From adventure playgrounds and street parties to swimming pools, seaside trips, holiday schemes and after-school clubs, these nostalgic photographs capture how children across the region spent their free time between the 1960s and 1980s.
Before screens and smartphones filled our days, entertainment often meant climbing frames, rope swings, community centres, local parks and making your own fun with friends. Whether it was a trip to Blackpool, a summer afternoon at the pool, a creative activity at a youth club or simply exploring the playground, these were the moments that shaped childhood memories.
These atmospheric pictures from our archives are sure to transport you back - perhaps reminding you of the games you played, the places you visited, or even the childhood adventures your own parents remember.
Take a trip down memory lane, enjoy browsing the gallery, and share your favourite memories in the comments. What do you remember most about growing up in the 1960s, 70s and 80s?
Remember Wolverhampton market days? Take a nostalgic trip through our gallery here.
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13. Lion Farm play centre, Sandwell, 1975
A 1975 holiday scheme brought plenty of activity to Lion Farm Play Centre, where 11-year-old Mark Willets gets stuck into the fun with help from his brothers Stephen and Nicholas. A snapshot of school holidays filled with organised play, community centres and children making memories close to home. Do you remember spending your holidays at local play centres or clubs? What activities kept you busy during the long summer days? | Express & Star archive
14. Street party, Walker Avenue, Low Hill, 1977
The rain did little to dampen the fun at this 1977 street party on Walker Avenue, Low Hill, where youngsters proudly showed off their fancy dress despite the downpour. Pictured are Chris Leigh (left) and first prize winner Karen Porter (front). Do you remember street parties like these, when a bit of bad weather never stopped the celebrations and neighbours came together to make lasting memories? | Express & Star archive
15. Holy Rosary School, Wolverhampton, 1977
Smiling faces and the stirring sound of pipes and drums made Holy Rosary School’s jubilee celebrations one to remember in 1977. Pictured at the school on Hickman Avenue, Wolverhampton, are children enjoying the festivities alongside St Mary’s Pipe and Drum Band from Willenhall. Do you remember school jubilees, special celebrations or the excitement whenever a marching band came to visit? | Express & Star
16. Castlecroft and Finchfield Play Group, 1977
Children from Castlecroft and Finchfield Play Group are captivated by a Punch and Judy show during their jubilee party in 1977. Before screens and streaming, live entertainment like this brought plenty of laughter and wide-eyed wonder. Do you remember Punch and Judy shows at school fetes, parties or summer events? | Express & Star archive