Fun Things to Do on a Road Trip for Tweens

Road trips with tweens are a mix of fun and chaos — the open road, lots of snacks, and plenty of “Are we there yet?” moments. I remember one summer drive when my niece and nephew turned a simple car ride into a game marathon — I Spy, singing contests, and silly word games. But let’s be honest — keeping tweens happy in the car takes more than just a playlist. That’s why I’ve put together the best things to do on a road trip for tweens — fun games, creative car activities for kids, and screen-free ideas for 10-year-olds. So grab your snacks, and let’s make this trip one to remember!

Fun Road Trip Games for Tweens

Long car rides with tweens can flip from fun to “I’m bored!” in minutes. The trick? Games — lots of them! Whether you’re playing old-school classics or using a bit of tech, there’s something for every mood. Let’s dive into some easy, fun games to keep the trip exciting and the kids laughing.

Classic Road Trip Games

Sometimes, simple games are the best — no screens, just quick thinking and big laughs.

• The License Plate Game
  Spot as many state plates as you can. Rare ones like Hawaii or Alaska score extra points! It’s a great way to sneak in a little geography while keeping their eyes on the road.
• 20 Questions
  One person thinks of something — a person, place, or thing — and everyone else asks yes-or-no questions to figure it out. It’s fun when tweens pick silly answers like “a cloud shaped like a duck.”
• I Spy
  “I spy with my little eye…” something green, something square, something moving. It’s simple and makes even boring highways more fun.
• Would You Rather?
  Would you rather have spaghetti for hair or ice cubes for toes? Tweens love wacky choices — and coming up with their own!

Tech-Friendly Games

A little screen time can be a lifesaver. These games keep kids busy without zoning them out.

• Mobile Trivia Apps (Kahoot, Heads Up!)
  Turn the car into a game show! Kahoot lets you create quizzes about anything, even your trip. Heads Up! is a fun word-guessing game that always leads to giggles.
• Multiplayer Tablet Games
  Games like Mario Kart Tour or Roblox let kids play together, even if they’re on separate devices. Don’t forget the chargers!
• Audiobook Guessing Game
  Listen to an audiobook — a mystery or adventure works best — and pause every so often to ask, “What happens next?” It keeps them hooked and thinking.

Creative and DIY Games

For kids who love to create, these games spark their imagination.

• Story-Building Game
  Start a story with a simple line like, “A cat found a magic hat…” Then, each person adds a sentence. The weirder, the better!
• Road Trip Scavenger Hunt
  Make a list: a red barn, a blue truck, a dog in a car. Whoever finds them all first wins!
• Guess That Song
  Play a few seconds of a song and see who can guess it first. Mix their favorites with some of your old-school hits — just to hear their reactions!

Engaging Car Activities for Kids

Keeping kids happy during a long car ride can be tricky. One minute, they’re munching on snacks, and the next, they’re asking, “Are we there yet?” The key is simple — fun activities that keep their hands busy and minds moving. Let’s explore some easy, creative car activities for kids that will make the ride fly by!

Creative Activities

If your kids love to draw or craft, these ideas are perfect:

• Travel Journals and Doodles
  Give them a notebook to draw what they see — funny road signs, cool buildings, or silly clouds. Let them add stickers or color their doodles. It’s a great way to pass the time.
• Sticker Books and Coloring Pages
  Pack some sticker sheets, and print out fun coloring pages. Road trip themes work great. It’s simple, mess-free, and keeps their creativity flowing.
• Origami and Paper Crafts
  Bring some paper and an easy origami guide. They can make paper animals, hats, or simple shapes. It’s a quiet activity that sparks their imagination.

Educational Fun

Turn the car into a fun learning zone without making it feel like school:

• Kid-Friendly Podcasts
  Find podcasts made for kids — from science facts to funny stories. Let them pick a show and listen along. It’s like storytime on the go!
• Learn a New Language with Apps
  Use apps like Duolingo to learn simple words in another language. Bonus points if it’s the language spoken where you’re going!
• Fun Fact Road Trip Quiz
  Look up fun facts about the towns you drive through. Ask questions like, “Who can spot the tallest building?” or “Guess how long this river is!” It keeps them curious and tuned into the trip.

Interactive and Social Activities

Got more than one kid in the car? These games bring lots of laughs and friendly competition:

• Road Trip Bingo
  Make bingo cards with things like a red car, a cow, or a gas station. The first one to spot five in a row wins! Add fun challenges like “wave at another car” for extra giggles.
• Friendship Bracelets
  Pack some string or beads. Let the kids make bracelets for each other or as souvenirs from the trip. It’s a sweet way to pass the time.
• Storytime Game
  Start a story with one line: “Once there was a cat who could fly…” Then, each person adds a sentence. The sillier, the better!

Screen-Free Road Trip Activities for 10-Year-Olds

Keeping a 10-year-old happy on a long drive without a screen sounds tricky, but it’s easier than you think! With some fun ideas, you can turn car time into a mini-adventure. Let’s dive into simple, exciting activities that keep kids smiling and busy.

