From Mix Tapes to Drive-Ins: 10 Things 2020s Kids Will Never Know
People born in the 1960s experienced a childhood and adolescence very different from what those born in the 2020s will know. The world has changed in countless ways, and with it, many of the simple pleasures of the past have disappeared. Whether it’s playing outside until dusk with no smartphones in sight or experiencing the excitement of analogue entertainment, here are ten things those born in the 1960s could do that those born in the 2020s will never be able to truly experience firsthand.
1. Unrestricted Play Without Parental Surveillance

Children of the 1960s often spent entire days playing outside unsupervised, whether riding bikes to distant parks or exploring the woods. The phrase “be home before dark” was often the only rule. Back then, neighborhoods were often close-knit, and everyone looked out for one another. Today, with increased concerns about safety, and the rise of “helicopter parenting,” it’s uncommon for children born in the 2020s to experience such freedom without adult supervision. According to a study from the Cato Institute, parental concern about children’s safety has led to far fewer unsupervised outdoor play opportunities in recent years.
2. Owning Physical Record Collections

Music enthusiasts born in the 1960s had a special relationship with their favorite albums—specifically, vinyl records. Record shops were community hubs where people would gather, talk, and explore music for hours. Fast-forward to today, and while digital streaming platforms provide an instant library, the tangible thrill of flipping through a vinyl collection remains elusive. A study by Deloitte shows that physical music purchases now account for less than 10% of total music revenue.
3. Hitchhiking Without Fear

Hitchhiking was once a popular mode of travel, especially for adventurous teens and young adults in the 1960s. Hitchhiking provided an opportunity to meet new people, and many regarded it as a liberating experience. Due to safety concerns and stricter laws, hitchhiking today has mostly faded from society. A report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) outlines how changing perceptions of personal security made hitchhiking a rarity].
4. Watching TV Without On-Demand Options

The experience of TV in the 1960s was vastly different from today’s on-demand culture. Families gathered around their television sets for a specific program, and if they missed it, they had to wait for reruns—if they ever aired again. There was a collective excitement around catching the latest episode. According to Time Magazine, the shared anticipation built around weekly episodes is something that streaming culture can’t replicate.
5. Making Mix Tapes Using a Cassette Recorder

Creating a mix tape took dedication—you’d sit by the radio for hours, waiting for a favorite song, pressing record at just the right moment. Mix tapes were personal gifts that required effort. In today’s world, curating a playlist is only a few clicks away on Spotify or Apple Music, which takes some of the magic away. Wired magazine talks about how creating physical mix tapes added a level of personal investment that’s lost with digital playlists.
6. Writing Handwritten Letters

Letter writing was an essential way to keep in touch, especially for those with loved ones far away. Waiting for a reply took time, but the anticipation and personal nature of handwritten correspondence added a sense of connection. Today, emails and instant messaging are convenient but lack the personal touch of an actual letter. The Atlanticreports that the art of letter writing has largely faded with the advent of faster communication methods.
7. Enjoying Drive-In Movies

Drive-in theaters were hugely popular in the 1960s, providing an experience that was more than just about watching a movie. It was about being outdoors, enjoying a night with friends or a date under the stars. While a few drive-ins still exist, their numbers have dwindled dramatically. The Drive-In Theater Association estimates that fewer than 300 drive-ins remain in the United States today.
8. Using Rotary Phones

Rotary phones—large, clunky, and wonderfully tactile—were the main communication method in the 1960s. Making a call involved physically dialing each number, which required patience. For those born in the 2020s, using a rotary phone might feel like an archaic ritual. Pew Research Center found that over 97% of American households now use mobile phones, marking a significant departure from rotary phone days.
9. Waiting for Film to Develop

Taking photographs in the 1960s meant waiting days or even weeks to see how they turned out. People dropped off film at the drugstore and anxiously waited for the results, which made each photograph meaningful. Today’s instant photos on smartphones and digital cameras mean there’s little suspense—a luxury, but one that also takes away the excitement. Photography Monthly outlines how this shift has changed people’s relationship with photography.
10. Playing Board Games as a Primary Source of Entertainment

Without video games or the internet, board games were a primary entertainment source for families in the 1960s. Games like Monopoly, Scrabble, and Risk brought families together for hours. Board games still exist today, but they compete with countless digital forms of entertainment. According to a 2022 report from NPR, family board game nights have dwindled in popularity compared to the 1960s.
Conclusion: Cherishing the Past While Embracing the Future

The differences between life in the 1960s and today underscore how much society, technology, and culture have evolved. While advancements have made life more convenient in countless ways, those who experienced these lost activities firsthand often recall them with great fondness. Nostalgia aside, each era has its unique charm—and while people born in the 2020s will never experience these activities in quite the same way, they’ll create new experiences all their own.
Millennials Are Less Promiscuous Than Their Boomer Parents – And More Tolerant

Would you believe us if we told you boomers are having more sex than millennials? What about if we said boomers are getting divorced more than millennials? Well, it’s true!
Over the years, attitudes toward love, relationships, marriage, and sex have shifted dramatically across generations. Millennials tend to have more liberal views on these topics, but their behavior is often more conservative compared to previous generations. That is to say, they might not want to have sex, but they don’t mind if you do.
READ: Millennials Are Less Promiscuous Than Their Boomer Parents – And More Tolerant
20 Things My 50 Year Old Self Would Tell My 30 Year Old Self

As we navigate through life’s ever-twisting paths, the perspective gained from experience is invaluable. Imagine being able to sit down with your future self and soak up wisdom that could change the course of your life? What would your 50-year-old self, seasoned with two extra decades of living, learning, and growing, advise you at 30? Here are 20 pearls of wisdom that your older, perhaps wiser self, might share to guide you through the complexities of personal development, career choices, relationships, and life decisions.
Whether it’s about embracing change, investing in your health, or cultivating meaningful connections, these insights are timeless reminders that the best approach to life is often a blend of courage, patience, and perspective.
READ: 20 Things My 50 Year Old Self Would Tell My 30 Year Old Self
As You Age Your Self-Esteem Should Rise: Are You On Track?

In a society often fixated on youthfulness, aging is sometimes seen as a process to be dreaded. However, a recent study brings a refreshing perspective by highlighting that self-esteem tends to reach its zenith with age. According to a study published in the journal of the American Psychological Association, the age of 60 appears to be the prime time for self-esteem, and this positive trend can persist for a remarkable decade. READ: As You Age Your Self-Esteem Should Rise: Are You On Track?
Science Tells Us What To Expect As We Age: Strategies For Thriving In Later Life

How does aging affect our bodies and minds, and how can we adapt to those differences? These are questions that pertain to us all. Aging gradually alters people over decades, a long period shaped by individuals’ economic and social circumstances, their behaviors, their neighborhoods, and other factors. Also, while people experience common physiological issues in later life, they don’t follow a well-charted, developmentally predetermined path. Let’s take a look at what science has told us to expect. READ: Science Tells Us What To Expect As We Age: Strategies For Thriving In Later Life
Join Us

Join us on this empowering journey as we explore, celebrate, and elevate “her story.” The Queen Zone is not just a platform; it’s a community where women from all walks of life can come together, share their experiences, and inspire one another. Welcome to a space where the female experience takes center stage. Sign up for our newsletter so you don’t miss a thing, Queen!