Nostalgic Activities That Will Make You Feel Like a Kid Again

Julie Ann - February 3, 2025
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There’s something magical about revisiting the joys of childhood. Whether it’s the games we played, the snacks we loved, or the simple pleasures that made us smile, reliving these moments can bring a sense of comfort and happiness. With the hustle and bustle of adulthood, it’s easy to forget how fun and carefree life once felt. But the good news is, you can bring back those childhood feelings right from the comfort of your home! Here are 20 nostalgic activities that will transport you back to your younger years.

Build a Blanket Fort

Build A Blanket Fort
Source: Super Simple

Grab some blankets, sheets, and pillows, and transform your living room into a cozy hideout. String up some fairy lights or use flashlights for that perfect glow. As a kid, blanket forts were the ultimate place for secret hideaways, movie marathons, or just an afternoon of fun. You can bring in snacks, books, or even your favorite childhood stuffed animals. Invite your family or housemates to join in on the fun for an even better experience. Don’t forget to crawl inside and let your imagination run wild. It’s a simple yet delightful way to relive childhood joy!

Have a Saturday Morning Cartoon Marathon

Have A Saturday Morning Cartoon Marathon
Source: freepik

Wake up early, grab a bowl of your favorite sugary cereal, and turn on the cartoons you used to watch religiously. Shows like Tom & Jerry, Scooby-Doo, or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles can instantly transport you back in time. There’s something incredibly comforting about hearing those theme songs again. Streaming services now have many classic cartoons available, making it easy to indulge in nostalgia. Let yourself laugh at the slapstick humor and silly adventures like you did as a kid. Bonus points if you stay in your pajamas all morning. It’s a great way to start your weekend on a lighthearted note!

Play Classic Board Games

Play Classic Board Games
Source: freepik

Dust off Monopoly, Candy Land, Chutes and Ladders, or any other classic board game you used to love. Board games were a staple of childhood fun, bringing family and friends together for hours of entertainment. The excitement of rolling the dice, drawing a lucky card, or strategizing your next move can rekindle those youthful feelings. If you’re playing with family, reminisce about past game nights and funny moments. Even if you’re playing solo, digital versions of classic board games can still bring back memories. The competition, laughter, and occasional frustration are all part of the experience. A board game night can make you feel like a kid again in no time!

Bake and Decorate Cookies

Bake And Decorate Cookies
Source: freepik

Nothing screams childhood like baking sugar cookies and decorating them with colorful icing and sprinkles. Remember how fun it was to mix the batter, roll out the dough, and use cookie cutters to create fun shapes? The smell of freshly baked cookies alone is enough to take you back in time. Once they’re cooled, let your creativity shine by decorating them with your favorite childhood designs. If you have kids or roommates, get them involved for a group activity. Enjoy your sweet creations with a glass of milk, just like you did back in the day. Who says baking has to be only for the holidays?

Make Paper Airplanes and Fly Them

Make Paper Airplanes And Fly Them
Source: freepik

Take a sheet of paper, fold it carefully, and launch it across the room like you used to. Paper airplanes were a simple but endlessly fun way to pass the time. You can experiment with different folding techniques to see which design flies the farthest. Challenge yourself or others in your home to a flying competition. If you want to add an artistic touch, decorate your airplanes before taking flight. Watching your creation soar (or crash) brings back a lighthearted sense of play. It’s an activity that reminds you how much joy can come from the simplest things.

Do a Puzzle

Do A Puzzle
Source: freepik

Puzzles were a classic way to spend rainy afternoons, and they’re just as fun now as they were then. Whether it’s a simple 100-piece puzzle or a challenging 1,000-piece masterpiece, the process of piecing together an image is incredibly satisfying. Pick a puzzle with a nostalgic theme, like a cartoon scene or a landscape from your favorite childhood vacation spot. Spread it out on a table and work on it at your own pace. The sense of accomplishment when you place the final piece is just as rewarding as it was when you were a kid. Plus, puzzles are a great way to relax and unwind. Grab a cup of cocoa and let yourself get lost in the challenge!

