You haven’t truly lived summer until you’ve done these things the ’90s way.
Summer was a different beast before we had the internet in our pockets, a golden era where boredom was the mother of invention. We spent our days outside, fueled by sugary popsicles and the promise of late-night adventures, making our own fun with nothing but some imagination and a few friends.
While today’s kids are plugged into a digital world, a look back at the ’90s reminds us of the simple, low-tech joys that made those summers truly unforgettable. These classic activities were the heartbeat of the season, and it’s high time we brought them back.
1. Build a sprawling backyard slip ‘n slide.
Before YouTube tutorials and professional installation services, all you needed for a backyard water park was a long sheet of heavy-duty plastic, a garden hose, and a bottle of dish soap. It was a DIY masterpiece that offered hours of laughter and a few spectacular wipeouts, creating a super slippery track right on the grass. You’d race your friends, sliding into a puddle at the end with a triumphant splash.
The beauty of a homemade slip ‘n slide was its pure, unadulterated chaos. There were no safety instructions to read and no predetermined finish line; the fun was simply in the messy, high-speed ride. It was a quintessential summer activity that perfectly captured the carefree spirit of the ’90s.
2. Craft friendship bracelets until your fingers ached.
Nothing said “best friends” quite like a meticulously woven friendship bracelet. Summer afternoons were often spent with a pile of colorful embroidery floss, meticulously tying knots and following patterns from a well-worn instruction book. You’d trade bracelets with your closest friends, a tangible symbol of your bond that you’d wear until it was frayed and faded.
This low-tech craft was a social activity that required patience and a steady hand. It was about sitting together, sharing secrets, and creating something meaningful for one another. Each bracelet was a unique creation, a wearable piece of art that symbolized the lasting friendships of those sun-soaked seasons.
3. Spend a night at the drive-in movie theater.
Nothing beats watching a movie under the stars. The drive-in was more than just a place to see the latest blockbuster; it was a full-blown experience. We’d pile into the family car, armed with blankets, pillows, and a giant box of movie theater candy, ready for a double feature. It felt like a private screening just for you and your friends, with the big screen looming against the night sky.
The social aspect of the drive-in was unmatched. You could talk, laugh, and even sneak out of the car to visit friends in the next spot without worrying about shushing the people behind you. It was a freedom that you just can’t get in a regular movie theater, a perfect blend of nostalgia and cinematic magic.
4. Catch fireflies in a jar with holes poked in the lid.
When the sun went down, the fireflies came out, turning our backyards into a magical light show. Armed with an empty glass jar, we’d chase after the blinking insects, carefully cupping them in our hands before placing them inside. The goal was to create a tiny, glowing ecosystem that we could admire for a little while before setting them free.
This simple activity was a lesson in appreciating nature’s small wonders. It taught us to slow down and observe the world around us, and it was a gentle and peaceful way to spend an evening. The flickering lights of the fireflies in the jar were a captivating sight and a true symbol of a warm summer night.
5. Hold a full-blown neighborhood water balloon fight.
A well-organized water balloon fight was the ultimate summer showdown, pitting teams of neighborhood kids against each other in a thrilling, splash-filled battle. The planning was half the fun: filling hundreds of balloons from the garden hose, strategizing with your teammates, and finding the perfect hiding spot. The fight itself was pure, chaotic joy, with balloons flying and everyone getting soaked.
It was an epic event that brought the whole block together, creating unforgettable memories and a fierce but friendly rivalry. The sheer fun of it all was in the simple pleasure of getting wet on a hot day. The fights were legendary, and the bragging rights lasted until the next time.
6. Make a summer soundtrack on a mix tape.
Curating a mix tape was a serious art form that required careful planning and a steady hand. You’d spend hours listening to the radio, waiting for your favorite song to come on so you could hit record at just the right moment. Each mix tape was a personal collection of the summer’s best anthems, a tangible representation of the season’s mood.
Giving a mix tape to a friend was a heartfelt gesture, a carefully crafted gift that said, “I know what you love.” It was a way to share music and memories in a way that feels more intentional than a modern-day playlist. These tapes were a cherished keepsake, a time capsule of a single, sun-drenched summer.
7. Play hide-and-seek after dark.
Hide-and-seek was fun during the day, but it took on a whole new level of excitement after the sun went down. The dark added an element of suspense, making the familiar backyards and alleys feel mysterious and a little bit spooky. The goal was to find the perfect hiding spot, one that was so good you’d almost be forgotten.
This game was all about strategy and nerve. You had to be quiet, quick, and a little bit brave, navigating the shadows and listening for the seeker’s footsteps. It was a game that brought us closer together and tested our limits, creating some of the most thrilling and memorable moments of our childhood.
8. Ride bikes until the streetlights came on.
The sound of your bike tires on the pavement was the soundtrack of a ’90s summer. With a group of friends, you would spend the entire day on your bikes, exploring every corner of your neighborhood. The only rule was to be home before the streetlights flickered on, a silent curfew that everyone respected.
Riding bikes was the ultimate freedom, a chance to explore and make our own adventures. You’d create bike jumps, race each other down hills, and find hidden spots that felt like a secret world. It was a simple pleasure that gave us a sense of independence and endless possibilities.
9. Master the art of building a pillow fort.
Rainy summer days were a blessing in disguise, a perfect excuse to build the most epic pillow fort imaginable. We’d drag every pillow, blanket, and cushion out of the linen closet, using chairs and sofas as the foundation for our fortress. The inside was our own little world, a cozy hideaway where we’d read books, tell stories, and eat snacks.
This was a lesson in creativity and teamwork. You had to work together to engineer a structure that wouldn’t collapse, turning a living room into a magical sanctuary. The pillow fort was a place of comfort and imagination, a special summer escape that you could build in the comfort of your own home.
10. Stay up late and tell spooky stories with a flashlight.
Summer nights were made for gathering with friends, either in a tent or huddled under the covers, and sharing spooky stories. The flashlight was an essential prop, its beam illuminating a face from below to create a truly creepy effect. We’d whisper tales of ghosts, urban legends, and other strange occurrences, each story trying to be scarier than the last.
This simple ritual was a bonding experience, a mix of fear and excitement that you shared with your closest friends. It was a low-tech way to entertain ourselves and create a sense of camaraderie, and those nights of shared stories are some of the most vivid and cherished memories we have.