Oh, the ’90s. For those who grew up in this decade, the era represents a golden age of Saturday morning cartoons, slap bracelets, and plentiful outdoor games. Technology was present, but it hadn’t yet taken over the way it has today. This allowed for some unique activities that most modern kids wouldn’t even recognize. So, let’s take a nostalgic trip back to the ’90s and recall some activities that are now nearly extinct.
Collecting Pogs
Remember Pogs? Those small cardboard circles were more than just collectibles; they were social currency. Whether traded or won in competitions, Pogs were the Pokémon cards before Pokémon cards existed. These days, the closest equivalent might be virtual items in mobile games, but it’s just not the same.
Playing Outside Until Dark
Before cell phones took over our lives, kids would leave their homes in the morning and wouldn’t return until it was dark. Outdoor games like “Capture the Flag,” “Tag,” and “Kick the Can” were the order of the day. The setting sun was our cue that it was time to go home.
Using Encyclopedias for Research
The internet wasn’t as pervasive in the ’90s as it is now. When we had to write a report or research for a project, physical encyclopedias were the go-to resource. The struggle of combing through volumes for information is something today’s “Google generation” might never understand.
Passing Notes in Class
Long before texting or DMing, the discreet way to communicate in class was to pass notes. Folded in intricate designs, these notes were hand-delivered to recipients across the room, often with the entire class acting as couriers. While it wasn’t the most efficient way to chat, it had a personal touch that electronic messages lack.
Making Mixtapes
Making a mixtape was an art form, a labor of love. Whether creating one for a crush or just for yourself, the process involved carefully selecting songs from various CDs and then recording them onto a blank cassette tape. The “playlist” of the ’90s required effort, thought, and a bit of skill, especially when trying to record a song from the radio at just the right moment.
Renting Movies from Blockbuster
The Friday night trip to Blockbuster was a ritual. Walking down aisles filled with VHS tapes, you’d select a movie or two for the weekend. Streaming services have rendered this experience obsolete, and while it’s far more convenient today, the sense of tangible selection is lost.
Dial-Up Internet and AOL Chat Rooms
Remember the screeching sound of a dial-up modem connecting to the internet? Once online, many of us headed straight for AOL chat rooms. These public forums were a precursor to today’s social media, offering a place for virtual hangouts and discussions.
As times change, so do the activities that define our childhoods. While today’s youth have their own unique experiences shaped by modern technology, those who grew up in the ’90s will always cherish the simpler times when fun was analog, tactile, and often involved a great deal of imagination.