5 Best Road Trip Games for Kids

Last updated on March 27th, 2021 at 06:22 pm

Since our family’s move within driving distance of the beach, we try to make the trip at least a few times each summer. We’ve also taken longer road trips, including up and down the east coast. It’s a great way to travel, but kids can definitely get bored and impatient during the drive.

One way to keep children entertained on long car trips is by playing games, and today, I’m sharing five of the best road trip games for kids.

5 Best Road Trip Games for Kids

1. License Plate Bingo

This is an oldie, but a goodie. Print the license plate game page, and fill it in. As you see a car from each state, you will fill in that state on your map. The first one to get BINGO, or fill in their map, wins.

You can also just list all the states on a sheet of paper (all 50 are listed at this link), and then cross them off when you see a license plate from that state. How close will you get to spotting all 50?

2. Mad Libs

My kids have always always liked Mad Libs. Pick up some of these books to take on your trip (you can order them here), or print off some of these Mad Libs sheets free here.

3. Memory Game

Another game that will help pass the time on a long car ride is this Memory Game — the first person begins the game with the letter “A,” and says “A is for ___________.” (Fill in the blank with any “A” word, or you can decide on a theme, such as animals or food.) The second person continues with the letter B, but they must first repeat “A is for __________.” You continue the game with each person repeating the letters and corresponding words that came before as long as you can.

4. Twenty Questions

Here’s another old favorite that’s perfect for long car rides. One person thinks of something the others have to guess. The remaining players take turns asking yes-or-no questions, usually starting with “Is it animal, mineral, or vegetable?” The players continue to ask questions to try to guess the answer, but only up to 20 questions.

5. Scavenger Hunt

Try a road trip scavenger hunt to keep kids busy while you’re traveling. You can come up with your own list of items to hunt for while you’re on the road. Just think of things you’ll see on the highway or while passing through towns or cities. You can also print scavenger hunt lists. We have a printable scavenger hunt list for you here.

Do you have any other ideas to keep the kids busy on a long road trip? What do think are the best road trip games? Leave a comment below.

Also read —
Looking for Road Trip Activities for Kids? Pick up These Free Printable Travel Games
All About Me Worksheet Printable
Check Out These Pet-Friendly Hotel Chains Before Your Next Vacation