Remember the joy of Saturday morning cartoons, the thrill of collecting stickers or the magic of your first visit to a theme park? Turns out, many adults are going back to those very moments and loving every bit of it. Welcome to the world of kidulting, where grown-ups unapologetically enjoy the things they loved as kids.
It might sound silly at first, a 30-year-old watching Pokemon or building LEGO castles but there’s something deeply comforting about it. In a world full of deadlines, bills and burnout, kidulting offers a much-needed escape. It’s about finding joy in the simple, silly and nostalgic. And guess what? It actually helps. Studies have shown that engaging in childlike play can reduce stress, improve mental health and even spark creativity.
For some, it’s about healing. Childhood wasn’t rosy for everyone and indulging in playful things now can fill emotional gaps left long ago. For others, it’s just fun, a way to hit pause on adulting and feel light again.
This growing trend isn’t just happening quietly in people’s homes. It’s exploded into mainstream culture. Fashion brands are bringing back cartoon prints and colorful sneakers. Movie studios are rebooting animated classics. Toy companies are releasing “collector editions” for grown-up fans. Whether it’s Care Bears, Hot Wheels or Nintendo, brands are listening and selling to adults who want a taste of their past.
On social media, you’ll find “kidults” proudly displaying their action figure shelves, rewatching Disney movies or planning vacations around theme parks. There’s no shame, only joy.
Kidulting reminds us that growing up doesn’t have to mean growing out of what makes us smile. It’s not about being immature; it’s about staying in touch with a part of ourselves we often silence, the curious, imaginative, playful child within. And in today’s world, maybe that’s exactly what we need more of.
