Bring Back the Magic: Old-School Summer Finds

Want to feel like it’s 1993 again—barefoot in the backyard, popsicle in hand, and not a screen in sight? Let’s bring back that kind of summer.

If you grew up in the ’80s or ’90s, there’s a good chance your summers were spent outside with a popsicle in one hand and grass stains on your knees. No packed schedules. No screens. Just bike rides, backyard fun, and the smell of sunscreen and grilled corn in the air.

I was born in 1975, so most of my childhood memories are from the 80s and I raised my kids in the 90s and 2000s before screens were much a thing. One of my passions in life is getting kids outside and off their screens. So, if you’re a parent or grandparent hoping to help your kids experience a nostalgic, old-school summer like we had growing up, I’m right there with you.

You can still bring some of that old-school summer magic back, with a few simple things that are still around (and still just as fun). And, you might just have a lot of these things hanging around your house already!

Bring Back the Magic: Have an Old-School Summer

Whether you want to relive your own childhood or give your kids a taste of it, here are some nostalgic summer favorites that you can still buy today – or better yet, go raid your garage and closets!

1. Backyard Fun That Never Gets Old

Some of the best summer memories happen right in your own backyard.

#1 Slip ‘N Slides – Remember belly-flopping down a long sheet of plastic and crashing into the grass? They still make them—and they’re still just as fun (and slightly chaotic). This slip and slide is just like the ones I grew up using and just as much fun!

#2 Sprinklers – A basic rotating sprinkler is all you need to keep kids laughing and cooled off. Bonus: you can water the lawn at the same time. Here are a couple fun designs I remember using as a kid:

#3 Kiddie Pools – The old-school hard plastic ones are still the best – you can find smaller ones at Dollar General or Walmart. No set-up, no worries about holes, and perfect for littles to splash around in. Here are some fun options on Amazon if you don’t want to shop at Dollar General:

#4 Bug Catcher Kits – Firefly jars, butterfly nets, magnifying glasses… It’s the kind of stuff that turns an ordinary evening into an adventure. I love catching bugs and other critters with kids and having a good container to observe them in, is a must!

An old mason jar with some holes punched in the lid works perfectly fine, but if you don’t want your kids to play with glass here are some other options:

2. Toys & Games That Still Hold Up

Simple toys meant hours of entertainment when we were kids. And they still work.

Sidewalk Chalk – Perfect for hopscotch, drawing “roads” for bikes, or leaving surprise messages on the driveway. This set looks like lots of fun with stencils and more – plus here’s a simple set with just chalk, too.
Jump Ropes – Easy to store, easy to use, and great for burning off post-popsicle energy. I loved playing with other kids and jump ropes growing up. It’s such good, healthy fun! This wooden-handled jump rope is too cute! Plus, there’s a wooden handled Dutch Jump Rope for multiple kids too!
Hula Hoops – Did you play with Hula Hoops growing up? My kids loved them!
Jacks, Marbles, and Paddle Balls – Retro fun you can tuck into a summer basket or take to Grandma’s house.
Water Balloons or Splash Balls – Instant giggles. You can even grab the reusable kind now (no cleanup!). Even as adults, my kids and I love having water balloon fights. Just so much fun!! These instant water balloons make it so easy, too!
Lawn Games – Croquet, bocce ball, and ring toss make a comeback when you bring out the lemonade and stay outside a little longer. I’ve actually been searching on Facebook marketplace for a vintage croquet ball set. Haven’t found one in my price range yet, but I’m still looking!

3. Kitchen Tools That Taste Like Summer – Yum!

Remember when summer snacks were part of the fun?

Ice Pop Molds – You can still make homemade popsicles with Kool-Aid or fruit juice—just like your mom used to. These Ouddy Life Popsicle Molds Set of 2 to make 6 popsicles – this one is larger than the set that makes 8 popsicles just so you’re aware!
Red & White Picnic Blanket and Tablecloths – Iconic. Classic. Still perfect for a shady spot under a tree. I have two tablecloths that I take on picnics with us!
Retro Coolers – Yes, the Igloo Playmate is still around—and still keeps watermelon slices cold at the lake. I actually have a vintage green one from the 70s, but those are harder to come by.
Lemonade Pitchers & Mason Jars – There’s just something about pouring cold lemonade from a real glass pitcher. And maybe this is a Southern thing, but I keep mason jars for drinking out of in my cupboard. I love how sturdy they are and how they feel in my hand!
- Ball Regular Mouth Mason Jars 16 oz.
- Glass Mason Jar Pitcher, 64 oz Wide Mouth Jug with Pour Spout
Snow Cone Machines or Ice Cream Makers – The kind you crank by hand? Still works. Or upgrade to a countertop version for quicker treats. When I was growing up in Georgia, we’d have homemade peach ice cream every year!

4. Summer Style Throwbacks

Some of the best summer gear is making a comeback—and we’re here for it.

Retro Sunglasses – Oversized, neon, or heart-shaped—embrace the nostalgia.
Tie-Dye Kits – Perfect for a lazy afternoon and a great way to reuse old t-shirts. I used to do tie-dye with my kids every summer!
Bucket Hats & Flip Flops – You probably wore these every day as a kid. Why stop now?
Straw Totes or Mini Backpacks – Great for pool days, library runs, or filling with snacks for the park.
Roller Skates & Cruiser Bikes – If you’ve been dreaming of a golden-hour bike ride, now’s the time. When I was a kids, my bike was a dream come true. I would take it miles down our dirt country road and stay gone all day! And nothing beat going to the roller skating rink!

From left to right: Abby, Laura, Hannah, and Emily 2015

5. The Summer Atmosphere Outdoors

Sometimes it’s the little things that make a space feel like summer.

Battery-Powered Radios or CD Players – Bring the music outside. Cue up your favorite 90s playlist and enjoy it old-school style. When I was growing up we had cassette tapes, and these days we mostly stream, but this a great time to take some of those old-school cd’s outside and listen to your favorite music!
Citronella Candles – That scent instantly says summer nights on the porch.
String Lights or Tiki Torches – Simple touches that make the backyard feel like a retreat. My favorite has always been string lights, but tiki torches would be awesome!
Banana Boat Sunscreen – Because some smells instantly take you back to being barefoot and sun-kissed.

You don’t have to go full-on retro to enjoy a simpler summer. A few thoughtful things—especially the kind that help you slow down, play more, and make memories—can go a long way.

Let’s bring back the kind of summer we actually remember—the kind that felt like it lasted forever.

More Old-School Summer Ideas

Want more summer inspiration like this?
Join The Homemaker’s Society for seasonal guides, homemaking encouragement, and a sweet community of women who believe in slowing down, living intentionally, and making home the best place to be.