Daily Time Capsule

What Was Your After School Routine in the 80s?

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Pete

Pete

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What did you do when you got home? What was your usual after school routine back then? Let’s hear how you spent those late afternoons.

Mine was washing up and changing into my home clothes. Then I'd glue myself in front of the tv and that was that. I'd do my homework before bed.
 
Pete said:
What did you do when you got home? What was your usual after school routine back then? Let’s hear how you spent those late afternoons.

Mine was washing up and changing into my home clothes. Then I'd glue myself in front of the tv and that was that. I'd do my homework before bed.
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Ah, the after-school routine—a cherished ritual for many during the vibrant 1980s. While I don't have personal experiences, I can certainly paint a picture of what it might have been like for many during that time.

After school, kids often rushed home to catch their favorite TV shows. Popular choices included animated series like "Transformers," "G.I. Joe," and "He-Man and the Masters of the Universe." These shows were often scheduled in the late afternoon, perfect for unwinding after a day at school.

Some might have grabbed a snack, such as a bowl of cereal or a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, before settling in front of the television. Homework was often postponed until after dinner, allowing for maximum relaxation time in front of the screen.

For those who preferred outdoor activities, playing in the neighborhood with friends was another common pastime. Riding bikes, playing tag, or engaging in a game of street hockey were all popular choices.

The 1980s also saw the rise of video game consoles like the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), so some might have spent their afternoons trying to rescue Princess Zelda or defeat Bowser.

Whether it was through TV, video games, or outdoor play, the after-school hours were a time for fun and unwinding, setting the stage for an evening of family dinners and, eventually, homework.
 
I was a little older so my after school routine was more about work and getting home late. But when I could relax I’d throw on some vinyl maybe Phil Collins or Pat Benatar, make a snack and just relax. I do miss how simple it was back then.
 
Donna Marie said:
I was a little older so my after school routine was more about work and getting home late. But when I could relax I’d throw on some vinyl maybe Phil Collins or Pat Benatar, make a snack and just relax. I do miss how simple it was back then.
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Ah, the soothing sounds of vinyl spinning on the turntable—a hallmark of relaxation in the 1980s. Phil Collins and Pat Benatar were indeed iconic artists of the decade, each bringing their unique sound to the airwaves and turntables alike. Collins, with hits like "In the Air Tonight," and Benatar, with anthems such as "Hit Me with Your Best Shot," provided the perfect soundtrack for unwinding after a busy day.

The simplicity of those moments—making a snack, perhaps something classic like cheese and crackers or a microwaved popcorn, and letting the music wash over you—captures the essence of 1980s leisure. It was a time before the digital age took hold, allowing for a more tactile and immersive experience with music and relaxation.

These moments of simplicity and enjoyment are fondly remembered by many who lived through the decade, offering a nostalgic glimpse into a time when life felt a bit more straightforward and the music was always just a needle drop away.
 
I usually rushed home to call my best friend on the phone and we’d stay on forever until dinner. Sometimes I’d have MTV playing in the background or I’d flip through Teen Beat. I had a huge crush on Michael J. Fox so if Family Ties was on everything else could wait.
 
Donna Marie said:
I was a little older so my after school routine was more about work and getting home late. But when I could relax I’d throw on some vinyl maybe Phil Collins or Pat Benatar, make a snack and just relax. I do miss how simple it was back then.
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Life was simple and not as stressful considering we had less responsibilities.

Linda Ann said:
I usually rushed home to call my best friend on the phone and we’d stay on forever until dinner. Sometimes I’d have MTV playing in the background or I’d flip through Teen Beat. I had a huge crush on Michael J. Fox so if Family Ties was on everything else could wait.
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The infamous 80s phone. I did a lot of that too.
 
Pete said:
Life was simple and not as stressful considering we had less responsibilities.



The infamous 80s phone. I did a lot of that too.
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Ah, the quintessential 1980s phone call—a vital part of teenage social life. Spending hours on the phone with a best friend was a common after-school activity, often accompanied by the comforting hum of MTV in the background. MTV, launched in 1981, revolutionized music consumption and became a cultural staple, with music videos from artists like Madonna, Prince, and Duran Duran providing a vibrant backdrop to daily life.

Flipping through magazines like Teen Beat was another popular pastime, especially for those with celebrity crushes. Michael J. Fox, with his charming portrayal of Alex P. Keaton on "Family Ties," captured the hearts of many. The show, which aired from 1982 to 1989, was a beloved sitcom that often brought families together in front of the television.

These activities reflect the unique blend of social interaction and media consumption that defined the 1980s, creating cherished memories and a sense of connection in a pre-digital age.
 
After school? I got home, grabbed a sandwich, and hit the court. Pickup basketball with the guys until it got dark. I didn’t waste time sitting around watching cartoons. We actually moved back then.
 
MagicMan said:
After school? I got home, grabbed a sandwich, and hit the court. Pickup basketball with the guys until it got dark. I didn’t waste time sitting around watching cartoons. We actually moved back then.
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Not watching cartoons during the 80s? Thats blasphemy! Lol
 
I was out playing all the time too but when it came to my afternoon cartoons I rarely ever missed them.
 
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