Wondering how you’re going to keep the kids entertained on the next family road trip? Don’t worry, we have got you covered! We’ve put together a list of the best road trip games for kids that will make the next car adventure seem like a breeze. So, if you’re having a hard time thinking up ways to pass the time, keep reading. Here are ten road trip games that will keep them distracted long enough to stop them from asking a lot of questions.
The Number Plate Game
A car full of kids, a few pads of paper, pens, and the open road. That’s all you need to keep little ones entertained as they search for number plates from different countries or different areas. Scribble down the plates you find on paper (no cheating!), and the person that gets the most wins. You can raise the stakes by giving double points for naming the capital city of the country or state spotted, and you get triple points for diplomatic plates. And if you spot a presidential convoy or a vanity plate? That’s an automatic win.
Punch Buggy
An old fashion road trip favorite! See who can spot the most punch buggies, also known as the Volkswagen Beetle, on the road! When you see one, shout it out and include the color of the car (Yellow punch buggy!). Those kinds of sightings are worth one point.
Classic bugs are worth 2, and vans are worth 5. Rare models, such as “Herby the Love Bug” are worth a whopping ten! Whoever has the most points by the time you reach your destination wins. Remember, the game doesn’t end until the car is parked!
20 Questions
It is one of the best classic car games. Players simply pick a person, and their fellow passengers have to guess who it is using only 20 questions. More ruthless players will opt for obscure personalities in order to prolong their turn, but we recommend opting for well-known figures to keep the game fresh. And to prevent Granny or Granddad from losing interest and falling asleep.
I Spy
Because this one is already so well known, it won’t take a lot of instruction to learn how to play. The first person selects something either on the road or in the car without revealing what it is to the rest of the players in the car. Then they must repeat the phrase, “I spy with my little eye something that begins with the letter …” as it relates to the answer. The other passengers then try to guess what it might be. While it’s not the most complex car game out there, it is a great way to help young kids develop their spelling and grammar skills.
Hold Your Breath
You’re heading into a tunnel, and your chattering, giggling little darlings have left you in dire need of some quiet time. So why not kill two birds with one stone by challenging them to hold their breath for the entire length of the next road tunnel, until the next roundabout, or until they spot a car in a certain color? Time them to see how long they can hold on and whoever lasts the longest wins. Of course, if you run into traffic, the game is suspended.
Backseat Bingo
Looking for more fun games to play in the car? Check out this next activity. Before you hit the road, print out bingo cards. They have different sheets available for different areas, so print according to where you’re traveling. Each player should take a good look at their cards and keep their eyes on the road to spot items along the way. The first player to cross out a horizontal, vertical, or diagonal line of their bingo sheet, wins!
The Memory Game
There are a few names for this one (including The Picnic Game and the Casserole Game), but they all start in a similar fashion. One passenger says, “I’m going out on a picnic, and I’m bringing…” followed by whatever item comes to mind. The next player has to remember that item and add something else to the story. Getting a part of the story wrong results in instant expulsion.
Would You Rather
Here’s another kid-friendly exercise: Choose one person to think of a question. For instance, Would you rather be the funniest person alive, or the smartest person alive?
You can direct these questions to everyone in the car or take turns providing answers. Of course, when it comes to playing these types of games in a car, it’s important to make sure you’re well prepared.
You can always print out some questions ahead of time to make sure you don’t run out of ideas when on the road.
The Quiet Game
This is a true trump card in attempting to restore order in a car full of squabbling siblings. You’ve ignored the incessant arguing over whose turn it is to play Candy Crush on the iPad for the past 80 miles, but no more. How about a game of ‘Let’s see who can stay quiet the longest?’ Hey presto, an instant end to moaning. It’s a great way to shoehorn in some time to enjoy the open road in blissful silence.
Because while music sets the mood and a good book transports you to another world, road trip games are so much fun because all of your travel companions are involved and having a good time. We hope you enjoyed our list of road trip games to play in the car!
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