10 Road Trip Games That Will Keep Your Kids Entertained: Family Fun on the Go

Road trips with kids can be a blast, but keeping them entertained for hours on end can be challenging. We've all been there - the endless "Are we there yet?" questions and restless backseat fidgeting.

 

That's why we've put together a list of 10 fun road trip games that will keep your little ones engaged and happy during those long drives. These activities are not only entertaining but also educational, promoting family bonding and creating lasting memories. From classic word games to creative storytelling challenges, we've got you covered for your next family adventure on the open road.

1) I Spy

 

We love this classic game for road trips with kids. It's simple, entertaining, and requires no special equipment. One player starts by saying, "I spy with my little eye something..." and then gives a clue about an object they can see.

The clue might be a color, shape, or other characteristic. Everyone else takes turns guessing until someone identifies the object correctly. Then it's their turn to choose something new to spy.

This game is perfect for all ages and can be adapted to different skill levels. For younger children, we stick to basic colors and shapes. With older kids, we can get more creative with our clues and choices.

I Spy helps children practice observation skills and vocabulary. It also encourages them to look out the window and engage with their surroundings during the journey. This can be especially helpful for kids who tend to get carsick when focusing on books or screens.

We find that I Spy works best when played in short bursts. It's a great way to break up longer stretches of driving and can help pass the time during traffic jams or pit stops.

2) License Plate Game

The License Plate Game is a classic road trip favorite that never gets old. We love how it keeps kids engaged and observant during long drives.

To play, we challenge our little ones to spot license plates from different states. They can keep a list or use a printable map to mark off each state they find.

For added excitement, we assign point values to plates based on their rarity. Neighboring states might be worth 1 point, while faraway states could earn 5 or more.

We sometimes set specific goals, like finding all 50 states or reaching a certain point total. This adds a fun competitive element to the game.

For younger children, we simplify by focusing on colors or letters instead of states. They can search for plates that match their favorite hues or spell out words.

This game not only entertains but also teaches geography and observation skills. It's a win-win for parents and kids alike on those long road trips.

3) 20 Questions

We love this classic guessing game for road trips! It's simple to play and can keep kids engaged for hours. One player thinks of a person, place, or thing, while the others take turns asking yes-or-no questions to figure it out.

The goal is to guess the answer in 20 questions or less. It's a great way to encourage critical thinking and deductive reasoning skills. Plus, it's adaptable for different age groups and knowledge levels.

We find that setting some ground rules can make the game even more fun. For example, try limiting the category to animals, celebrities, or items found in a specific location. This can help younger children participate more easily.

To add an extra challenge, consider setting a time limit for each question. This keeps the game moving and adds a bit of excitement. We also like to keep score, awarding points for correct guesses or stumping the other players.

Remember to pack some small prizes for the winners to make the game even more exciting. Happy guessing on your next family road trip!

4) Travel Bingo

Travel Bingo is a classic road trip game that keeps kids engaged and observant during long drives. We love how it encourages children to pay attention to their surroundings and spot interesting sights along the way.

To play, we create bingo cards with various items commonly seen on road trips. These might include road signs, different types of vehicles, landmarks, or even specific colors of cars.

Each child gets a card and marks off items as they spot them. The first to complete a row, column, or diagonal line wins the game. For added fun, we sometimes use small prizes or treats as rewards.

We find that Travel Bingo works well for a wide range of ages. Younger kids can use picture-based cards, while older children might enjoy more challenging versions with written clues or specific details to find.

This game not only keeps kids entertained but also helps develop their observation skills and spatial awareness. It's a great way to turn a potentially boring car ride into an exciting adventure for the whole family.

5) Alphabet Game

The Alphabet Game is a classic road trip favorite that keeps kids engaged and sharpens their observation skills. We love how it combines learning with fun, making those long drives fly by.

Here's how we play: Players search for words on road signs, billboards, or license plates that start with each letter of the alphabet, in order. The first person to spot a word beginning with 'A' calls it out, then moves on to 'B', and so on.

We find this game works best when everyone's working together. It encourages teamwork and helps younger kids with letter recognition. For an added challenge, we sometimes set a time limit for finding all 26 letters.

To keep things interesting, we mix it up by choosing specific categories. One round might focus on food items, while another could be all about animals. This variation adds an extra layer of fun and difficulty to the game.

