Car Ride Activities: Keeping Kids Entertained on Road Trips

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Taking a road trip with kids can be both fun and challenging. Family road trips are great, but they require some organizing. Here are some car ride activities that will keep your little ones entertained. The goal is to pass the time during that long car ride by limiting screen time (video games) and encouraging good behavior.

Going on a road trip with the family requires careful planning. You need to think about what you will need to pack, and what travel items you might need. Where are the closest rest stop and gas stations? Did you remember to pack snacks for the car ride? Are there grocery stores or convenience stores along the route of your trip?

Between coordinating plane tickets and ensuring you have your passport, thinking about how to keep the kiddos entertained on long car rides probably slipped your mind. Here are some different activities that will help pass the time on road trips.

Get your road trip packing list here before you hit the open road with your loved ones!

A couple of their favorite toys will help keep them occupied -- we always bring a few plushies.

A travel tray is an absolute necessity for long car rides!

This will come in handy on accessorizing your car for long drives with young children. It provides a place for snacks, drinks, and toys within reach, as well as high sides to avoid any spills. A level surface is essential for kids during long trips in the car.

Bring a portable DVD Player or IPAD for Long Car Trips

A portable DVD player is a great option for parents with children who are entertained by movies. You can bring along their favorite movies and they can watch them on the trip, potentially avoiding any fights between siblings that might occur if you only bring one IPAD.

Pack a Surprise Bag

This bag is full of small toys or treats that your child can open throughout the trip to help break up the monotony of being in the car. I usually grab some goodies at the dollar store.

Bring travel toys, travel books, your travel journal, sticker books, and activity books!

These toys improve children's fine motor skills!

Car Ride Activities for Kids

1. "I Spy"- This car game is a fun classic that's perfect for road trips. I spy with my little eye...take turns guessing what your child sees out the window, choosing either colors or objects.

2. If you're struggling to come up with a fun activity, try singing along to songs on the radio. Kids usually enjoy this, and there are many family-friendly songs that you can select from. You could even make up your own silly lyrics to the song!

3. As you take in the sites on your trip, sit down with some paper and markers/crayons with your child and have them draw a picture of something they saw. Then switch roles and let them capture you in their drawing!

4. Brainstorm a funny story together, with each person contributing a sentence or two. Not only will this occupy everyone for hours, but it's also a great bonding activity!

5. The alphabet game- This is a game where you try to spot things in alphabetical order. For example, you could try to find things that start with every letter of the alphabet.

6. Depending on how long your journey is, why not pack a picnic lunch to eat en route? Sandwiches and snacks always travel well, and it's a lovely opportunity to break up the trip and get some fresh air.

7. Play 20 questions. In this classic car game, players take turns asking questions about someone or something in the car until one of them can guess what it is. To make the game more appropriate for younger kids, ask simpler questions.

8. Play the license plate game. Look for license plates from different states. This is a fun game for kids of all ages. See how many different state license plates you can spot during the trip. For an added challenge, try to find license plates from as many different countries as you can!

9. A fun game to play on road trips for young kids is to count cows (or other animals). As you're driving, keep track of the number of cows (or other animals) that you see. At the end of the trip, whoever has counted the most cocowsw wins!

10. Play “I’m going on a trip”. This game is perfect for kids who are literate. Go back and forth taking turns reading items from a list, such as “I’m going to the beach and I’m bringing sunscreen,” and see if the other person can guess your packing list. The first person to be stumped loses!

11. Bring along some travel games. If you’re looking for some more structured activities, pack along some travel games such as magnet boards, coloring books, or handheld electronic games. Just be sure to bring along enough for everyone so there’s no fighting!

12. Make a scavenger hunt list. This activity is perfect for kids who are literate. Make a list of items they could potentially see out the window, like various car types or license plates from different states, and have them criterion it as you travel. The first person to find everything on the list wins!

13. Have a pillow fight. If you’re looking for a way to burn off some energy, have a pillow fight! Just be sure to clean up the mess afterward so you don’t end up with feathers all over the car.

14. Play “Would You Rather?” "Would you rather" is a game that can be played with people of any age. First, take turns asking questions such as "would you rather eat a bug or drink milk?" The person who provides the most creative answer wins the game!

15. Tell jokes. This is a great way to keep everyone entertained during the trip. Take turns telling jokes, and see who can make the other person laugh the most. Just be sure to keep it clean so everyone can enjoy the fun!

16. Play Road Trip Bingo. This game can be easily tailored to your child's interests. Simply make a list of things they could potentially see outside the window, such as various types of vehicles or license plates from different states. As you go along on your journey, have them check it off the list. The first person to get a full row (or column, if you're feeling ambitious) wins!

17. Listen to audiobooks. Stuck on a long car ride with the family? Audiobooks are a great way to pass the time and keep everyone entertained. Make sure to choose one that will be enjoyable for all, and take turns reading different parts out loud.

18.

Road in SedonaPhoto byLucee Santini

This tried-and-true activity is perfect for little ones on long car rides. Select some of their most popular songs and belt them out as a family while en route. If you're feeling extra creative, come up with your own lyrics!

These are just a few fun ideas to help make your next road trip a success. With a little planning and some creativity, you can turn even the longest car ride into an enjoyable experience for everyone involved!

I hope you have fun with these great ideas for kids when on your family vacation.