School is ending soon and summer is just around the corner! And that means vacation time! We love going on vacations as a family. Last year we drove from Utah to Southern California with two little kids. But luckily it went pretty well because we were prepared.
Are you planning a road trip this summer? A little worried about keeping the kids entertained?
Well have no fear! Here are 15 games to play in the car.
And even if you are’t planning a road trip, even short car rides can often be in need of a game when kids are fighting or crying or bored. And it’s a fun way to bring the family together while in the car!
Story cards from Get Away Today
Have each person pick 4 of the story cards and make up their own story including all the cards.
Free printable included!
Bring plenty of books to read
My kids love reading books in the car so we always have some in there. If you’re going on a trip, grab some new ones from the library that they’ll enjoy. Audio books are fun too!
Auto Bingo from My Delicious Ambiguity
Remember the good old slug bug game? Well here’s a tamer version with no hitting involved and open to any type of car.
I Spy
My toddler loves it when we pick out things we see and see if she can find it too!
Simon Says
You be Simon and have your kids do what you say by starting with “Simon Says.” For example, “Simon Says pat your head.” Keep going until you don’t say “Simon Says” and someone does it. You can have them be out or just start again.
I’m Thinking of an Animal
Describe an animal and have your kids guess what animal you’re describing.
Guess the Song
Play different songs from your musical device and see who can guess the song and how fast! You can listen to the song or go to the next one. Feel free to sing along!
Color Game
Pick a color and say all the things you see that are that color.
Guess the Time of Arrival
We did this a lot as kids with my dad. We would guess what time we would pull into the driveway to the exact minute. Whoever is the closest without going over wins! I find that my husband and I do this sometimes now that we live an hour from family.
Road Trip Count Down from The Dating Divas
Break up your trip into cities and label them on these free printables and pull them down as you reach each one.
Scavenger Hunt from B Wood
Create a scavenger hunt of different things you’ll see along the road on your trip. If you make a more generic one, you can use this on smaller trips as well.
Alphabet Magnet Tray from We Like to Learn as We Go
Check out this easy tutorial of how to make a magnetic alphabet tray. Really anything magnetic is awesome so the pieces won’t get lost in the car. You can have your kids search for letters they see on the drive and identify them on the board or try to find every letter.
Bingo Logos from The Organised Housewife
Gas stations, restaurants, stores.. you know what you’ll see along the way! Collect their logos and make a bingo board or you can get this free printable.
License Plate Game from Prepared NOT Scared
Check out these awesome free printables with check boxes when you see each state. You can laminate them to reuse them.
Travel Map from Get Away Today
If you happen to be heading from Utah to Disneyland, you can print out this free map.
Speaking of Disneyland…are you planning a trip to Disneyland? Or want to plan a trip to Disneyland? Get Away Today has some awesome deals going on!
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Las Vegas Packages
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Check out Get Away Today for these awesome deals and packages!
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Julia Klimek says
Alexis – I pinned this! Much needed ideas for anyone with kids of any age! A couple of other ideas – we covered a lap sized piece of card board with felt and taped/stapled on. Then cut out tons of shapes with different colored felt… the shapes stick to the board and the kids can make pictures… Also – brought a package of fake mustaches – the kids had HOURS of fun waving to people with their mustaches on. LOL. Best $4 I ever spent! Julia
ATanner110 says
Thanks for pinning Julia! I love the felt board idea! And the mustaches! Hahaha! I'll definitely remember those for our next road trip.
Kimberly Lewis says
What cute ideas! Pinned! Thank you for being part of our party. Please stop by on Tuesday and share one of your incredible projects. http://loulougirls.blogspot.com/
Happy Saturday! Lou Lou Girls
ATanner110 says
Thanks for pinning! And thanks for inviting me to your party!