If you’re taking a road trip this summer with kids in tow,
you’re probably trying to figure out how to make the journey fast, fun and free
of backseat whining. Look no further; we’ve created a list of the best car
activities that will keep your children occupied for hours. You might even enjoy
playing them too!
Going through the alphabet from A to Z, everyone tries to be
the first to spot and name three items beginning with the same letter. Whoever
wins gets to pick the next letter. It’s a great way to check out the scenery during
the drive while having fun!
Courtesy of: familyfun.com
Pick a place inside your house to “hide” and don’t tell
anyone where you are. Have everyone else in the car ask yes/no questions until
they figure out where you are mentally hiding! This virtual version is great
because you can hide anywhere; the
dishwasher, junk drawer, laundry basket. Get creative!
Courtesy of: MomsMinivan.com
Someone in the car describes something (a person, food,
show, movie, etc.) and everyone else has to guess what is being described. This
game is great because it can be tailored to the ages and interests of your
family. You can make the item as challenging or as easy as you like.
Courtesy of: babyzone.com
Pass around a roll of aluminum foil (just skip the driver!) and
tell everyone in your family to use their imagination and make anything they
want out of the tin pieces. This game has an easy clean up, and will keep
everyone occupied for a long time since the possibilities of what to make are
endless!
Courtesy of: USA Today
Give everyone a notebook and something to write with. Have them
write the date and draw/write whatever they see or experience throughout the
car ride that’s interesting. Not only will it keep children busy, but it’s a
great way to document the ride and look back on road-trip memories for years to
come.
Courtesy of: USA Today
Have everyone try to find a specific number on signs,
license plates, etc. This game can also be played with flashcards that each has
a different number; each person picks a card, finds the number in the
surrounding landscape and vehicles whizzing by, and then picks another one.
Courtesy of: Parenting
A team, or individual, has two minutes to name 10 different
things in any given category, like fruits or states. It’s a fun way to pass the
time; everyone will be so focused on the two minute intervals they won’t even
realize how many minutes they’ve been in the car!
Courtesy of: familyfun.com
Start naming things along the road in alphabetical order;
such as “Automobile, bike, crane, door, etc.” This game is a great way to get
everyone actively looking outside and enjoying the view.
Courtesy of: managemylife.com
One person names an animal. Then each person has to name an
animal that starts with the last letter of the previous animal. For example: squirrel
then becomes llama, lamb and lion. It can also be played with shows, cities,
etc. It’s not only fun, but can be educational too!
Courtesy of: parents.com
Create a list of things to find on the way. Give everyone
playing a copy of the list and have them check it off as they go along. The
first one to find them all wins! This game will keep children quiet and glued
to their windows as they try to find the items first.
Courtesy of: roadtripplanning.com