Make Friendship Bracelets

Make Friendship Bracelets
Source: freepik

Grab some colorful string and start braiding like you used to at summer camp. Friendship bracelets were a staple of childhood, symbolizing fun, creativity, and lasting friendships. Whether you use embroidery floss or beads, making bracelets is a soothing and rewarding activity. You can gift them to family, friends, or even keep them for yourself as a nostalgic keepsake. If you need a refresher, there are plenty of online tutorials to help you relearn different patterns. Making something with your hands brings a sense of accomplishment and creativity. It’s a wonderful way to feel young and crafty again!

Play Video Games from Your Childhood

Play Video Games From Your Childhood
Source: freepik

Dig out your old console or find an emulator to play the video games you loved as a kid. Games like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, or Pokémon can instantly transport you back to your childhood. The familiar music, graphics, and gameplay bring back fond memories of spending hours mastering levels. If you have multiplayer games, invite friends or family for a friendly competition. Even newer remakes of classic games can reignite that nostalgic spark. Let yourself get lost in the adventure, just like you did when you were younger. There’s nothing quite like reliving your gaming glory days!

Have a DIY Ice Cream Sundae Bar

Have A Diy Ice Cream Sundae Bar
Source: freepik

Set up a fun DIY ice cream sundae station with all your favorite childhood toppings. Gather scoops of vanilla, chocolate, or strawberry ice cream and add sprinkles, chocolate syrup, whipped cream, and cherries. Remember how exciting it was to pile on the toppings and create your ultimate dessert masterpiece? You can even throw in some nostalgic treats like crushed cookies or gummy bears. Make it a family event or a solo treat-yourself moment. The joy of building (and eating) your own sundae never gets old. Take a bite and savor the sweet memories of simpler times!

Blow Bubbles Outside

Blow Bubbles Outside
Source: freepik

There was something mesmerizing about watching bubbles float through the air as a child. Grab a bottle of bubble solution or make your own with dish soap and water. Head outside and blow bubbles, watching them shimmer in the sunlight before they pop. Try making giant bubbles with a homemade wand for extra fun. If you have kids or pets, they’ll love chasing and popping them. It’s a simple activity that sparks joy no matter your age. Blowing bubbles is a great way to unwind and embrace childhood whimsy once again!

Drawing with Crayons

Drawing With Crayons
Source: freepik

Remember how satisfying it was to color in a book or draw your own creations with crayons? Rediscover that creative joy by grabbing a box of crayons and a coloring book, or even just some blank paper. The simple act of coloring allows your mind to relax and focus on the task at hand, much like when you were a child. You don’t need to be an artist to have fun—just let your imagination flow. Whether you’re filling in the lines of a pre-drawn picture or doodling your own designs, it’s a wonderful way to spend time alone or with friends. The vibrancy and texture of crayons evoke feelings of nostalgia, and you’ll find yourself reconnecting with your childhood innocence. Plus, you might even want to display your colorful creations once you’re done!

Playing Hide and Seek

Playing Hide And Seek
Source: Jooinn

Who says hide and seek is just for kids? It’s a timeless game that brings out the excitement of discovery and the thrill of being sneaky. Whether you’re playing indoors or outdoors, the challenge of finding the perfect hiding spot or seeking out your friends brings back fond memories of simpler times. You can play this game with your family, friends, or even your pets—just make sure to establish clear boundaries so everyone stays safe. Hide and seek is full of surprises and laughter, and it’s a great way to bond with others. The thrill of finding someone in a well-hidden spot never gets old. Plus, it’s the perfect game to play in the evening, as it gets darker and the stakes get higher.

Pillow Fights

Pillow Fights
Source: freepik

A classic childhood game that will instantly make you feel like a kid again! Gather some pillows, and challenge a friend, sibling, or even a parent to a playful pillow fight. The laughter and lighthearted competitiveness will remind you of your carefree childhood. There’s something so fun about engaging in a harmless battle of soft hits and giggles. Plus, the best part is that no one ever really gets hurt, making it the perfect stress-reliever. You can make it even more fun by setting up a pillow fort beforehand, so you have a designated “arena” for the battle. When it’s all over, everyone can collapse into the soft pillows, feeling happy and exhausted.

Flying Kites

Flying Kites
Source: freepik

On a breezy day, there’s nothing more nostalgic than heading outside to fly a kite. Whether it’s a simple store-bought kite or one that you craft yourself, the excitement of watching it soar high in the sky never gets old. This activity is perfect for reconnecting with nature and spending time outdoors. Take your kite to a park, beach, or any open space, and feel the joy of being a kid again. Watching your kite flutter in the wind and trying to keep it steady is not only fun but also a great way to practice coordination. It’s an activity that brings out your inner adventurer and makes you feel free. Plus, it’s a simple and low-cost way to create lasting memories with friends and family.

