Boredom Busters: 18 Family Road Trip Games for Kids of All Ages

Few things bring families together quite like a road trip.

The open highway, the changing landscapes, the snacks that somehow taste better in the car—it’s all part of the adventure.

But if you’ve ever been on a long drive with kids in the back seat, you know the excitement can fade fast once the initial thrill wears off. That’s when the dreaded “Are we there yet?” starts echoing through the car.

Luckily, with a good mix of road trip games up your sleeve, those hours on the road can turn into some of your favorite family memories.

Let’s explore some tried-and-true games (and a few new ones) that will keep everyone entertained from the first mile to the last.

Classic Road Trip Games That Never Get Old

1. The License Plate Game
A road trip staple for decades, this one never fails to spark some friendly competition. Keep a list of all 50 states and check them off as you spot different license plates. You can make it even more fun by awarding bonus points for Canadian provinces or rare plates like Alaska or Hawaii. Want to up the challenge? Add a twist: have each person shout out an interesting fact or nickname about the state when they find it.

2. I Spy
“I spy with my little eye…”—and just like that, boredom disappears for a while. The beauty of I Spy is that it works for kids of almost any age. Choose an object visible in or around the car, give a clue about its color or shape, and let the guessing begin. To make it more engaging on long drives, pick themes like “nature,” “vehicles,” or “things that start with a certain letter.”

3. 20 Questions
Someone thinks of a person, place, or thing, and the rest of the car has twenty yes-or-no questions to figure it out. It’s simple, easy, and surprisingly addictive. The key is to start broad (“Is it a person?” “Is it something alive?”) and then narrow it down from there. It’s a sneaky way to get kids thinking critically while having fun.

4. The Alphabet Game
This one’s great for when you’re driving through towns or along highways filled with signs. Each person looks for words starting with each letter of the alphabet, from A to Z. The first one to spot all 26 wins! It’s fast-paced, fun, and helps pass the time in bursts of excitement. (Good luck finding “Q” and “Z”—those are always the hardest!)

Games for Creative Kids

5. Story Builders
Here’s where imagination takes the wheel. One person starts a story with a sentence like, “Once upon a time, there was a raccoon who wanted to drive a car.” Then, each passenger adds one sentence at a time, building on the story. You’ll be amazed how funny, silly, and unpredictable things can get. This one often ends in giggles—and maybe even a few running jokes that last the whole trip.

6. Would You Rather?
This game can go from funny to downright weird in no time, and that’s what makes it so fun. Take turns asking each other “Would you rather” questions—like “Would you rather have to sing everything you say or dance everywhere you go?” It’s perfect for families because you can adjust the questions to fit any age group. Plus, you might learn something new about your kids’ personalities!

7. Car Karaoke
If you’ve got a family that loves music, this one’s a must. Create a playlist before you leave filled with everyone’s favorites—classic rock, Disney hits, country tunes, whatever gets the car grooving. Take turns picking songs, and have fun belting them out together. Bonus points for dramatic performances or dance moves (just not from the driver!).

8. Road Trip Bingo
Before you hit the road, print or make your own bingo cards with things you might see along the way: cows, rest stops, red cars, motorcycles, water towers, or even a “Welcome to [State]” sign. Every time someone spots an item, they mark it off their card. First to get five in a row wins! You can offer small prizes like getting to pick the next snack stop or song.

Educational Games That Are Actually Fun

9. State Facts Showdown
Turn learning into a challenge! As you drive through or near a state, quiz the family on fun facts: the capital city, state bird, or a famous landmark. You can use flashcards or just come up with questions on the fly. It’s a great way to sneak in a geography lesson without anyone realizing it.

10. Math in Motion
For younger kids, turn passing cars into math fun. For example, if a car with three people passes, and there are four in your own, ask, “How many people total?” For older kids, throw in quick mental math challenges or number games with mile markers or license plates.

11. The Spelling Bee Game
Challenge your passengers to a mini spelling bee using words inspired by your surroundings—like “mountain,” “highway,” or “adventure.” Kids can earn points or bragging rights for getting them right. Who knew spelling could feel like a road trip sport?

Screen-Free Fun for the Whole Family

12. Name That Tune
Someone hums or whistles a song (no singing allowed!), and the others have to guess the title or artist. For an extra challenge, use only the first few notes. It’s amazing how fast everyone becomes competitive with this one.

13. The Movie Game
One person names an actor, and the next person has to name a movie that actor was in. The next person must then name another actor from that movie, and so on. It keeps everyone thinking and can go on for ages. You might even rediscover some family-favorite films along the way.

14. Two Truths and a Lie
Each person takes turns saying three statements—two true and one false—and everyone else has to guess the lie. It’s fun, fast, and great for learning surprising little facts about each other. Perfect for families with older kids or teens.

15. Roadside Scavenger Hunt
Make a list of things to spot along the way—like a windmill, an RV, a police car, or a field of cows. You can make it a team effort or a friendly competition. Want to make it extra fun? Give bonus points for unusual finds, like a pink car or a funny billboard.

Quiet Time Games (for When You Need a Break)

Let’s be honest—after a few hours, even the most fun car games can get a little loud. When you’re ready for something calmer, these quieter options can help keep everyone happy without the volume.

16. The Silent Game
It’s simple: everyone stays quiet as long as they can. The first one to talk loses. The longer it goes, the funnier it gets—especially when someone tries to make the others laugh. Parents everywhere know this one’s a lifesaver.

17. Audio Adventures
Audiobooks or family-friendly podcasts are perfect for winding down. Pick a funny story or a kid-friendly mystery and let the narration carry everyone away. It’s also a great way to keep the car peaceful while still feeling connected through a shared story.

18. Dream Trip Planning
Ask everyone to describe their dream road trip—where they’d go, what they’d do, what snacks they’d pack. You can even have each person “pitch” their idea, and the rest of the family votes on the best one. Who knows, it might inspire your next real-life adventure!

Tips to Make Road Trip Games Even Better

Keep a “Game Bag” with paper, pencils, travel-size games, and small prizes.
Rotate games every hour or two to keep things fresh.
Use short stops—like rest areas or viewpoints—to stretch, take photos, and recharge before starting a new round.
Let kids take turns being the “Game Leader.” It gives them ownership and helps prevent backseat boredom meltdowns.

Wrapping It Up

Family road trips are about so much more than getting from one place to another—they’re about laughter, connection, and shared moments that become part of your family story. With the right mix of games and creativity, those long stretches of highway can turn into a treasure chest of memories. So, next time you load up the car and hit the road, remember that the journey can be just as fun as the destination.

Who knows? The games you play today might become the family traditions your kids carry on years from now.