Games We Played

Growing up in Brooklyn in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, street games were an essential part of everyday life for kids in the neighborhood. From sun up to sun down, we could be found outside playing games that kept us active and engaged with our friends. One popular game we played was stickball, a variation of baseball where a broomstick was used as a bat and a rubber ball was pitched. With neighborhood streets serving as our field, we’d spend hours perfecting our pitching and hitting skills.

Another favorite was hopscotch, a game that required nimble feet and precise jumping. We’d use chalk to outline the hopscotch pattern on the sidewalk and take turns hopping through the squares, trying to avoid stepping on the lines. And of course, there was double dutch, a game that required coordination and quick thinking. Two long jump ropes would be twirled in opposite directions while players took turns jumping in and out with precise timing.

These street games may seem simple, but they provided hours of fun and helped us build lasting friendships and memories in the vibrant neighborhoods of Brooklyn. The memories of those carefree days playing street games in the bustling neighborhoods of Brooklyn are etched in our minds forever. The laughter, the competition, and the camaraderie we shared with our friends under the bright sun are treasures that time cannot erase.