
These simple games provided hours of fun, filling the rainy day with triumph and frustration. Every fallen card demanded perseverance, and every victory brought a sense of achievement.
15. Made Prank Phone Calls Using the Rotary Phone
The rotary phone was a tool of mischief, perfect for the art of prank calling. We’d gather around, dialing with anticipation, and giggle as each prank unfolded.
“Is your refrigerator running?” we’d ask, barely stifling laughter. The thrill of the call and the adrenaline rush was unmatched, until a parent caught wind and put an end to our antics.
These calls were more than just jokes; they were a rite of passage, a shared secret among friends. The rotary phone was our connection to the world, and every prank was a tiny act of rebellion.