Absolutely .... I remember a corner store two blocks from my house growing up in Ottawa. They had one of these outside, that was always locked, and another inside. I remember when I was first allowed to walk the couple of blocks myself. Couldn't have been more than 5 ... Also walked to school on my own. Today kids are escorted to school.
I'd walk down to the store, get a coke, and hang out with my friends. Playing games, throwing stones, generally getting into mischief. The only requirement was to be home for dinner. Don't know how we coordinated everything without cell phones.