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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21. Questors Youth Club, 1980
Children at Penn Children’s Hospital, Wolverhampton, enjoy a new set of swings donated by Questors Youth Club in 1980. With smiles all around, the simple gift brought a little extra joy and fun to young patients. A lovely reminder of the kindness of local groups and the difference they made to children’s lives. | Express & Star archive
22. Saxon Hill School, Lichfield, 1980
A very special school day at Saxon Hill School, Lichfield, in June 1980, as headmaster David Butcher welcomes Her Majesty the Queen during her tour of the school. For pupils, it was a visit unlike any other - a chance to see their school in the spotlight and make sure they were on their very best behaviour. Do you remember important visitors coming to your school, and the excitement of lining up, practising your manners and waiting for the big moment? | Express & Star archive
23. Staffordshire Regiment Museum, 1984
Nine-year-old Steven Perkins tries on a replica 1775 grenadier’s cap during a visit to the Staffordshire Regiment Museum in 1984. He was one of more than 60 youngsters from the Cannock Police SPACE scheme enjoying a holiday trip designed to beat the boredom of the long summer break. Do you remember days out like this, when school holidays meant discovering local museums, meeting friends and trying something completely different? | Express & Star archive
24. Hagley Middle School, 1980
A first journey to remember for pupils at Hagley Middle School, near Stourbridge, in 1980, as they proudly take a ride in a new minibus they helped to buy. The vehicle was set to open up new opportunities, taking pupils to sports matches, music events and adventures beyond the school gates. Do you remember school trips like these, when a simple minibus ride could be the start of an exciting day out with friends? | Express & Star archive