15 ‘60s Hobbies That Will Baffle Anyone Younger Than Boomers
Before the digital age, pastimes weren’t about screens and swipes—they were hands-on, inventive, and often required a good deal of patience.
Boomers found joy in hobbies that today’s youth might struggle to comprehend. Why spend hours collecting stamps when you can browse the world from your phone? Why talk to strangers over a CB radio when social media is just a tap away? Yet, these activities were more than just time-fillers—they were community-driven, skill-based, and deeply rewarding.
Join us as we dust off the memories and explore 15 pastimes from the ‘60s that will leave Millennials and Gen Z scratching their heads!
1. Macramé Crafting
Macramé wasn’t just a craft—it was an art form that took patience, precision, and a whole lot of knots. Boomers spent hours weaving intricate designs into plant hangers, wall décor, and even fashion accessories.
Today’s fast-paced world might find the idea of tying thousands of knots baffling, but back then, it was a satisfying, hands-on way to create beautiful home decorations. The resurgence of macramé in modern décor proves that some trends are just too good to stay in the past.
While younger generations might admire the aesthetic, few can imagine spending an afternoon meticulously knotting rope instead of binge-watching their favorite shows.
2. CB Radio Chatting
Before smartphones and social media, CB (Citizens Band) radios were the original group chat. People—especially truckers and hobbyists—would fire up their radios, exchange call signs, and chat with total strangers over the airwaves.
Boomers had their own radio lingo, complete with phrases like “10-4, good buddy” and “breaker, breaker” to keep conversations lively. It was an exciting way to meet new people without ever leaving home.
To younger folks, the idea of talking into a static-filled radio when texting is an option seems wildly unnecessary. But for Boomers, this was real-time connection at its finest.
3. Collecting Stamps
Stamp collecting, or philately, was the ultimate way to travel the world without ever leaving your chair. Every stamp was a tiny masterpiece, representing different countries, historic events, and even famous people.
For Boomers, building a stamp collection was an exercise in patience, organization, and sheer curiosity. Some sought rare finds, while others just loved filling up their albums.
In an era where paper mail is nearly extinct, younger generations might struggle to see the appeal of collecting tiny rectangles of adhesive history. But for those who grew up with pen pals and handwritten letters, stamps were treasured souvenirs.
4. Model Rocketry
Long before video games let players simulate space travel, Boomers were building and launching their own model rockets. Inspired by the Space Race, kids and adults alike spent hours crafting miniature rockets, carefully installing engines, and counting down before liftoff.
It was an exciting, hands-on way to engage with science, engineering, and physics. There was nothing quite like watching your rocket soar into the sky—unless, of course, it misfired and landed in a tree.
Nowadays, the idea of waiting for glue to dry before launching something sounds ridiculous to younger generations, but for Boomers, it was the closest they could get to being an astronaut.
5. Hula Hooping
A simple plastic hoop became a worldwide fitness sensation in the 1960s. Boomers took hula hooping seriously, perfecting techniques, learning tricks, and competing to see who could keep the hoop spinning the longest.
It wasn’t just for kids—adults joined in on the craze, too, using hula hoops for exercise and social fun.
While younger generations might dismiss it as a childhood toy, Boomers remember when hula hooping was practically a sport. And with modern fitness trends bringing it back, it seems this pastime still has plenty of spin left.
6. Amateur Radio Operating
Ham radio was social networking before the internet even existed. Enthusiasts built their own radios, mastered frequencies, and connected with strangers from all over the world using Morse code and spoken transmissions.
Unlike today’s instant messaging, ham radio required skill, knowledge, and a bit of patience. There was an undeniable thrill in making long-distance contacts through the static.
For younger folks who can send a voice message with a single tap on their phone, this might seem unnecessary. But for Boomers, it was an exciting challenge that combined technology, communication, and global connection.
