25 Road Trip Games to Play in the Car: Blast Boredom Without Screens
Taking a road trip soon? Car trips with kids can go two ways:
Sometimes, your lucky stars align and the kids are awesome. But other times they’re so bored they start to pick on each other. Or belt out songs. Or do who knows what.
And before you know it, you’re yelling and ready to “stop the car right this minute!”
Luckily, these great things to do in the car with kids will make it so that you never get to that awful road trip moment. Phew!
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1. Would You Rather
Would you rather questions for kids are remarkably easy. You pick between two fun (or weird) things. And the answer is quick and sparks conversation.
My children will play this for hours with even the simplest items.
My 5-year-old asked me yesterday, would you rather be a mermaid or unicorn?
2. Play Whiteboard Games
Bring individual whiteboards and have kids play Pictionary, create stories, practice drawing, or even do their school work if they’re older.
Find specific whiteboard games >>
3. Play the License Plate Game
It’s an old school classic that never goes out of style! See if you can find every state in the U.S. Once you’ve hit 50 (or maybe 48), you win! Grab the free printable license plate game and start playing!
4. Name That State
Think you can recognize any U.S. state?
This fun (and free!) Name That U.S. state printable is the perfect way to put your knowledge to the test! From famous landmarks to well-known nicknames, this game is full of “Wait… I know this one!” moments.
Bonus idea: Use the free map from the license plate game above to spot and name all 50 states!
5. Try Road Trip Trivia
Test how much you know about traveling and our beautiful country!
6. Get Into the Alphabet Game
Start with ‘A’ and work your way through the alphabet. Find letters on signs, license plates, or objects outside the car. The first to Z wins!
7. Riddles & Jokes
Can you guess the animal or thing? Have kids pick an object they love (or one they hate). Then give the other person clues until they guess it.
Or try these done for you ones:
8. Never Have I Ever or Put a Finger Down
This is the game that spills all your deepest, juiciest secrets. And your family won’t be able to get enough of them.
Try the Never Have I Ever version. Or Put a Finger Down works great for younger kids.
Other question games that will have you laughing:
9. Engaging Road Trip Scavenger Hunt
Print this free road trip scavenger hunt for kids or teens. Or create a list of items commonly seen on the road. Things like red cars, cows, or billboards and make your own scavenger hunt.
10. Finish The Summer Song Lyrics
“Finish the Summer Song Lyrics” is a fun, high-energy road trip game that gets everyone singing along and testing their memory. One person starts a popular summer song and pauses mid-line, and the rest of the car has to jump in and finish the lyrics.
It’s perfect for all ages, sparks a little friendly competition, and keeps the whole car entertained.
11. 5 Second Rule Game Summer Edition
This Summer 5 Second Rule Game is a lively game with quick thinking. Players must name three things in a category within 5 seconds.
It’s perfect for playing in the car and for all ages!
12. Summer Mad Libs
A summer Mad Libs story is the perfect road trip companion! Just have one person ask for random words (without giving away the story), then read the completed story out loud for hilarious, often ridiculous results.
It’s an easy, no-prep activity that works for all ages and turns even the longest stretches of road into memorable moments.
13. Stars Wars Name That Character Game
Got a Star Wars fan (or two!) in your car? Print out this free Star Wars Character worksheet and give it to them. They’ll love matching the characters with their descriptions!
14. Have Kids Practice Giving Directions
My kids have played this for hours in the car. One kid gives the other directions on what to do with a piece of paper. Then, you see how well the other person follows directions. It usually doesn’t end the same way!
Try:
- How to draw a puppy.
- How to fold a paper airplane.
- How to fold a napkin.
15. Play 20 Questions
One person thinks of an object, and the others have 20 chances to ask yes-or-no questions to guess what it is. Rotate roles for endless entertainment.
Related: Yes or No Questions to Ask
16. Summer Conversation Starters
Summer conversation starters are an easy, screen-free road trip game that gets everyone talking and laughing.
From silly questions to favorite summer memories, they help pass the time, spark connection, and make the journey just as fun as the destination.
17. Play Hot Takes
A “hot take” is something a person feels strongly about that is unpopular. This game is played by people randomly calling out their hot takes. Then, everyone has a chance to weigh in. But beware, this one can get heated!
For example, “pepperoni on pizza is gross.”
*Find more funny hot takes examples >>
18. Summer This or That
Sun’s out, fun’s in the car! These Summer This or That questions spark laughs, debates, and plenty of good vibes.
Get ready to make some tough summer choices!
Flip-flops or barefoot? Beach day or backyard BBQ? S’mores by the fire or ice cream on a cone?
19. Play I Spy
This is easy to play in the car, and everyone enjoys it. Just make sure you’re choosing things IN the car or you’ll keep passing the things you spy!
20. See Who Can Say the Best Tongue Twisters
Try list of tongue twisters and get kids talking! It gets everyone acting silly.
21. Trick Your Family
2 Truths and Lie can be tricky enough to keep kids guessing. It’s memorable and helps kids talk about how unique they are.
22. Summer Scattergories
Score points by coming up with unique words that fit within summer categories. All answers must begin with a designated letter and be submitted before the timer runs out!
Related: 4th of July Scattergories Game
23. Summer Family Feud
This Summer Family Feud game can be played right from your device and is a fun, interactive way to keep everyone entertained on a road trip. Guess the most popular answers to summer-themed questions, split into teams, and enjoy some friendly competition.
No setup required, just tap and play!
24. Car-Friendly Taboo Game
A family-friendly Taboo game is a great car activity that gets everyone thinking fast and laughing together. Try to describe words and phrases without using the “taboo” words on your device.
Try this 4th of July Taboo Edition, too!
25. Play “Top 5”
I did this with friends and we were still talking about it months later. This one requires pen and paper, but it’s easy and fun to do!
Decide on 3 topics. Then, gather notecards and write the topics at the top.
Examples include:
- Disney villains
- ice cream flavors
- places you’d never visit
Next, each person writes their “top 5” for that topic in descending order.
For example, if the topic is “Disney Movies” everyone lists their top 5 in order.
Once everyone is done writing their top 5, discuss. You might agree…or you might not!
What’s Next?
Find more kids conversation games to make your car ride an adventure!
And grab the other free games in the free resource library, plus gain access to the best family-friendly ideas.
