The Ultimate ’90s Summer: How to Recreate the Magic of Your Childhood for Your Own Kids

As the years pass, one thing is evident: The development of technology is not slowing down anytime soon. While technology can be a wonderful invention, its overuse has become a crushing problem. Addiction to screens isn't just for the young; adults are also quite addicted. Sometimes, the nostalgia of a simpler time hits hard.

If you're a millennial parent, chances are you look back on your summers as a child with fondness. Whatever happened to a good old-fashioned, low-key '90s summer? If you are finding yourself homesick for the past and in the mood to recreate a fun and relaxed '90s summer for your family, look no further. This list provides you with fun and easy ways to capture that nostalgia while also pulling your child away from those screens. It's a win-win!

What Is a '90s Summer?

A '90s Summer is a simple way to say a summer that's reflective of the past. A summer that doesn't include all the overactivity and screens. This term is becoming very popular on social media, as adults look for ways to capture the magic they felt while growing up in the '90s.

Is a '90s summer perfect? No. But it takes into consideration that children are children.

They need fun and activity, but they also need downtime. They need space in their days to be bored, explore nature, and relax. If you are looking for ways to create a 90s summer, these ideas are the perfect place to start.

How to Create the Ultimate '90s Summer With Your Kids

There's no right or wrong way to create a '90s summer for your kids. If you were a child in the '90s, like me, then all you need to do is look back on your fondest childhood memories. What did you love to do during the summer? What activities made summertime feel endless and magical? Although we live in a different time now, there are still plenty of great ways to capture the feeling that summer in the '90s gave us.

Unplug From the Electronics

One of the best things you can do to create a summer straight from the 1990s is to unplug the electronics. Sure, we had a television, but that was the extent of most of our electronics. Growing up, we didn't have fancy iPads, watches, or computers. In fact, I don't remember having a family desktop computer until the late 1990s. Even then, we were only allowed on it for a limited amount of time a day.

So, the number one step towards a simpler summer is unplugging from the electronics. When you do, you might discover you have more free time than you originally thought.

Spend the Day in the Backyard

Most of the summer in the '90s was spent outside. Whether it was cooler or hot, my fondest memories were outside playing with my brothers. We didn't have a plan, we just played.

Take your kids outside or send them outside to play if they are older. You do not have to come up with an extensive activity either. Sometimes all a child needs is nature and time. The rest will come.

Don't Forget the Sprinkler and Water Hose

On the hottest days, a sprinkler and water hose will do the trick. If you add a bit of water during the summer, then you have a fun-filled day. Visit the public pool, grab a kiddie pool from the store, or spray your children with the hose. It's simple yet adds an element of fun that kids will remember.

Visit a Drive-in Movie

Drive-in movies may seem like a blast from the past, but there are still plenty around. Pack some blankets and pillows, find a good movie, and prepare for a delightful night. What better excuse for children to stay up late than a trip to the drive-in?

Have a '90s Movie Night

Speaking of movies, you can introduce your child to your childhood in the form of classic '90s movies. Break out the classics, pop that popcorn, and snuggle up on the couch. Some great classics to watch include “Clueless,” “The Parent Trap,” and ‘The Sandlot.”

Explore Nature More

Getting out into nature is the epitome of a '90s summer. Kids spent plenty of time outdoors. Today, not every family is comfortable letting their kids just run loose like they used to (and with good reason.) You can still capture the same essence by getting out with your kids and exploring nature more. Plan a nature walk a few times a week or visit nature parks around your community.

Keep Your Freezer Stocked with Popsicles

Popsicles are a must for summer in general. For a '90s summer, make sure you stay stocked with the colorful popsicles that '90s kids grew up with, often known as freeze pops or ice pops. Kids will work their way through those popsicles at record speed during the summer.

Play Classic Outdoor Games

Do you remember playing games like ‘Red Rover,” ‘Spud,” and “Flashlight Tag?” You can introduce your kids to these '90s classics and more. Capture the nostalgia by joining in!

Buy Ice Cream from the Ice Cream Truck, Often

The music that filters off the ice cream truck is enough to elicit memories in any millennial. Flag down that ice cream man whenever he comes to your town and introduce your child to the joy of buying ice cream from a truck.

Break Out the Board Games

We may not have had electronics, but we did have board games. Games such as “Clue” and “Scrabble” were favorites in my house. If your child prefers card games, teach them how to play WAR or Old Maid. These card games are great ways to fill the day and can create fond memories for your children and you. I remember once I played a WAR game with my brothers for close to five hours!

Go for Picnics

Picnics are a great way to spend time outside. Pack a picnic and go for a walk to your local park. You can also pack a picnic and eat it in your own backyard.

Keep Planning to a Minimum

Don't plan a whole lot this summer. If you want to create a '90s summer, then it's best to keep planning to a bare minimum. Kids these days are overscheduled and, as a result, they are exhausted and burned out. It's okay to let your kids be bored. Creativity can often stem from boredom.

Ride Your Bikes More

One of the favorite forms of transportation amongst '90s kids was the bicycle. Instead of driving places, go on family bike rides. You may feel like a kid again, plus bikes are a great way to fit in some exercise.

Listen to Classic '90s Music

Just like '90s movies, you can introduce your child to the 1990s by listening to classic music from that time. Fill your days listening to songs from Backstreet Boys, TLC, Blink-182, and Mariah Carey.

Break Out the Crafting Supplies and Let Your Kids Get Creative

Do you stock up on crafting supplies, but are afraid of glitter? Now is the time to break out those supplies. (Trust me, a little bit of glitter never hurt anyone.) Let your kids get creative with lots of fun materials. Then marvel at what masterpiece they come up with.

Set Up a Lemonade Stand

Help your kids set up a simple lemonade stand at the end of your driveway. It can be a fun way for them to spend the day. Plus, it gives them a simple taste of running a business and handling money. Who knows, a basic lemonade stand may ignite the entrepreneur bug in your child.

One Last Note

There are so many different ways for you to capture the elements of a '90s summer for your children. It doesn't have to be elaborate or complicated. Simply unplug from the electronics, break out the water, and fight the urge to stuff activities into your child's day. If you do these three things, then you will be well on your way to capturing the simplicity of a '90s summer.

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