Lubbock Parents Want to Bring Back the ‘90s Kid Summer’ — But Is It Actually Possible in 2025?

Alright, Lubbock — crank up the Smash Mouth, slap on a friendship bracelet, and let the hose water run warm, because a wave of nostalgia is sweeping over the Hub City! It’s called the “‘90s Kid Summer,” and if you grew up anywhere near Tech Terrace or the South Plains Mall in the glory days of Tamagotchis and tetherball, this one’s for you.

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What is '90s Kid Summer'?

Millennial parents — now fully grown, mortgage-paying adults — are trying to recreate the kind of summer they had back in the day. No screens, no schedules, and definitely no SPF 50. I'm talking about drinking from the garden hose, riding bikes around the block ‘til the streetlights flipped on, and hearing that ice cream truck jingle from three streets over.

@_natenorman Schools out, good reminder for the long weekend! Just like the good old days! #summer #summervibes #kidsoftiktok #90s #90skids ♬ original sound - _Natenorman

But here’s the million-dollar question: Can we really do that in Lubbock in 2025?

Turns out, it depends who you ask. A child development expert up at Michigan State says today’s kids may not be wired for that kind of unstructured freedom — not because they’re lazy, but because we’ve all just gotten used to a more cautious, screen-heavy world.

READ MORE: Lubbock's Best Low-cost Hobbies For Summer Fun

Still, you can feel the pull of the past here on the South Plains. One look at the splash pads at Maxey Park or the line to get into Buffalo Springs Lake, and it’s clear: Lubbock families want the magic back. And with long, dry summer days and wide open spaces, we may be better equipped than most cities to actually pull it off.

It doesn’t have to be a full ‘90s reboot. Maybe it’s just more backyard time, a couple late-night Sonic runs, or a spontaneous drive out to the lake with no playlist — just the radio.

Moms Love the Idea

“We can’t bring back Blockbuster, but we can turn off the Wi-Fi and hand our kids a water balloon,” one Lubbock mom/friend told me while watching her kids barefoot on the grass. “That’s good enough for me!”

READ MORE: 5 Things That Can Totally Wreck Your Summer in Lubbock (If You’re Not Careful)

So here’s to scrapes, sprinklers, and summer freedom. Whether you’re Team Dunkaroos or Team Gushers, one thing’s clear — in Lubbock, the ‘90s Kid Summer is a lifestyle we’re ready to revive!