Long road trips with kids can feel daunting, but with the right games, activities, and entertainment, your next family car ride can be just as fun as the destination. Keeping little passengers engaged not only prevents boredom but also turns travel time into a great opportunity for learning, bonding, and creativity.
Here are the best road trip games and activities to keep kids entertained, whether you're traveling for an hour or embarking on a cross-country adventure.
Classic Road Trip Games
Some of the best road trip activities require nothing more than imagination and a great sense of humor. These no-prep games are perfect for kids of all ages.
1. I Spy
- One player picks something they see and says, "I spy with my little eye, something that is…" followed by a color or description.
- Other players guess until someone finds the correct answer.
- Works best in areas with changing scenery to keep things exciting.
2. 20 Questions
- One person thinks of a person, place, or thing, and others take turns asking yes-or-no questions to guess what it is.
- After 20 questions, if no one has guessed correctly, the answer is revealed!
3. Would You Rather?
- Take turns asking silly or thoughtful "Would you rather…" questions.
- Example: "Would you rather have wings like a bird or gills like a fish?"
- This game sparks fun conversations and creativity.
4. License Plate Game
- Look for different state license plates and see how many you can find along the journey.
- Use a printed checklist or a phone app to track them.
- Set a challenge to find all 50 states before the trip ends!
5. Name That Tune
- Play a few seconds of a song and see who can guess the title first.
- Use a mix of kids' songs, oldies, and family favorites.
- Whoever gets the most right wins!
Interactive & Creative Activities
When kids start getting restless, hands-on activities can help keep them engaged while boosting their creativity.
6. Sticker Books & Activity Pads
- Bring sticker books, coloring books, or travel-friendly activity pads.
- Choose mess-free options like Water Wow! books, which use water-based pens instead of markers.
7. Window Clings
- Let kids decorate their car window with removable gel clings.
- Great for holiday or seasonal road trips with themed stickers!
8. DIY Travel Binder
- Create a binder filled with printable games, coloring pages, and word searches.
- Include a map of your route so kids can follow along and mark off landmarks.
9. Pipe Cleaners & Beads
- Pack pipe cleaners and beads for a fun craft activity.
- Kids can make bracelets, animals, or shapes while riding.
Educational Road Trip Games
Turn travel time into a learning experience with these fun, educational games.
10. Alphabet Game
- Look for words on signs, license plates, or billboards that start with each letter of the alphabet.
- Go in order from A to Z (Example: "A for Applebee’s, B for Billboard, C for Carwash").
- Play as a group or challenge each person to complete the alphabet first.
11. Road Trip Spelling Bee
- Give kids age-appropriate words to spell out loud.
- Make it fun by rewarding correct answers with small prizes or extra game points.
12. Storytelling Chain
- One person starts a story with one sentence.
- The next person adds a sentence, and so on.
- Keep going until the story gets silly, funny, or totally unexpected!
13. Count the Cars
- Choose a car color and count how many you see in 10 minutes.
- Try spotting different types of vehicles: trucks, motorcycles, school buses, etc.
Screen-Free Solo Activities
Sometimes kids want to play quietly on their own. These activities encourage independent fun while keeping them entertained.
14. Audiobooks & Podcasts
- Load up kid-friendly audiobooks or podcasts for an immersive storytime.
- Great options include The Magic Tree House, Harry Potter, and Dr. Seuss audiobooks.
- Try engaging kids’ podcasts like "Wow in the World" or "Brains On!"
15. Magnetic Travel Games
- Bring magnetic chess, tic-tac-toe, or checkers for fun without losing pieces.
- Many travel-sized versions are perfect for road trips.
16. Busy Bags
- Fill small bags with toys, puzzles, and quiet activities for younger kids.
- Rotate the bags throughout the trip for fresh entertainment.
17. Color-by-Number or Dot-to-Dot Books
- These keep kids engaged without needing screens.
- Choose mess-free options with pre-filled markers or crayons.
Technology-Based Road Trip Activities
If you allow limited screen time, use it wisely with interactive, educational, and fun digital options.
18. Road Trip Apps & Games
- Geography & Map Games – Google Earth or Stack the States
- Puzzle & Logic Apps – Toca Boca, Monument Valley, or PBS Kids
- Family-Friendly Trivia Apps – Kahoot! or Heads Up!
19. Virtual Scavenger Hunt
- Make a list of things to spot outside the car (example: "Find a blue truck, a farm, a fast-food sign").
- Kids can take pictures or check off items as they see them.
20. Kid-Friendly Movies & Shows
- Download movies or shows ahead of time on a tablet or phone.
- Use wireless headphones to keep the car peaceful.
- Set screen-time limits by watching only during long stretches of the drive.
Keeping kids entertained on a road trip is easier than you think with a mix of classic games, creative activities, and interactive entertainment. Whether you play group games, listen to audiobooks, or create travel-friendly crafts, these ideas will help make the journey fun, smooth, and stress-free.
So next time you hit the road, pack your travel binder, bring some fun activities, and enjoy the ride—because half the adventure is getting there!
