Road trip games for kids

• 👀   1. I Spy
• 🔢   2. License Plate Game
• 🔍   3. Scavenger Hunt
• ❓   4. Twenty Questions
• 🤔   5. Would You Rather?
• 🎱   6. Backseat Bingo
• 🧠   7. I’m Going on a Picnic (Memory Game)
• 😆   8. Who’s Most Likely To?
• 🕵️‍♂️   9. Never Have I Ever (Road Trip Version)
• 🎭   10. Charades (Car Edition)
• 💬   11. Truth or Dare (Car Edition)
• ⭕   12. Tic Tac Toe (Travel Edition)
• 📖   13. Once Upon a Time Storytelling Game
• ❓   FAQs about Road Trip Games for Kids

Long car rides can feel like an eternity when kids are involved. Keeping them entertained is crucial for your sanity and the overall vibe of the trip.

This article presents 13 fun games that will make your road trip more enjoyable and keep the little ones happy. From classic games to creative spins on popular ones, there’s something for every age group and interest. We promise you’ll hear “Are we there yet?” a little less often!

1. I Spy

Ah, I Spy, the classic car game that never gets old. It’s simple yet effective. Here’s how to play:

1. One player picks an object within sight and says, “I spy with my little eye, something that is (color/characteristic).”
2. The other players take turns guessing what it is until someone gets it right.

For a twist, consider these themed variations:

1. Nature Edition: Only allow items found in nature.
2. Color Challenge: Limit guesses to objects of a certain color.

Get ready for giggles and “no, not that!” as you embark on this road trip journey through the art of observation and imagination.

2. License Plate Game

The license plate game - that’s a classic road trip essential! Here’s how it works:

• Objective: Spot license plates from different states. Each time you see one, shout it out like you’ve just won the lottery!
• Scoring: Keep a tally of how many unique plates each player spots. The person with the most at the end of the trip gets crowned the “License Plate King/Queen.”

Creating a printable checklist can spice things up:

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• List all U.S. states for kids to check off.
• Consider adding a section for Canadian provinces because why not?

Need more fun? Try these bonus ideas:

1. Track unique vehicle types, like “vintage cars” or “big rigs.”
2. Make it competitive by offering points for rarer plates or those from far-off states.

This game will keep your little ones engaged and their minds sharp while spotting states faster than you can say “Are we there yet?”

3. Scavenger Hunt

Ready for a little adventure? A scavenger hunt can turn any dull car ride into a thrilling quest. Here’s how to create your very own personalized scavenger hunt list:

1. Make it Personal

Tailor the list based on your route. If you’re cruising through the countryside, include items like cows, barns, or funny road signs. In urban areas, look for skyscrapers, specific car brands, or unique street art.

2. Item Suggestions

Here are some ideas for items to include in your scavenger hunt:

👉 Suggested read: 17 Fun Games to Play with Friends Without Any Equipment

• Different types of vehicles (e.g., RVs, motorcycles)
• Animals (e.g., horses, birds)
• Road signs (e.g., yield signs, speed limits)

3. Add Some Competition

Engage the kids by offering rewards or points for each item found. Perhaps a small treat at the next rest stop? Or let them choose the music for the next leg of the journey.

This game not only entertains but also keeps those little eyes peeled for fun discoveries out the window!

4. Twenty Questions

The Twenty Questions game is a classic guessing game that can keep everyone entertained for hours. Here’s how to play:

Rules

One player thinks of an object, person, or place. The others have 20 chances to ask yes-or-no questions to figure it out. Keep the questions clever, or the game will fizzle out faster than a soda left open overnight.

Choosing Subjects

To keep things lively, pick interesting or silly subjects. Think outside the box! How about a celebrity chef or a mythical creature? The more outlandish, the better!

Educational Benefits

This game sharpens critical thinking skills. Kids learn to ask strategic questions and think logically about their guesses. It’s like giving their brains a little workout while having fun.

Perfect for those long stretches of highway, Twenty Questions is a delightful way to pass the time and keep spirits high!

5. Would You Rather?

Ah, the classic game of Would You Rather?—a surefire way to ignite some fun discussions and laughter in the backseat. Here’s how to make it even more entertaining:

1. Formulating Engaging Questions: Create questions that strike a balance between silly and thought-provoking. Think, “Would you rather have spaghetti for hair or marshmallows for toes?”

