Long road trips can be a fantastic opportunity to bond with your family or friends, explore new places, and enjoy the freedom of the open road. However, they can also become a bit monotonous, especially when you’re stuck in the car for hours on end. The good news is that there are plenty of fun and engaging games you can play along the way to make the time fly by. Here are seven exciting games to play on the road that are sure to keep everyone entertained and make your trip even more memorable.
1. I Spy
“I Spy” is a classic game that never gets old, making it perfect for road trips. The rules are simple: one person chooses an object in or outside the car and says, “I spy with my little eye, something that is [color, shape, or characteristic].” The other players take turns guessing what the object is based on the clue given.
Why It’s Fun:
- It encourages observation and attention to detail, as players need to look carefully at their surroundings.
- It works well for all ages, as the clues can be adjusted to suit the group’s knowledge level (e.g., for younger children, use colors; for older kids, use more abstract clues).
- It requires no equipment and can be played anywhere, making it ideal for long stretches on the road.
2. 20 Questions
“20 Questions” is another great game that helps pass the time. In this game, one player thinks of an object, person, or place, and the others try to guess what it is by asking yes-or-no questions. The goal is to figure out what the person is thinking within 20 questions.
Why It’s Fun:
- It’s a fun way to exercise problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
- It sparks creativity, as the object or person chosen can be anything—real or fictional.
- It’s easy to play with any number of people, and everyone can take turns being the “answerer.”
3. The Alphabet Game
In the Alphabet Game, players look for letters of the alphabet in order, starting with “A” and ending with “Z.” The twist is that the letters must be found on road signs, billboards, car license plates, or anything outside the vehicle. Each letter must be spotted in sequence, and once you reach “Z,” the game starts over.
Why It’s Fun:
- It encourages players to stay alert and actively engage with their surroundings.
- It’s an exciting challenge to find each letter, and some letters (like “Q” and “Z”) can be harder to spot, adding an element of suspense.
- It’s a fantastic game for all ages, from younger kids learning the alphabet to older passengers who enjoy the competitive aspect.
4. Road Trip Bingo
Road trip bingo is a fantastic way to turn the journey into a game. Before the trip, create bingo cards that feature common things you might see on the road (e.g., cows, red cars, stop signs, specific types of vehicles like RVs, or animals). As you drive, players mark off the items they spot. The first person to fill in a row (or the entire card) wins!
Why It’s Fun:
- It keeps everyone engaged and alert during the trip, with a focus on observing the passing landscape.
- It’s a perfect game for younger children, as it helps improve their recognition skills and can be made as simple or complex as needed.
- You can make personalized bingo cards based on the route you’re taking, making it even more exciting.
5. Would You Rather?
“Would You Rather?” is a great conversation starter and can be hilarious on the road. Players take turns asking each other “Would you rather” questions, which offer two extreme or funny choices. For example, “Would you rather have a pet dinosaur or a pet dragon?” or “Would you rather drive on the moon or under the ocean?”
Why It’s Fun:
- It sparks interesting, creative conversations and encourages everyone to think about silly scenarios.
- It’s great for breaking the ice if you’re traveling with people you don’t know well.
- There are no limits to the questions, so it can go on for hours without getting repetitive.
6. The License Plate Game
In the License Plate Game, players try to spot license plates from as many different states or countries as possible. You can make a checklist or a map to track where each plate is from. The goal is to see how many different places you can find during the trip.
Why It’s Fun:
- It adds a competitive element, with everyone trying to find plates from the most diverse range of locations.
- It’s a great educational game that can teach kids about geography and different places.
- You can track your progress on a map or a list, making it an exciting way to see how far you’ve traveled and where you’ve been.
7. Storytelling Round
In this game, players take turns creating a story, but with a twist: each person can only add one sentence at a time. The story continues to grow with each player’s contribution. The challenge is to make the story interesting, funny, or dramatic, depending on the direction it goes. At the end, you’ll have a completely unique and often hilarious tale to share.
Why It’s Fun:
- It sparks creativity and can lead to unpredictable and funny stories.
- It’s a great bonding activity, as it requires everyone to work together to build the narrative.
- It’s suitable for all ages, and kids especially love seeing where their imagination takes them.