Raising Resilient kids

50 Epic 80s Inspired Activities to Wow Your Kids

Turn Your Home Into an 80 Wonderland

  1. Teach your kids how to use 80s technology like an old Walkman, VCR, boombox, or rotary phone.
  2. 80s style make over and photoshoot. Just imagine the hair, make up and if you feel really wild go to the thrift store for some amazing 80s fashion.
  3. Load up your cameras with film and let your kids capture memories. Have the photos developed for a nostalgic surprise.
  4. Dance Party with 80s hits like “Thriller” by Michael Jackson and “Material Girl” by Madonna.
  5. Dance challenge: Take on mastering “moonwalking”, breakdancing, or some 80s choreography.
  6. Indulge in the melodies of your favorite 80s records as you dine together.
  7. Taste test retro candy with 80s treats like Pop Rocks, Nerds, and Ring Pops.
  8. DIY tie-die making colorful shirts, socks, bandana.
  9. Enjoy ice cream floats on a hot summer day.
  10. Fort building never goes out of style.
  11. Play classic 80s video games like Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and Tetris.
  12. It’s performance night where the family puts on different skits.
  13. Enjoy a movie marathon of 80s classics like “The Goonies,” “Back to the Future,” and “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.”
  14. Get creative with a painting day and watch some Bob Ross.
  15. Host a DIY jewelry-making party and create friendship bracelets and bead necklaces.
  16. Look through old photo albums. Show off some of your family members questionable haircuts and fashion.
  17. Recreate old family photos.
  18. Take some family videos and create a family movie to cherish forever.
  19. Make a photo album. Who else is guilty of not completing their kiddos baby book? Do what I did and make it a project and do it together over the summer.
  20. DIY pizza night and let everyone customize their own personal pizzas with their favorite toppings.
  21. Relax with a DIY spa day with homemade face masks, manicures, and pedicures.
  22. Get competitive with a retro board game night with Twister, Connect 4, Battleship, or play Bingo.
  23. Teach your kids to play Dungeons and Dragons.

Revive Your Backyard with a Nostalgic Touch

  1. Play outdoor games like kickball, dodgeball, frisbee, and capture the flag.
  2. Have an epic water balloon fight in the backyard.
  3. Race challenge: make a race with obstacles like an egg on spoon race, spinning bats, three legged race. (Make sure you capture this with photos and video)
  4. Set up a water gun fight with buckets as refilling stations.
  5. Use sidewalk chalk to decorate your driveway and side walk.
  6. Turn on the sprinkler and get out the “slip ‘s slide” or it’s Walmart equivalent.
  7. Have a backyard campout with tents, sleeping bags, s’mores by the fire, and some spooky stories.
  8. Play street hockey with kids in the neighborhood.

Transform Your Special Occasions into an 80s Extravaganza

  1. Host a karaoke night with 80s songs like “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi and “Don’t Stop Believin'” by Journey.
  2. Have a neon-themed party complete with glow sticks, neon decorations, and 80s-inspired snacks like Pop Rocks and Pixy Stix.
  3. Gather your friends and throw an epic block party.
  4. Have a themed costume party or barbecue where everyone dresses up as their favorite 80s icon or character. Make sure to serve Jello!
  5. Enjoy a backyard movie night with a projector and a screening of an 80s movie.
  6. Go to a local museum and learn about the history of the 80s through exhibits and artifacts.

Out and About, 80s Style

  1. Hit the local roller rink, grooving to the beat of 80s tunes as you skate.
  2. Check out a local arcade and play classic arcade games.
  3. Ride your bikes to go get ice cream.
  4. Let’s go to the mall and people watch.
  5. Beat the heat and go ice skating.
  6. Spend time at a record store and find some great 80s albums to play at home.
  7. Take your kids water skiing or tubing and make a serious splash.
  8. Plan a picnic at the park with 80s-inspired snacks like Jell-O pudding pops and Capri Sun.
  9. Take the kids out for a night at the drive in movie theater.
  10. Hop on your bikes and take a ride to the local library.
  11. Take Karate or Martial Art lessons after watching “Karate Kid” and “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles”.
  12. Go to a local fair or carnival and ride classic rides like the Ferris wheel and bumper cars.
  13. Hit up a local beach or pool and spend the day swimming and playing in the water.
  14. Checkout a local farm and pick fresh fruits and vegetables to take home.
  15. Explore the zoo or aquarium and learn about animals from around the world.
  16. Send your kids off to summer camp for an adventure of a lifetime.

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