2. Age-Specific Ideas: Tailor your questions to fit different age groups:

• For little ones: “Would you rather be a dinosaur or a dragon?”
• For tweens: “Would you rather have super speed or super strength?”

3. Encouraging Conversation: After each question, invite kids to explain their choices. This opens up a treasure trove of personal stories and wild imaginations.

Want Would You Rather questions on the go? Play it online! This way, you won’t have to worry about coming up with questions on your own.

There are already tons of great questions out there for you to use. Check out our web app or download the app “Dilemmaly—Would you rather?” on your iPhone or Android for free!

Play Would you rather? online

Would you rather?

Google Play App Store

6. Backseat Bingo

Who says bingo is only for the elderly? Welcome to Backseat Bingo, where your kids can hunt for common road sights while keeping their eyes peeled for anything that moves (or doesn’t).

How to Set It Up:

1. Create bingo cards with a grid layout, filling in each square with items like:

• Cows
• Stop signs
• Motorcycles
• Fast food restaurants

2. Make multiple cards so everyone can play!

Customization Tips:

• Tailor the bingo cards based on your travel location. Heading through the mountains? Add “ski lodge” and “cabin.” Road tripping through the plains? How about “windmill” or “grain silo”?

Give it a go! Backseat Bingo entertains while enhancing observation skills. Plus, it’s a sneaky way to keep the little ones engaged without resorting to screen time. Keep those markers handy; you never know when a truckload of cows will pass by!

7. I’m Going on a Picnic (Memory Game)

“I’m Going on a Picnic” is a delightful game that keeps little minds engaged while boosting memory skills. Here’s how it works:

1. Game Structure: Players take turns saying, “I’m going on a picnic and I’m bringing…” followed by an item. Each player must remember all previous items mentioned and add their own.
2. Creativity Galore: Encourage kids to come up with bizarre and silly picnic items. Who wouldn’t want to bring a unicorn sandwich or invisible juice?
3. A Fun Twist: Combine this game with Backseat Bingo! As you call out items, players can tick them off their bingo cards if they spot them along the road.

This interactive game can be played anywhere, especially in the confined space of a car. It’s perfect for keeping spirits high while enhancing those ever-important memory skills. Get ready for giggles and some eyebrow-raising picnic choices!

8. Who’s Most Likely To?

Get ready for some giggles with Who’s Most Likely To? This game is the perfect blend of creativity and hilarity. Here’s how to play:

1. Ask silly questions like:

• “Who’s most likely to become a superhero?”
• “Who’s most likely to eat dessert for breakfast?”

2. Let everyone take a turn to share their thoughts.

Running out of questions for your Most Likely To game night? Don’t fret. We got you covered with the online version of the game!

This online version of the game offers over 2,000 fun and unique questions, perfect for any group of kids. Download our app or access our website using your mobile phone or laptop, and you’re all set for a night of fun and bonding!

Most Likely To

Google Play App Store

Play Most Likely To online

9. Never Have I Ever (Road Trip Version)

Time to uncover some secrets with a twist! **Never Have I Ever (Road Trip Version)** is all about creativity and laughs.

• Kids can come up with fun, age-appropriate statements like Never have I ever eaten a bug.”*
• This game isn’t just for giggles; it sparks conversations that reveal interesting facts about each other. You might discover who’s tried the weirdest food or who has an adventurous spirit.

Make it even more engaging by adapting the game to your travel theme. Think along the lines of “Never have I ever seen a bear while camping.”* This connects everyone to the journey, making memories as you roll down the road.

Keep it light, keep it fun, and watch as your car transforms into a lively chat room instead of a silent zone!

Want even more questions for your road trip? You’re in luck! Play Never Have I Ever online with our app or website.

With thousands of questions available, you’ll always have fun questions to keep the game going. So grab your friends and prepare for a night of revealing truths and laughs!

Never Have I Ever

Google Play App Store

Play Never Have I Ever online

10. Charades (Car Edition)

Charades is a classic game that becomes even more entertaining in the car. Here’s how to play:

1. Take Turns: Players act out words or phrases without uttering a single sound. The others guess what’s being mimicked.
2. Set a Theme: Spice things up by choosing a theme. Think movies, animals, or famous landmarks—perfect for your travel vibe.
3. Get Creative with Props: Encourage players to use whatever they can find in the car. Hats, snacks, or even that random toy hiding under the seat can add flair to performances.

