A road trip is one of the most exciting ways to explore new places, spend time with family or friends, and create lasting memories. However, long hours on the road can sometimes lead to boredom, especially for kids. That’s where classic road trip games come in. These games are timeless, require little to no materials, and can entertain everyone in the car. Whether you’re traveling across states or just a few hours away, these 10 classic road trip games will ensure your journey is fun-filled and memorable.
1. I Spy
How to Play: “I Spy” is perhaps the most well-known road trip game. One person picks something they see within or outside the car and says, “I spy with my little eye, something that is [color or feature].” The rest of the passengers must guess what the object is.
Why It’s Great: This game is perfect for younger children who are learning colors, shapes, and observation skills. It keeps them entertained while encouraging them to pay attention to their surroundings.
2. The Alphabet Game
How to Play: The goal of this game is to spot signs, license plates, or objects that start with each letter of the alphabet, in order. For example, you start with “A” and find a sign that says “Apple Store,” then move on to “B,” and so on.
Why It’s Great: The Alphabet Game is an excellent way to pass the time while sharpening observation skills. It’s challenging but fun, especially when certain letters, like Q and Z, seem impossible to find.
3. 20 Questions
How to Play: One person thinks of something—a person, place, or thing—and the others ask yes-or-no questions to figure out what it is. They have 20 questions to guess the answer.
Why It’s Great: 20 Questions promotes creativity and critical thinking. It can also lead to hilarious guesses and interesting discussions, making it a hit for all ages.
4. License Plate Game
How to Play: This game involves trying to spot license plates from as many different states (or countries) as possible. You can keep a checklist and see how many you find by the end of the trip.
Why It’s Great: The License Plate Game is fantastic for longer road trips that cover multiple states or regions. It encourages geographical knowledge and keeps everyone’s eyes peeled.
5. Name That Tune
How to Play: This musical game involves one person humming or singing part of a song, while others guess the name of the tune. You can also play this game by using your car’s radio—switch between stations and see who can guess the song title first.
Why It’s Great: Name That Tune is perfect for music lovers. It adds a fun, competitive edge to listening to the radio and can lead to some spontaneous car karaoke sessions.
6. Would You Rather?
How to Play: In this game, one person poses a dilemma by asking, “Would you rather [option 1] or [option 2]?” The rest of the car then answers and explains their reasoning. The choices can be funny, tricky, or even absurd.
Why It’s Great: “Would You Rather?” sparks interesting conversations and reveals fun facts about your fellow passengers. It’s an excellent game for passing time while learning more about each other’s preferences.
7. The Picnic Game
How to Play: In this memory game, the first player says, “I’m going on a picnic, and I’m bringing [something that starts with the letter A].” The next person repeats the sentence and adds an item that starts with the letter B, and so on. The list continues with each player adding a new item while remembering the previous ones.
Why It’s Great: The Picnic Game tests your memory and creativity, and it can be especially challenging with a longer list of items. It’s great for involving everyone, young and old, in the car.
8. Punch Buggy
How to Play: Punch Buggy (also called “Slug Bug”) is a game where players watch for Volkswagen Beetles. When someone spots one, they shout “Punch Buggy!” and gently punch another passenger’s arm.
Why It’s Great: This game is simple but thrilling, as it keeps everyone’s eyes glued to the road in hopes of spotting a Beetle. It’s a lighthearted way to add some physical activity to the car ride, though it’s important to keep it playful and gentle.
9. The Counting Game
How to Play: Pick a type of vehicle, animal, or landmark, and count how many you see on the road. For example, you could count cows, red cars, or billboards.
Why It’s Great: The Counting Game is easy for younger kids and helps them develop counting and observation skills. Plus, it’s a great way to keep them occupied without much instruction or supervision.
10. Road Trip Bingo
How to Play: You can either prepare or print out bingo cards with different landmarks, road signs, and vehicles you might see on the trip. As you spot each item, mark it off. The first person to get five in a row wins.
Why It’s Great: Road Trip Bingo is highly customizable and can be adapted to the specific route you’re taking. It’s a great option for a more structured game that can last throughout the entire journey.
Bonus Tips for Road Trip Games
While these classic games can provide hours of fun, here are a few tips to ensure that everyone enjoys them:
- Rotate Games: To keep things fresh, rotate between different games every hour or so.
- Stay Positive: Encourage friendly competition, but make sure the games don’t turn into arguments.
- Snack Breaks: Take short breaks for snacks and stretches to keep everyone’s energy up and spirits high.
- Involve Everyone: Make sure every passenger, no matter their age, gets a chance to participate.
Conclusion
Road trips are as much about the journey as they are the destination, and these classic road trip games help make that journey even more enjoyable. Whether you’re playing “I Spy” or challenging your friends to “20 Questions,” these games have stood the test of time for good reason. So, next time you’re preparing for a road trip, remember to bring these fun and interactive games along—you might just find that the drive becomes the highlight of the trip!
