Going on a road trip with the kids? Awesome! But let’s be honest – long drives can quickly turn into a chorus of “I’m bored” and “Are we there yet?” if you don’t plan a few tricks up your sleeve.
The good news is, with a little creativity, your road trip can be just as fun in the car as it is at your destination.
To help you survive (and actually enjoy) the journey, here’s a list of the best road trip games for kids, from educational classics to silly, imaginative time-passers. No screens needed – just fun, laughter, and a little friendly competition.
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1. Animal Counting Challenge
Perfect for rural drives where you’re passing by farms and fields.
How to play:
Each child gets a notebook and tallies every time they spot an animal (cows, horses, goats, chickens, etc.). For every animal they count, they earn points.
Spice it up by letting them share a fun fact about the animal to earn bonus points!
Make it more fun:
- Set a timer for each round
- Restrict animals by type or color
- Create team play if you have multiple kids
Why it works: It keeps kids visually engaged with their environment and encourages learning.
2. License Plate Scavenger Hunt
This classic never gets old and is great for both kids and adults.
How to play:
Print out a list of all the U.S. states (or countries/provinces, depending on your location). Players mark off a state each time they see a new license plate. First one to complete the most by the end of the trip wins!
Optional twist:
- Assign point values based on rarity (e.g., Hawaii = 5 points, California = 1 point)
- Ask a trivia question about the state each time it’s spotted
Why it works: Encourages focus, geography skills, and group participation.
3. The “Yes or No” Star Game (Guess Who?)
Think 20 Questions, but more flexible. Great for kids 7+ and adults too!
How to play:
One player thinks of a famous person, movie, animal, or place. The others ask yes-or-no questions to figure out what it is.
The first person to guess correctly wins. If someone guesses wrong, they sit out the rest of the round.
Themes you can try:
- Cartoon characters
- Favorite animals
- Family vacation spots
- Superheroes or movie villains
Tip: Keep it simple for younger kids by sticking to categories they know.
4. Alphabet Spotting Game
A fun visual challenge for all ages.
How to play:
Start with the letter A. Players must find a word on a billboard, license plate, store sign, or vehicle that starts with that letter. Move through the alphabet to Z. First one to reach Z wins!
Variations:
- Use only signs (makes it more difficult)
- Limit it to just one side of the road
Why it works: Reinforces letter recognition and observational skills in younger kids.
5. Road Trip Bingo
Create bingo cards with different road trip-related items. You can make your own or download printable versions online.
Example items:
- Red truck
- Construction sign
- Farm animal
- Motorbike
- Water tower
- Someone eating in a car
How to play:
Each kid gets a bingo card. First to complete a row, column, or diagonal yells “Bingo!”
Pro tip: Offer small prizes like snacks or the right to choose the next music playlist!
6. Story Builder
Unleash their imagination and get some laughs!
How to play:
One person starts a story with a sentence like “Once upon a time, a talking turtle…”. Each person takes turns adding a sentence to the story. You can keep going until it gets totally wild!
Educational bonus: Improves storytelling, listening, and creative thinking.
7. Name That Tune (Kid-Friendly Version)
Perfect for music-loving families with a fun playlist ready.
How to play:
Play the first few seconds of a song, and let your kids guess the name or artist. You can keep score or just play for laughs.
Theme ideas:
- Disney songs
- Movie soundtracks
- Kids’ pop songs
- Instrumental tunes
8. Would You Rather…?
Great conversation starter and can lead to hilarious responses!
How to play:
Take turns asking silly or thoughtful “Would You Rather” questions like:
- “Would you rather have a pet dinosaur or a pet dragon?”
- “Would you rather eat only pizza or only ice cream for a week?”
Bonus: You’ll learn new things about your kids’ personalities.
9. I Spy (Classic and Timeless)
A go-to game for younger kids.
How to play:
One person says, “I spy with my little eye, something that is [color/shape].” Others take turns guessing what the object is.
Make it harder:
Only spy things outside the car or choose abstract descriptions.
Bonus Tips to Make the Road Trip Smoother
- Pack essentials: Bring wipes, napkins, snacks, drinks, and a mini first-aid kit.
- Use audio entertainment: Have audiobooks or podcasts ready (kids love “Wow in the World” or “Brains On!”).
- Give everyone a role: One kid can be the DJ, another the navigator, and one in charge of snack delivery.
- Schedule stretch breaks: Every 2–3 hours, stop and let the kids run around!
Long road trips with kids don’t have to be stressful. In fact, they can be full of fun, creativity, and quality time when you bring the right games along for the ride.
Whether it’s guessing license plates or making up stories about animals you see, these road trip games will turn your journey into part of the vacation adventure itself.
So buckle up, bring the snacks, and get ready to laugh your way across the miles!