Need an easy way to play Charades with your kids? Our online generator makes generating new ideas for your game quick and easy. Download our free app, play it on your browser, and let the fun begin!

All you need is a group of friends, some willingness to be silly, and a reliable internet connection. So what are you waiting for? Give our Charades generator a try and add playful competition to your next game night!

Play Charades online

11. Truth or Dare (Car Edition)

Ah, the classic game of Truth or Dare, now with a twist for those confined car seats! This game offers a delightful way to pass the time while igniting creativity and laughter.

1. Get Creative with Dares: Encourage kids to come up with fun, age-appropriate dares that can be completed in the car. Think along the lines of “sing your favorite song” or “do your best dance move.” Keeping it simple ensures no one needs a seatbelt extension for outrageous stunts.
2. Promote Honesty: When opting for ’truth’, kids can share interesting secrets or fun facts about themselves. It’s a perfect way to learn more about each other while keeping the mood light.
3. Adaptability is Key: For younger kiddos, simplify both truths and dares. A simple “What’s your favorite color?” works wonders without leaving them scratching their heads.

This game not only entertains but also fosters connection among family members. Buckle up; it’s about to get real!

Want Truth or Dare questions and ideas on the go? Easy! This online version of the game lets you choose between different categories, such as “Classic” or “Hot”.

Simply download our free app or play it directly on our website to access 1,000+ questions and challenges. Never run out of fun ideas again!

Play Online

Truth or Dare

Google Play App Store

12. Tic Tac Toe (Travel Edition)

Tic Tac Toe isn’t just for the classroom; it’s a road trip classic!

1. Grab your game board: Use a simple grid drawn on paper or a travel-friendly magnetic board. This means you can play anywhere in the car, even during those dreaded traffic jams.
2. Get creative with symbols: Encourage kids to invent creative themes for their Tic Tac Toe symbols. Think animals, favorite foods, or even silly faces. A game of “Pasta vs. Penguins” could lead to endless giggles.
3. Add some friendly competition: Introduce a twist: the winner gets to choose the next road trip snack. Talk about motivation!

This game not only keeps those little minds sharp while fostering a playful competitive spirit but also serves as a fun way to break up the monotony of long drives, keeping everyone engaged.

Plus, by incorporating elements of culture, such as using symbols that resonate with your kids’ interests, you can make the game even more enjoyable and educational!

13. Once Upon a Time Storytelling Game

Unleash those inner storytellers with Once Upon a Time! This game is all about creativity and wild imaginations. Here’s how to dive in:

1. Each player takes turns adding a single sentence to the story. Build on what the last person said. The wilder, the better!
2. Spice things up by introducing themes or specific characters everyone must include. Think pirates, princesses, or even talking animals.
3. For a competitive twist, set a timer for each turn. Who can come up with the most imaginative continuation before time runs out?

This isn’t just fun; it helps kids stretch their imaginations and practice their storytelling skills. Watch as your car transforms into a magical world of adventure, mystery, and giggles. With each twist and turn of the tale, sanity remains intact while laughter fills the air!

Ready to transform your family road trips into an adventure filled with laughter? Try these 13 engaging car games that will keep your kids entertained and save your sanity.

These fun car games not only pass the time but also create cherished memories.

Share your favorite road trip games in the comments below. What do you play when you’re on the road? Let’s keep this list growing!

FAQs about Road Trip Games for Kids

1. What are some popular road trip games for kids that can keep them entertained during long drives?

Here are a few favorites:

1. I Spy: A classic that never gets old.
2. License Plate Game: Spotting plates from different states turns into a fun challenge.
3. Scavenger Hunt: Create a list of items to find along the way.

2. How can road trip games for kids help improve their creativity and critical thinking skills?

Engaging in interactive games encourages kids to think outside the box. Games like Twenty Questions foster problem-solving abilities, while Would You Rather prompts imaginative discussions.

3. Are there any age-specific road trip games for kids that cater to different developmental stages?

Definitely! Younger children may enjoy simple games like I Spy, while older kids might appreciate more complex challenges like Charades or Never Have I Ever. Tailor the games based on your crew’s ages!

4. What are some road trip games that require no materials or preparation?

Many favorites fit the bill:

• 20 Questions
• Would You Rather
• I’m Going on a Picnic

These games are easy to play and need nothing but your brainpower. Just jump in and have fun!