Reading Childhood Books

Reading Childhood Books
Source: freepik

Revisit your childhood by reading the books you once cherished. Whether it’s Harry Potter, The Chronicles of Narnia, or The Berenstain Bears, these stories will transport you to a world full of magic and adventure. Curl up with a warm blanket, grab a cup of hot chocolate, and dive into the pages of these beloved stories. As you read, you’ll remember the excitement and sense of wonder that made these books so captivating. It’s also a great way to relive the themes of friendship, courage, and imagination that were important in your formative years. This can be a quiet and introspective activity or one you share with younger family members to introduce them to your favorite childhood tales. Let the stories take you back to a simpler time.

Jumping on a Trampoline

Jumping On A Trampoline
Source: freepik

Remember how exciting it was to jump on a trampoline as a kid? Whether you have one in your backyard or can visit a trampoline park, this activity will instantly make you feel like a child again. The feeling of bouncing high into the air and then landing with a soft bounce is pure joy. Trampolines are great for physical activity, helping to improve coordination and balance while offering a fun, carefree way to burn off energy. If you want to make it even more exciting, challenge your friends or family to do flips or try out new tricks. The laughter and energy will be contagious, reminding you of how much fun it is to just be active and free. Trampoline jumping is a delightful way to embrace that youthful energy you may have thought was lost.

Having a Picnic

Having A Picnic
Source: freepik

Pack a picnic basket with your favorite childhood snacks and head to a local park or your backyard. Whether it’s a simple sandwich, cookies, or fruit, eating outdoors brings back nostalgic memories of family picnics on sunny days. Lay out a blanket, sit back, and enjoy the fresh air while reminiscing about past picnics. You can even bring along childhood games like a frisbee, ball, or kite to make the day even more special. This is the perfect activity to enjoy with friends, family, or even by yourself as a peaceful retreat from everyday life. There’s something so calming about being outside, surrounded by nature, and enjoying a meal on a blanket. You’ll feel like a carefree child again with just a little effort and the right atmosphere.

Making a Scrapbook

Making A Scrapbook
Source: freepik

Creating a scrapbook is an excellent way to relive old memories and turn them into something tangible. Gather photos, mementos, and souvenirs from your childhood, and start crafting your very own memory book. Arrange the items in a way that tells the story of your life growing up, including your favorite events, vacations, and milestones. This activity is not only fun but also therapeutic, as it allows you to reflect on your past and appreciate the moments that shaped who you are today. You can even share your scrapbook with family members, offering a glimpse into your childhood for them to enjoy. Plus, it’s a great way to preserve memories that might otherwise fade over time. You’ll enjoy the process of piecing together your own personal story.

Riding a Bike

Riding A Bike
Source: freepik

Hop on a bike and take a ride around your neighborhood or a nearby park. Riding a bike is a classic childhood activity that’s both fun and healthy. Whether it’s a leisurely cruise or an adventurous ride, biking offers freedom and a sense of adventure. It’s also a great way to explore new places or reconnect with familiar spots from your childhood. Don’t forget to wear a helmet and take a ride down your favorite routes, reliving the joy of the wind in your hair and the sun on your face. You can even gather friends or family for a bike ride, turning it into a fun group activity. Cycling is the perfect way to reconnect with the simple joys of childhood.

Making Paper Dolls

Making Paper Dolls
Source: Waves and Wild

Paper dolls are a nostalgic activity that encourages creativity and imagination. Grab some paper, scissors, and markers, and start cutting out figures that you can dress up with different outfits. You can create your own characters, add accessories, or even design entire scenes for them to interact in. This hands-on craft allows you to be as detailed as you want while keeping things simple. Whether you’re making a collection of paper dolls for yourself or crafting them to give to friends or family, it’s an activity that invites hours of fun. The creative process of drawing clothes, hairstyles, and faces can bring back memories of childhood playtime. It’s a timeless, low-cost way to spend an afternoon, while also giving you a sense of accomplishment once your dolls are dressed and ready for their next adventure!

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