7. Tiki Culture Enthusiasm
The 1960s were all about escapism, and nothing embodied that quite like the tiki culture explosion. From bamboo bars to Polynesian-inspired décor, Boomers decked out their homes with exotic tiki mugs, carved totems, and tropical themes.
Tiki bars became a place to unwind with fruity cocktails and Hawaiian shirts, creating a mini vacation without ever leaving the neighborhood.
To younger generations with easy access to world travel, turning your basement into a faux island retreat might seem odd. But for Boomers, it was all about bringing paradise home.
8. Tie-Dye Fashion
Tie-dye wasn’t just a fashion statement—it was a movement. The ‘60s were filled with swirling, psychedelic colors, all hand-dyed to perfection.
Boomers took plain white t-shirts and turned them into wearable pieces of art. It was a DIY trend that embodied creativity, rebellion, and free-spirited individuality.
Fast-forward to today, and tie-dye has made a comeback—though most people just buy it pre-made instead of dunking their shirts in buckets of dye. But for Boomers, the fun was in the mess, the wait, and the final reveal of a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
9. Slot Car Racing
Forget video games—Boomers had slot car racing. These miniature cars zoomed around custom-built tracks, controlled by handheld triggers.
Designing tracks and perfecting racing techniques was a science, an art, and a thrill all in one. Competing against friends and fine-tuning cars to go faster was as exciting as any e-sports tournament today.
Younger generations might not understand the exhilaration of watching a tiny car zoom around a loop, but for Boomers, it was an adrenaline-pumping challenge that combined engineering, skill, and strategy.
10. Coin Collecting
Coin collecting, or numismatics, was a hobby filled with historical intrigue and the thrill of discovery. Boomers hunted for rare coins, memorized minting details, and stored their treasures in albums like prized possessions.
Every coin told a story—whether it was a misprinted penny or a silver dollar from another era.
With digital payments taking over, younger generations might struggle to see why people once spent hours sorting through pocket change. But for Boomers, finding that one special coin was a rush like no other.
11. Soap Carving
Why carve wood when you could carve soap? Boomers took their creativity to the next level by whittling bars of soap into intricate designs and sculptures.
It was a soothing, hands-on hobby that combined artistry with patience. Plus, if a carving didn’t turn out right, it still smelled good!
To younger folks who are used to instant digital art tools, the idea of slowly shaving down a bar of soap might seem strange. But for Boomers, it was an exercise in creativity and craftsmanship.
12. Jigsaw Puzzle Assembly
Jigsaw puzzles weren’t just a rainy-day activity—they were a full-fledged hobby. Boomers spent hours sorting tiny pieces and assembling intricate images, enjoying the slow satisfaction of seeing a picture come to life.
While younger generations might prefer faster forms of entertainment, Boomers saw puzzles as a relaxing mental challenge that tested patience and problem-solving skills.
And let’s be honest—completing a 1,000-piece puzzle without losing a single piece was an achievement worthy of a trophy.
13. Making Friendship Bracelets
Forget digital likes—Boomers cemented friendships with handmade bracelets. Weaving colorful threads into intricate patterns, they exchanged these bracelets as symbols of lasting bonds.
While younger generations might prefer text messages and emojis, Boomers took time to create something personal, each knot representing friendship and care.
Though it’s less common today, making and gifting friendship bracelets remains a sweet, nostalgic tradition.
14. Building Dioramas
Diorama building was the art of bringing tiny worlds to life. Boomers meticulously crafted miniature landscapes, battle scenes, and even historical recreations.
Younger generations might wonder why anyone would spend hours making tiny trees and rivers, but for Boomers, it was a rewarding mix of creativity, storytelling, and craftsmanship.
15. Ballroom Dancing
For Boomers, ballroom dancing was more than just movement—it was elegance, romance, and skill all in one.
While younger generations embrace more freestyle dancing, Boomers loved the structured beauty of the foxtrot, waltz, and tango.
Though its popularity has waned, ballroom dancing still holds a special place in the hearts of those who once swayed to the music in a perfectly choreographed routine.