Books and Audiobooks

Books and audiobooks are awesome road trip buddies. They make the miles fly by and spark your kid’s imagination.

• Fun Audiobooks for Tweens
  Pick thrilling audiobooks like Harry Potter or Percy Jackson. A good story grabs everyone’s attention — and suddenly, you’re miles down the road.
• Choosing the Right Book
  Let your tween choose a book before the trip. Whether it’s a mystery or a comic book, giving them a say makes it special. Surprise them with a new one for those “I’m bored” moments!

Music and Singing Games

Music isn’t just background noise — it’s a party waiting to happen!

• Make a Road Trip Playlist Together
  Let everyone pick their favorite songs and create a playlist. Mix their hits with some throwback songs — you might turn them into fans of your old-school jams!
• Karaoke Showdown
  Turn the car into a concert! Pick a song, sing your heart out, and have the others give fun scores. Bonus points for dance moves (but keep it safe for the driver!).

Snack Games

Snacks are a road trip must-have — but why not make them fun, too?

• Snack Boss
  Give your tween a small budget to pick snacks before the trip. Let them mix sweet, salty, and healthy treats. It’s a simple way to make them feel in charge.
• Mystery Snack Game
  Pack surprise snacks in paper bags. Every time you stop, they grab one without peeking. It’s a fun way to keep snack time exciting!

Keeping Tweens Comfortable and Engaged

Road trips with tweens can be fun, but keeping them comfortable is important. Here are some tips to help make the ride better for everyone.

Packing Essentials

When getting ready for a road trip, think about what will make the ride easier. A few simple things can help avoid discomfort and complaints.

Cozy Travel Pillows and Blankets
These are lifesavers. A neck pillow and blanket make the car feel more comfortable. Tweens will enjoy the extra comfort, especially during long drives or chilly air-conditioned rides.

Motion Sickness Remedies
For tweens who get motion sickness, pack remedies like ginger chews or anti-nausea wristbands. These can help keep everyone feeling good. Fresh air during stops also works wonders.

Snacks and Hydration
Snacks are key to keeping tweens happy, but it’s best to pack healthy options. Try nuts, fruit, or yogurt tubes. Keep water bottles handy to stay hydrated. When tweens aren’t thirsty or hungry, they’re much happier.

Encouraging Breaks and Stretching

Sitting in the car for too long can be tough. Tweens need breaks to stretch their legs and stay active. These stops will keep their energy up.

Fun Stops at Roadside Attractions
Look for fun and quirky stops along the way. Things like a giant statue or a small museum can make the drive more exciting. I once stopped at a giant ball of twine — and it became the best part of the trip!

Mini Exercise Challenges at Rest Stops
At rest stops, make it fun! Have a mini stretching session or challenge them to a cartwheel contest. These small activities help release energy and keep the trip fun.

Keeping Tweens Happy and Energized

By packing the right things, encouraging breaks, and staying active, the road trip becomes a more enjoyable experience. A little planning will make your trip smoother and more fun for everyone.

FAQs: Answering Common Questions About Road Trip Activities

What are the best road trip activities for tweens?

The best activities for tweens on a road trip mix fun and creativity. Classic games like “I Spy” and “20 Questions” are always a hit. You can also try tech-friendly games like Kahoot or Heads Up! For something more hands-on, try a road trip scavenger hunt or a story-building game. The key is variety—keep the tweens entertained with different games and activities to keep them engaged.

How can I keep my tween entertained without screens?

To entertain tweens without screens, try creative activities like travel journals or making friendship bracelets. Podcasts are great for learning or fun stories. You can also try apps that teach a new language. And, of course, audiobooks are a perfect choice—they’ll get lost in a great story and forget about the miles ahead.

What are some fun games to play in the car?

There are lots of fun games to play in the car! “The License Plate Game” is always exciting, and “Would You Rather” gets everyone laughing. Tech games like Kahoot or tablet games are great for keeping tweens entertained, too. You can even make up your games like “Guess That Song” or the “Story-Building Game,” where everyone adds a sentence to create a funny story.

What should I pack for a tween-friendly road trip?

For a tween-friendly road trip, pack comfy items like travel pillows and blankets. Snacks are a must, so mix healthy and fun options like fruit, granola bars, and yogurt tubes. Don’t forget water bottles to stay hydrated. For activities, bring sticker books, journals, and easy crafts like origami. These simple things will keep your tweens comfortable and entertained on the road.

Conclusion

Road trips with tweens can be a mix of fun and excitement, but a little planning can make all the difference. The secret is to have a variety of games, activities, and a bit of flexibility. From playing “I Spy” to making crafts, there’s something for everyone. Don’t forget to pack plenty of snacks and great music to keep the energy up.

Above all, road trips are about making memories. The fun moments—whether it’s laughing over silly stories or stopping at a cool spot—are the ones they’ll remember. So, relax, enjoy the ride, and be open to trying new things.

Have you gone on a road trip with your tweens? What are your favorite games or tips? Please share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments!