The 1970s were a time of unrestrained childhood freedom, with kids roaming neighborhoods and engaging in adventurous play. The toys from this era embodied that spirit, but often with hidden dangers. What seemed like innocent fun could sometimes lead to serious risks.
While today’s play equipment is designed with safety in mind, many popular 70s toys were far from harmless. From hazardous playground structures to toys made with toxic materials, the risks were significant, even if they weren’t always obvious.
In retrospect, it’s surprising how some of these toys managed to stay on the market for as long as they did. The thrill of these toys often came with a hidden cost, highlighting just how much safety standards have evolved since then.
Clackers
Clackers, also known as Clankers, Click Clacks, Knockers, Bonkers, and Ker-Bangers, were a staple of late ’60s and early ’70s playgrounds. These toys consisted of two acrylic balls on a heavy string with a central ring. When you flicked your wrist, the balls would clack together, creating a satisfying rhythmic sound.
However, the real danger lay beyond mere bruises or pinched fingers. The acrylic balls were prone to breaking, turning them into hazardous projectiles. Occasionally, they would even shatter, sending dangerous shards of plastic flying in all directions.
Metal playgrounds
Today’s playgrounds feature soft rubber mats and gentle slides, but the 1970s were a different story. Kids swung from two-story spiderweb domes, sped down dangerously steep slides, and soared off massive metal merry-go-rounds, often landing on unforgiving pavement.
The thrill was amplified by the materials used: everything was made of steel, which turned into “surface-of-the-sun” temperatures during the summer. If you were lucky, your playground might have had a gravel bed, offering a slightly softer landing—though not much.
Lawn darts
Lawn darts, or jarts, might sound like a great way to enjoy a sunny afternoon. With simple rules and the appeal of outdoor play, they seemed perfect for casual fun.
However, the fun turned grim when you consider that these were large, sharp-tipped projectiles. Their dangerous nature became apparent, leading to their ban in the U.S. in 1988 after a tragic incident involving a 7-year-old girl. In the eight years before the ban, lawn darts caused 6,100 hospitalizations.
Swing Bikes
In the late 1960s, “muscle bikes” or “wheelie bikes” became a must-have for middle schoolers. With their flashy designs—featuring “ape hanger” handlebars, Dayton rims, and banana seats—these bikes were all about making a statement and performing stunts rather than actual riding.
Among them, the Swing Bike was particularly notorious. It had a second steering axis that allowed for daring tricks, like riding with one wheel on the curb and the other on the street. But this feature also made the bike tough to control, often resulting in spills and face plants.
Super Elastic Bubble Plastic
Super Elastic Bubble Plastic seemed harmless compared to other toys. Kids would blow viscous goo through a straw to create bubbles or balloons.
However, the goo contained polyvinyl acetate, ethyl acetate, and acetone, which released noxious fumes. These fumes would accumulate in the straw, leading to symptoms like dizziness and involuntary muscle twitching when inhaled. Despite efforts to create safer versions, the original product had its risks.
Lego
Even seemingly innocent ’70s toys had their risks. Take Lego, for example—how could these colorful bricks be dangerous? The answer is lead. If your Lego set was from before the early 1980s, it likely contained lead, cadmium, and other heavy metals.
It’s astonishing to consider how these hazards went largely unnoticed at the time. The fact that so many children survived playing with these toys is truly remarkable.