“Road trips are where memories are made.”
That quote has always stuck with me because it’s true — but if you’ve ever traveled with kids, you know it isn’t always smooth sailing.
According to AAA, 78% of parents say keeping kids entertained is the hardest part of traveling by car. I’ve been there too! The constant “Are we there yet?” can turn a fun adventure into a stressful one.
That’s why I created this expanded guide with car activities for kids. Whether you’re planning a short weekend getaway or a full-on cross-country adventure, these ideas will help you make the journey fun for everyone.
From screen-free games and DIY crafts to travel activities for kids and best road trip activities for kids, you’ll find inspiration for toddlers, preschoolers, and older kids — all tested and parent-approved.
Best Car Activities for Kids
Over the years, I’ve tested dozens of car activities for kids. Here are some winners:
1. I Spy
A timeless classic that works for all ages. One person spots something outside the car, says “I spy something…” and gives a hint. Everyone else guesses until someone gets it right. This game keeps kids alert and curious.
Example: “I spy something red!” — kids spot a passing fire truck.
Some of our favorite toddler birthday games like scavenger hunts and ‘Would You Rather’ work great for road trips too!
2. 20 Questions
One person thinks of something — an animal, object, or place — and others have 20 yes/no questions to figure it out. It’s perfect for sparking creativity and family laughs.
Example: “Is it alive?” “Yes!” “Does it have fur?” “No!”
3. License Plate Bingo
Make a bingo card with states or regions. Every time someone spots a new plate, mark it off. First to complete a row wins. Great for long drives through multiple states.
Example: Kids spot plates from California, Texas, and Florida in one hour.
4. Story Building
Take turns adding lines to a silly story. The wilder, the better. This keeps kids engaged and boosts imagination.
Example: “Once upon a time, a chicken learned to drive a car…”
5. Alphabet Hunt
Go through the alphabet letter by letter, spotting signs, shops, or objects that start with each letter. Great for learning and focus.
Example: “A for Apple Market,” “B for Burger King,” “C for Car Wash.”
6. Would You Rather
Ask funny or tricky questions to spark conversations and giggles. These little debates get everyone talking and laughing together, making even long drives feel shorter.
Example: “Would you rather eat pizza for breakfast or ice cream for dinner?”
7. Guess the Sound
Play a short audio clip or make noises in the car and let kids guess what it is. Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers.
Example: Play bird chirping audio — kids guess “sparrow!”
8. Road Sign Spotting
Turn spotting road signs into a game. Look for shapes, colors, or numbers and discuss what they mean. This helps toddlers recognize symbols and older kids learn road safety.
Example: “Triangle means yield, octagon means stop!”
9. Travel Trivia
Prepare a list of fun trivia questions about animals, countries, or history to test everyone’s knowledge. It keeps everyone engaged and makes learning fun while driving down the highway.
Example: “What’s the largest mammal in the world?” — Answer: “Blue whale!”
10. Car Karaoke
Create a family playlist and sing along. Kids love performing, and it lightens the mood.
Car karaoke is also great for bonding because everyone can join in and have fun. Singing together keeps spirits high and makes the miles fly by!
Example: Belt out “Let It Go” from Frozen at full volume together!
Kids typically focus on one game for 15–25 minutes before needing a change.
Creative DIY Car Activities for Kids
DIY activities are my secret weapon for long rides, and here are five fun ideas:
1. Sticker Sheets & Mini Coloring Kits
Kids love stickers and coloring, and these kits require no prep at all. They keep little hands busy and spark creativity during long rides.
A simple set of animal stickers kept my 3-year-old entertained for an entire hour.
If you’re looking for even more ideas, these indoor activities for toddlers can be easily adapted for the backseat.
2. Water Painting Books
These reusable books let kids paint with water, making them mess-free and fun. Perfect for toddlers and preschoolers who enjoy creative play.
My daughter loves her Water Wow book and always finishes every page before we reach our first stop.
3. DIY Snack Games
Turn snack time into a playful activity with games like “Candy Color Sort” or “Build Your Necklace.” These games combine fun and tasty treats.
We once spent 30 minutes building cereal necklaces — the kids wore them proudly before eating them.
4. Sensory Kits
Small kits filled with soft toys and fidget-friendly items can keep kids calm and focused. They’re especially helpful for younger travelers.
A simple sensory kit with squishy toys helped my toddler relax during a four-hour drive.
5. Travel Journals
Encourage kids to create their own journals by drawing, writing, or adding stickers about the trip. It makes them feel involved and excited.
My son loves sketching landmarks we pass; his journal is now a little road trip memory book.
“Creativity is intelligence having fun.” — Albert Einstein
Many of these travel activities for toddlers can work just as well in the car as they do on a plane.
Best Travel Toys for Road Trips with Kids
Through trial and error, I’ve found the best road trip activities for kids often come from the right toys. Check out these top-rated travel toys and make your next family road trip easier, safer, and a lot more fun!
- Magnetic puzzles & compact games
- LCD writing tablets for doodles
- Pop-its & fidget toys for restless hands
- Curated activity kits built for road trips
- Cozy plushies for comfort
- Travel-friendly LEGO sets for creative play
- Mini art supplies kits for drawing and doodling
- Handheld electronic learning games
- Magnetic building blocks for quiet, mess-free fun
When picking toys, prioritize safety and portability.
Amazon’s Best-Selling Kids Travel Activity Kit — a top choice for car trip activities.
Tips for Stress-Free Road Trips with Kids
After dozens of family trips, here’s what keeps me sane:
- Schedule pit stops every 90 minutes
- Pack healthy snacks like fruit pouches and granola bars
- Use backseat organizers for clutter-free trips
- Bring a “mystery bag” of surprises and mini travel games for kids in car
- Keep wipes and sanitizer handy
Need snack inspiration for the ride? Try these toddler lunchbox ideas that travel well and keep kids satisfied.
“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” — Benjamin Franklin
FAQs About Car Activities for Kids
How can I keep toddlers entertained during long car rides?
Pack toddler-friendly toys like water painting books, sticker sheets, and fidget kits. Include simple games like I Spy and Guess the Sound for quick fun.
What are the safest snacks for road trips with kids?
Opt for healthy, mess-free snacks such as fruit pouches, cheese sticks, and granola bars. These minimize cleanup while keeping kids full and happy.
Should I let kids use tablets?
Yes, but in moderation. Tablets can be a great tool for keeping kids entertained on long drives, especially with educational apps, movies, or audiobooks. However, it’s best to balance screen time with plenty of car ride activities like games, crafts, and storytelling to keep kids engaged and encourage family interaction.
Conclusion
With these car activities for kids, your next road trip will be smoother, happier, and more memorable. Whether it’s a short drive or a long adventure, these kids’ road trip activities keep boredom away while creating lasting memories.
Add a variety of printable challenges, creative crafts, and best games for long car rides, and you’ll transform every journey into an adventure.
Turn every road trip into a joyful memory — create your own adventure, enjoy quality time, and make every journey special with these fun ideas and tips!
