Long road trips can be fun for the whole family, but keeping kids busy for hours in the car can be tough. Fortunately, there are plenty of creative and easy ways to keep little ones busy, happy, and engaged during the drive. In this guide, we’ll share some of the best road trip activities for kids, from classic games to screen-free fun and educational options.
Classic Road Trip Games for Kids
Some games never go out of style—and for good reason. These easy-to-learn and fun-to-play games can keep kids laughing for miles.
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I Spy – A favorite among kids of all ages. One person picks something they see and gives a clue: “I spy with my little eye, something that’s blue…” Everyone else guesses until someone gets it right.
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License Plate Game – Challenge your kids to spot license plates from as many different states as possible. You can even print a checklist ahead of time.
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20 Questions – One player thinks of a person, place, or thing, and everyone else asks yes-or-no questions to figure it out.
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Would You Rather? – Pose fun, silly, or surprising questions like “Would you rather fly or be invisible?” and let the conversation flow.
These road trip games for kids require no supplies and can easily turn boring hours into fun, interactive bonding time.
Creative Activities to Keep Kids Occupied
If you want to mix things up or avoid game fatigue, bring along some creative activities:
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Coloring Books and Activity Pads – Pack washable markers, crayons, and drawing paper. Magnetic sketch boards or sticker books also make great mess-free options.
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Travel Journals – Let kids document their adventure with drawings and notes. They can write about places they see, snacks they try, or how many cows they counted along the way.
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Audiobooks and Podcasts – Choose stories or educational podcasts that match your kids’ interests. This is a great way to keep them entertained and learning without screens.
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DIY Bingo Cards – Create bingo boards with items like cows, motorcycles, fast food signs, and red cars. First to fill a row wins a small treat or pick of the next playlist.
With just a little planning, these road trip entertainment ideas can make the ride smoother for everyone.
Screen Time (In Moderation)
While screen-free activities are great, a little screen time can be a lifesaver on especially long drives. Make the most of it:
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Download movies or shows ahead of time for offline viewing.
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Install educational or puzzle-based apps that keep kids learning and thinking.
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Use kid-friendly headphones so adults can enjoy their own peace or music.
Just be sure to balance screen time with other road trip activities for kids so they stay mentally engaged and don’t get overwhelmed.
Snack Breaks and Stretch Stops
Entertainment isn’t just about what happens in the car—plan regular stops for snacks, bathroom breaks, and a chance to stretch legs. A quick run at a rest stop or picnic area can help reset energy levels and improve the mood for everyone.
Get Ready to Hit the Road
Keeping kids entertained on a long road trip doesn’t have to be difficult. With a good mix of road trip games for kids, creative activities, and well-timed breaks, the journey can be just as enjoyable as the destination. Try out a few of these ideas on your next trip and enjoy the ride!
Be prepared for any journey with regular maintenance from the certified professionals at Hawk Chevy in Joliet.