Last Updated: June 2026 – 20 Fun Road Trip Games for Kids & Teens
Family road trips can be some of the best memories you make together. We have taken our kids on at least 2 road trips a year for the last 20+ years. They are good for my soul. There is nothing quite like getting out and exploring the world and spending that time together. On that note, long drives also come with the challenge of keeping kids entertained. Instead of relying on screens or listening to “Are we there yet?” on repeat, try these simple, fun, and engaging road trip games that work for all ages.
These activities encourage creativity, connection, and laughter, and they require little to no supplies. Whether you’re heading out for a weekend getaway or a long cross‑country drive, this list will help the miles go by faster.
Road Trip Games
1. The Alphabet Game
Look for letters A through Z on signs, billboards, or license plates. First one to Z wins.
2. Would You Rather
Take turns asking silly, thoughtful, or outrageous “Would you rather” questions. Teens especially enjoy this one.
3. 20 Questions
One person thinks of something. Everyone else gets up to 20 yes/no questions to guess it. Here is a free 20 Questions Printable you can use with 60 answer ideas!
4. I Spy
A classic for younger kids. “I spy with my little eye something green.”
5. Name That Tune
Play a few seconds of a song and see who can guess it first.
6. The Movie Game
Pick a letter. Everyone names movies starting with that letter until someone repeats or gets stuck.
7. Story Builder
One person starts a story with one sentence. Each person adds a sentence. It gets funny fast.
8. License Plate Bingo
Try to spot plates from as many states as possible. Keep a tally.
9. Two Truths and a Lie
Each person shares two true things and one lie. Everyone guesses the lie.
10. The Category Game
Pick a category (animals, candy, Disney movies). Go around naming items until someone repeats or can’t think of one.
11. Road Trip Scavenger Hunt
Look for things like a red barn, a cow, a bridge, a yellow truck, or a construction cone.
12. The Quiet Game
Who can stay quiet the longest. Parents appreciate this one.
13. Rhyme Time
One person says a word. Everyone takes turns saying rhyming words until someone gets stuck.
14. Guess the Sound
Turn off the radio and listen. Guess what you hear inside or outside the car.
15. The Color Car Game
Pick a color. Every time you see a car in that color, you get a point.
16. Emoji Stories
Someone texts or shows an emoji sequence. Everyone guesses the story.
17. Name That Snack
Blindfold a player and have them guess the snack by taste or smell.
18. Road Trip Trivia
Ask trivia questions about states, animals, movies, or your own family history.
19. The Compliment Game
Each person gives a compliment to the person next to them. Simple and sweet.
20. The No‑Repeat Song Challenge
Sing songs, but you can’t repeat any that have already been sung.
Bonus Travel Crafts and Activities
Travel I Spy Card Game
Print simple I Spy cards with four items on each card. Hand one to each child and see who can find all four items first. Swap cards and play again. You can print your own, use stickers, or laminate them for reuse.
Travel Magnet Boards
Pick up a cookie sheet from the dollar store and check that magnets stick to it. Cover it with patterned paper and Mod Podge if you want it to look nicer. Add magnetic letters, numbers, shapes, or small cars. Kids can build words, solve math problems, or drive cars along a taped‑on road.
Paper Activity Folder
Use a portfolio folder and fill it with printed puzzles, mazes, coloring pages, word searches, and age‑appropriate challenges. Tie a pencil to the folder with string so it never gets lost.
Bead Stringing Kits
Fill small baggies with yarn or stretchy cord and a handful of beads. Kids can make bracelets, patterns, or simple crafts while riding. Have one of each string already knotted with a bead so they can just start beading.
Magnetic Bingo Boards
Use an 8×8 sheet of metal and Mod Podge a printed bingo board onto it. Make magnetic markers using small magnets and beads or buttons. Kids can play bingo again and again without losing pieces.
More travel posts:
What to Expect at the Bat Flight Program in Carlsbad Caverns National Park – New Mexico
Carlsbad Caverns National Park – New Mexico
White Sands National Park – New Mexico
Please leave a comment letting me know what your favorite road trip games are!
Great ideas for summer crafts for kids! I especially love the travel crafts and activities section. My kids are always looking for new ways to be creative and learn while on vacation. The scavenger hunt idea is a great way to get them engaged and excited about their travels. Can’t wait to try these out on our next family trip!