There’s nothing quite like a family road trip—the open road, the snacks, the sense of adventure. But if you’ve ever been on a long drive with kids, you know the challenge: keeping them entertained. After the first hour (or less), the dreaded “Are we there yet?” starts making an appearance. Instead of relying on screens for the whole journey, why not engage the whole family with fun, interactive games? These 10 road trip games will help make the drive smoother, encourage family bonding, and keep boredom at bay. Whether you’re traveling across states or just a few hours away, these games will make the miles fly by.

1. The Alphabet Game

A classic road trip favorite! Players take turns finding words on road signs, billboards, or license plates that start with each letter of the alphabet in order. The first person to reach Z wins! This game is great for keeping kids observant and engaged with their surroundings.

Variation: If you want to make it harder, try finding words that start and end with the letter you’re on. For example, if you’re on the letter B, words like "ball" or "barn" work.

2. 20 Questions

One person thinks of a person, place, or thing, and the rest of the car asks up to 20 yes-or-no questions to guess what it is. This game sparks curiosity and critical thinking, making it a perfect time-passer.

Tip: To make it more fun, set categories in advance, such as "famous people," "animals," or "places we've visited."

3. License Plate Hunt

Turn your road trip into a cross-country adventure by trying to spot license plates from different states. Keep a checklist and see how many states you can find by the end of the trip. This game works especially well on highways where cars all over travel.

Bonus Challenge: Assign points based on distance. For example, spotting a car from a neighboring state might earn one point, while a plate from across the country earns five.

4. Would You Rather?

Prepare a list of fun “Would You Rather?” questions, or let kids come up with their own. Examples include: “Would you rather have the ability to fly or be invisible?” or “Would you rather eat only ice cream or only pizza for the rest of your life?” This game gets kids thinking creatively and laughing along the way.

Tip: Keep a notebook or phone list with your favorite questions so you can reuse them on future trips.

5. I Spy

The rules are simple: one person says, “I spy with my little eye something [insert color or characteristic],” and the rest of the players try to guess what it is. This game is great for younger kids who love spotting things around them.

Variation: Try "I Spy Road Signs" where players must identify different road signs instead of random objects.

6. The Storytelling Game

One person starts a story with a single sentence, and each person in the car adds to it one sentence at a time. The sillier the story, the better! This game not only boosts creativity but also keeps kids entertained for long stretches of road.

Example Start: "Once upon a time, a cat wearing sunglasses took over a lemonade stand..."

7. Road Trip Bingo

Create bingo cards with common road trip sights, such as cows, a red car, a stop sign, a police car, a fast-food restaurant, or a bridge. Kids mark off each item as they spot it, and the first one to complete a row wins!

DIY Tip: Print out free road trip bingo templates online, or create your own on index cards before the trip.

8. Sing-Along Challenge

Put on a family-friendly playlist and have a sing-along! Turn it into a game by pausing a song and having someone finish the next line. You can also have a karaoke-style competition and let each family member perform their favorite song.

Bonus Round: Try making up your own road trip songs using familiar tunes but changing the lyrics to fit your journey.

9. Word Association Game

Start with a word, and the next person has to say a word related to it within five seconds. For example: “Sun” → “Beach” → “Sand” → “Castle.” If someone hesitates or repeats a word, they’re out! This game is great for quick thinking and keeping everyone engaged.

Challenge Mode: Set a theme, such as "food" or "things you see outside."

10. Name That Tune

Play a short clip of a song and see who can guess the title and artist first. You can make it easier for younger kids by using popular Disney songs or kids’ music, or challenge the adults with hits from different decades.

Variation: Try humming a song instead of playing it and see who can recognize it first!

Bonus Tips for a Smooth Road Trip

  • Pack Snacks: Having a variety of healthy and fun snacks can help keep kids from getting cranky.
  • Take Breaks: Plan for stops at scenic areas, parks, or interesting roadside attractions to break up the trip.
  • Create a Surprise Bag: Fill a bag with small toys, coloring books, or puzzles. Let kids pick a surprise when they reach certain milestones.
  • Audiobooks & Podcasts: Engaging stories can make the drive more enjoyable. Choose kid-friendly audiobooks or educational podcasts.
  • Give Kids a Map: Let older kids follow along on a map so they can see where you're going. It helps them feel involved in the journey.

Long road trips with kids don’t have to be filled with complaints and restlessness. By incorporating these fun games, you can turn your drive into an exciting part of the adventure rather than just a means to get to your destination. Plus, these games encourage creativity, learning, and family bonding—making your road trip memories even more special. So next time you hit the road, have these games ready and enjoy the ride!