If you've ever tried to entertain your kids on a road trip, you know what a struggle it is. Long periods of car time inevitably lead to boredom, restlessness, sibling battles, and, of course, the dreaded query, "Are we there yet?"
Don't rely on screens to entertain your kids in the car. Instead, pack some interactive games that foster creativity, learning, and participation. These can be board games, word games, storytelling, or even scavenger hunts – anything that's portable and makes car travel more fun for all – particularly Mom and Dad.
1. Storytelling
Even a small collection of figurines will inspire endless hours of imagination. Just provide your children with a few characters and have them build stories as they travel. Maybe one child starts the story, and then another adds in some unexpected plot twists.
For an added level of excitement, you can challenge your kids to use a new word in every sentence or come up with a puzzle that the rest of the group has to solve. You'll nurture imagination, language, and problem-solving.
For travel-friendly options, don't overlook Safari Ltd.'s figurines. From wild animals to dinosaurs, the rugged and detailed toys are perfect to inspire little storytellers.
2. License Plate Bingo
Why not turn highway travel into a game? Kids will have a blast looking for license plates from different states. You can create bingo cards with state names, colors, and plate designs. Then let your kids cross them off as they go along.
You can add a greater challenge when you assign points based on how rare the plate is. License plates from neighboring states might be worth a point, while others from across the country are worth five. It’s a great game to build kiddos’ observational skills, and it gets them more aware of their surroundings.
For more bingo options that are ready to go, Safari features several that are perfect for the road.
3. Animal Safari
Why not send your kids on a wildlife adventure without ever leaving the car? A set of Safari Ltd.’s TOOBs can turn an ordinary road trip into an extraordinary imaginary experience.
Grab some wild animal TOOBs so your children can pretend they’re on a real safari. They can match animals to places the creatures might live as they drive past them. For example, if they see a farm, they might choose a cow or horse figurine. Or, when driving by a forest, they instead can select a bear or a deer.
4. I Spy
The I Spy Travel Bingo Game will transform your drive into an interactive adventure. Similar to the homespun license plate bingo, this game has kids observe their surroundings so they can match objects to their cards. It’s a perfect way to keep their young minds active and entertained during a long voyage.
5. Pole Position
The Pole Position magnetic travel game is great for kids who like puzzles and strategy to play in the car. It includes 48 challenges on six different tracks. Players have to find the right positions for their magnetic racing cars. The game boosts problem-solving skills while it provides hours of entertainment. Its compact and magnetic design makes it a blast to play on the road.
6. Good Luck Minis
Good Luck Minis are tiny figurines that kids can use in all sorts of games – including in the car. Children can sort them, create patterns, or use them in imaginative play like storytelling. They’re portable, so perfect for travel. Plus, parents can even use them as rewards for good behavior during the trip.
7. DIY Busy `Bags
Busy moms can attest that a well-backed busy bag can be a real lifesaver on a long trip. Just fill a small bag or satchel with fun items like reusable sticker books, felt board sets, or sensory toys. Variety is key. All the different activities are sure to hold kiddos’ attention.
8. Danger Noodle
You can add a dose of humor and excitement to your road trip with the Danger Noodle card game. The objective is for players to collect sets of animal cards, except for the snake. They have to avoid the dreaded “danger noodle” cards. This is a quick but entertaining game that can be played by anyone 12 and older.
9. Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt can turn ordinary road-trip signs into a whole new adventure. Before your trip, make a checklist of things kids might see on their travels. This might include objects like signs, bridges, billboards, and animals.
The game even works for younger children. Just use pictures instead of words. That way we can play independently. Meanwhile, older kids can race to see who can spot the most items the fastest.
10. Would You Rather?
Looking for a travel game that requires no supplies? Would You Rather? fits the bill, and it even leads to hilarious conversations. To play this game, just take turns asking questions like:
- Would you rather fly like a bird or swim like a fish?
- Would you rather live in a treehouse or a castle?
- Would you rather have a pet dragon or a pet unicorn?
Don’t just answer the questions, though. Half the fun is encouraging kids to explain their responses. Their reasoning can turn into unexpected discussions that helps everyone learn about each other.
11. Mad Libs
Mad Libs have been a travel essential for decades. The word games encourage creativity, and they reinforce grammar skills – but in a fun way. In this game, one person asks for random words. They might be nouns, adjectives, or verbs. But they can’t reveal their context.
When the finished story is read out loud, the random words make it ridiculous and hilarious. Make sure you pack a Mad Libs book or create your own before your next trip. The sillier the words, the more laughs in return.
12. Karaoke Battle
Music is another great way to pass time on the road. But don’t think you’re limited to what’s on the radio or in your streaming library. Instead, have your kids take turns picking songs. You can turn it into a true karaoke challenge. The goal isn’t just to sing the lyrics, but to perform them with gusto!
You can turn the karaoke battle into a true competition by awarding points for:
- Whoever knows all the words
- Anyone who can dance along while staying buckled in.
- The singer with the most volume and energy.
You’ll all be laughing so much, you won’t even realize how much time has flown by.
Road Trips Become Adventures
You needn't feel frazzled with long car rides with the kids. Provided you carry the right mix of travel games, kids will tend to stay on task, stay entertained, and be in pleasant moods. They might even learn a thing or two on the way.
Travel games like telling stories, searching for street signs, and singing favorite songs all add fun on the journey for all.
Are you looking for travel-friendly toys and games? Safari Ltd. has a vast array of fun and educational options that are all but guaranteed to engage kids on the go.