Remember, safety comes first. We always make sure the driver stays focused on the road while passengers handle the letter-hunting duties.

6) Would You Rather?

"Would You Rather?" is a classic game that's perfect for road trips. We love how it sparks creativity and encourages kids to think outside the box.

The rules are simple. We take turns asking each other fun and silly questions that start with "Would you rather...?" For example, "Would you rather have the ability to fly or be invisible?"

Kids can come up with their own questions or we can prepare a list beforehand. It's a great way to learn more about each other's preferences and spark interesting conversations.

We find this game particularly engaging for older children and teenagers. They often come up with hilarious and thought-provoking scenarios that keep everyone entertained.

"Would You Rather?" also helps develop critical thinking skills. Kids must weigh the pros and cons of each option before making their choice.

We love how this game can be adapted to different age groups and interests. For younger kids, we stick to simple, fun choices. With older ones, we can explore more complex scenarios.

7) Memory Game

We love the classic Memory Game for road trips! It's perfect for keeping kids engaged and sharpening their recall skills. To play, we start by having one person say, "I'm going on a trip and I'm bringing..." followed by an item.

The next player repeats the phrase and the first item, then adds their own. Each subsequent player recites the growing list and contributes a new item. It's a fun challenge to see how long we can keep the chain going!

For younger children, we might use categories like animals or foods to make it easier. Older kids can handle more abstract items or even add actions to each object for an extra twist.

We find this game especially great for longer drives. It not only passes the time but also helps improve concentration and listening skills. Plus, it often leads to giggles as the list grows more ridiculous with each turn.

Remember, there's no need for any physical materials. This makes the Memory Game an ideal choice for spontaneous entertainment on the road. It's a surefire way to keep everyone involved and having fun during our family adventures.

8) Mad Libs

Mad Libs is a classic word game that never fails to entertain kids on long car rides. We love how it combines creativity, language skills, and hilarious outcomes.

To play, we'll need a Mad Libs book or printable sheets. One person reads the story aloud, leaving out specific words. The other players fill in the blanks with random nouns, verbs, adjectives, or adverbs.

The result? A wacky, often nonsensical story that has everyone in stitches. It's a great way to pass the time and keep the kids engaged during the journey.

We find Mad Libs particularly useful for teaching parts of speech in a fun, interactive way. It encourages kids to think outside the box and use their imagination.

Plus, it's a game that can be enjoyed by all ages. Even teens and adults can join in the laughter, making it a true family bonding experience on the road.

Remember to pack a few Mad Libs books or print out some templates before your trip. It's a surefire way to add some giggles to your family road trip.

9) Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger hunts are a classic road trip game that never fails to excite kids. We love how this activity encourages observation and keeps children engaged with their surroundings.

Before setting off, we prepare a list of items for our kids to spot along the way. This can include common road signs, specific car models, or landmarks we expect to pass.

We tailor the list to our route and the ages of our children. For younger kids, we focus on simple objects like red cars or stop signs. Older children enjoy more challenging items, such as state license plates or unique buildings.

To make it more competitive, we assign point values to each item. Rarer finds earn more points. We also set a time limit or destination goal to add excitement.

We find that providing small prizes for completed lists or reaching certain point thresholds adds extra motivation. Stickers, small toys, or choosing the next rest stop can be great rewards.

This game not only entertains but also helps develop observational skills and teaches kids about their environment. It's a fun way to turn a long drive into an adventure.

10) Story Starters

We love using Story Starters to spark our kids' creativity during road trips. This game is simple yet incredibly engaging. We begin by providing a prompt or the first line of a story.

From there, each family member takes turns adding a sentence or two to build the narrative. It's amazing to see how our children's imaginations run wild with this activity.

We've found that fantasy elements often creep into our tales, making them even more exciting. Dragons, wizards, and far-off planets frequently make appearances in our road trip stories.

Sometimes we use objects we spot along the way as inspiration. A red barn might become a portal to another dimension, or a passing truck could transform into a spaceship.

This game not only entertains but also helps develop our kids' storytelling skills. We've noticed improvements in their vocabulary and narrative abilities since we started playing.

To keep things fresh, we occasionally introduce new challenges. We might require certain words to be included or set the story in a specific genre like mystery or science fiction.