8 Ideas for Fun Family Road Trip Activities

Celebrate the freedom of the road! Since the first car was sold in 1896, families have been taking to the road for vacations. Remember all your family car trips with your siblings? “He’s looking at me.” “She’s touching me.” “You’re on my side.” “Are we there yet?” Ah, the memories.

Well, here are 8 ideas for fun family road trip activities to help keep the family peace:

1. The Alphabet Game: Pick a subject – animals, foods, cities – and let each person name something in that category in alphabetical order. For example, if you choose foods, begin with apple for A. The next person would say banana for B until you get to Z. If you really want a challenge, make each person list all the items that have been named so far. If they get stuck, everyone can help.

2. The License Plate Game: See how many different states license plates you can find on the road. Keep a list or print out a map and check them off. Try to find all 50 states!

3. Picture it: Purchase a disposable camera for each child and let them become amateur photographers. When the trip is over, have the photos printed and let them create their own memory book complete with captions. So great to see life through a child’s eyes.

4. Travel Bingo: Go to your local dollar store and buy a travel bingo game. Remember the little red windows that you slide when the space is called? So fun! Or pick up some other magnetic travel-size games such as chess or checkers. The time will fly by.

5. Counting Games: This game could be great for the younger kids. Pick something fun to “spy” such as a cow, a horse, or a red car. See how many they can count along the way. You can even keep score and give a fun little prize to the winner!

6. 20 Questions: This is a classic! Player 1 thinks of an object; then the other players take turns asking questions (one at a time) to try and guess what it is. The limit is 20 questions. If the other players do not guess correctly, player 1 wins!

7. Travel Totes: Plan ahead! Purchase an inexpensive tote bag for each child and fill it with their favorite books, crayons, coloring books, paper, snacks, and toys. Eliminate the fights for the crayons and coloring books. Everyone will have their own play area!

8. Roadside Attractions: When you have to stop and take a little break, which is not optional with children, find someplace fun! An ice cream stand in the shape of a cone or a retro diner with amazing grilled cheese sandwiches. Make it an adventure within an adventure!

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8 Ideas for Fun Family Road Trip Activities

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