Games People Play: Kids in Cars on Road Trips

“Long road trips can be tiring and distracting, especially when traveling with children,” says Andrew S. Kryder, Esq., an experienced car accident attorney. “Keeping everyone engaged with fun, interactive games not only helps pass the time but also ensures the driver can stay focused on the road. A little preparation goes a long way to making road trips safer and more enjoyable.”
Here are five popular road trip games that require no electronics and are fun for the whole family:
I Spy
A classic favorite, I Spy involves one person selecting something they see and giving a clue like “I spy with my little eye something green.” The others take turns guessing what it might be based on the clues provided. It’s a great way to stay observant and entertained while enjoying the scenery.
20 Questions
In this game, one person thinks of a person, place, or object, and the rest of the group has up to 20 yes-or-no questions to figure out what it is. This game sparks curiosity and encourages creative thinking.
The License Plate Game
Players look for license plates from different states or regions. The goal is to spot as many unique plates as possible throughout the trip. Bonus points can be awarded for spotting rare or out-of-state plates!
Word Association
Starting with one word, players take turns saying a word related to the previous one, like “road” leading to “trip,” then “adventure,” and so on. This can quickly lead to laughter and surprising connections as creativity takes over.
Story Chain
One person starts a story with a sentence, and each person takes turns adding to it with a new sentence. The story can take hilarious or unexpected twists depending on everyone’s contributions, making it a favorite for imaginative road trippers.
These games not only entertain but also create memorable bonding moments for everyone in the car. The best part? They require nothing but your imagination and the willingness to have fun!