Road trips are all about adventure—the open road, changing views, and endless possibilities. But let’s be honest, long drives can get boring if you don’t have a plan. I’ve learned the best things to do while on a road trip to keep everyone entertained. I’ve tried everything from fun car trip games to great podcasts. In this guide, I’ll share my top tips to make every mile fun. Let’s hit the road and turn your trip into an amazing experience!
Entertaining Car Trip Games to Keep Everyone Engaged
Long drives can feel endless, but fun car trip games make the time fly! Whether you’re with friends, family, or kids, these games will keep everyone laughing. No Wi-Fi? No problem! Just bring your imagination and get ready for fun.
Classic Games to Play in the Car
20 Questions
One person thinks of something—a person, place, or thing. Others take turns asking yes-or-no questions to guess what it is. You only get 20 questions, so choose wisely! To make it tricky, pick something unexpected, like “a jellybean” or “the moon.”
I Spy
This is a simple but fun game. Someone picks an object in sight and says, “I spy with my little eye, something [color or clue].” Others guess until someone gets it right. It’s perfect for keeping kids entertained!
The License Plate Game
Look for license plates from different states and keep a list. How many can you find before the trip ends? Want a fun twist? Make silly acronyms from the letters, like “JKT-412” (Just Kidding, Totally!).
Would You Rather
Would you rather never pay for gas again or get free road trips forever? This game creates fun debates. One person asks a question with two choices, and everyone picks one. The weirder the question, the better!
Word and Trivia Games for Car Rides
Alphabet Game
Find words on road signs or billboards that start with each alphabet letter, from A to Z. The first to finish wins! Sounds easy, right? Wait until you reach X…
Name That Tune
Hum a song, whistle, or play a short clip from your playlist. Others guess the name and artist. Add a bonus round: “Finish the lyrics!” Music lovers will love this one.
Road Trip Trivia
Test your knowledge with fun trivia! Ask questions about movies, history, or road trip facts. Example: “Which U.S. state has the longest coastline?” (Hint: Alaska!) Keep score and see who wins.
Tech-Savvy Games Using Apps
Best Mobile Games for Car Rides
Phones can make road trips even more fun! Try Heads Up, Kahoot, or Psych! These games get everyone involved. Just make sure the driver stays focused!
Interactive Multiplayer Apps That Work Offline
No Wi-Fi? No problem! Play multiplayer games like Among Us (local mode), Spaceteam, or Uno! These keep the fun going, even in dead zones.
Creative and Fun Activities for the Road
Road trips are about more than just driving. They’re a chance to have fun and make memories. Try these creative and relaxing activities to keep your trip exciting!
Storytelling and Improv Games
Make Up a Group Story
One person starts a story with a sentence like, “I woke up in a spaceship…” Then, each person adds a line. The story gets funnier and wilder as it goes!
Silly Word Fill-In Game
Mad Libs is a blast! Someone asks for random words (like nouns or adjectives) without telling the story. Then, they read it out loud. The result? Pure comedy!
Write or Record Your Trip
Easy Travel Journal Ideas
Write about:
- The funniest thing that happened today.
- A cool place you saw.
- A crazy road sign or bumper sticker.
Best Apps for Capturing Memories
Want to record the trip? Try Day One (journaling), 1 Second Everyday (short daily videos), or Google Photos (collages and albums).
Music and Podcasts to Set the Mood
Must-Have Road Trip Songs
A great playlist makes the drive better! Add classics like Sweet Home Alabama, Life is a Highway, and Uptown Funk.
Best Podcasts for Road Trips
Need entertainment? Try:
- Crime Stories: Crime Junkie
- Laughs: SmartLess
- Cool Facts: Stuff You Should Know
A road trip isn’t just about getting somewhere—it’s about enjoying the ride. These fun activities will make the journey even better!
FAQs – Answering Common Road Trip Questions
What are the best games to play on a car ride with kids?
Kids love simple, fun games that keep them engaged. Try “I Spy” for a guessing challenge, “20 Questions” to get their brains working, or the “Alphabet Game” to spot words in order. If they love music, “Name That Tune” is a hit. For extra fun, bring travel-friendly board games or download kid-friendly apps.
How can I stay entertained during a long solo road trip?
A solo road trip can be an adventure! Listen to an exciting audiobook, binge a podcast, or create a killer playlist. Try learning a new language with an app, or make voice memos to capture your thoughts. Need a break? Stop at cool roadside attractions, take photos, and enjoy the journey.
What are some good road trip activities that don’t involve screens?
Unplugging can be fun! Play word games like “Would You Rather” or “Road Trip Trivia.” Tell stories or try group storytelling. Keep a travel journal to write down funny moments. Or, just enjoy the view and have real conversations—it’s a great way to bond!
How do I keep my passengers engaged on a long drive?
Mix things up! Play a mix of classic car games, trivia, and music challenges. Take snack breaks at cool spots. Let passengers take turns as “DJ” to keep the music fresh. A good mix of games, music, and fun chats will keep everyone entertained.
Are there any car games that work well for adults?
Absolutely! “20 Questions” and “Would You Rather” lead to hilarious debates. Try “The Movie Game” (naming movies starring the same actor) or “Finish the Lyrics” for a music challenge. Trivia games and road trip storytelling make the ride even better.
Conclusion – Enjoying Every Moment of the Journey
Road trips aren’t just about reaching a destination—they’re about the adventure along the way. Play games, tell stories, listen to music, and take in the scenery. Try new activities and switch things up to keep things fresh. Most importantly, enjoy the ride and make memories that last a lifetime!
