I grew up in the 80's but in a very small town--we could stay out whenever, as long as we were home for dinner--or when it got dark. We played dodgeball in gym class--do you know what my little brother's gym class does now (he's 10)--they learn square dancing--he hates it---he is such an athelete, and he hates gym class because they dance
We told on each other, fought with each other, walked to school, drank from the hose, drank from the same soda bottle, and got into fights. And we didn't watch tv all day--in the summer we were never bored--we always took walks up into the woods and used our imaginations to have fun--sometimes I wonder if some of the kids today even have imaginations or creativity.