Rev Up Your Road Trip: Fun Hacks and Games for the Whole Family
As summer approaches, many families are planning road trips or long car journeys. While these trips can be exciting, they can also be challenging, especially for children who may get bored and restless during the journey. But with a little creativity and preparation, you can turn your long car journey into a fun adventure for everyone. Here are some hacks and games that will make your journey more enjoyable and entertaining.

Why not make a Road Trip Cootie Catcher – a fun paper toy to help you choose what game to play next?!
Fun with Family Classic Games
The License Plate Game
This classic game is a great way to keep children entertained on long car journeys. The aim of the game is to spot as many different license plates from different states or countries as possible. Keep a tally of the plates you see and try to spot all 50 states. You could even make it a competition and see who can spot the most plates.
The Alphabet Game
Another classic game that can be played on long car journeys is the Alphabet Game. The aim of the game is to find each letter of the alphabet in order, using signs, billboards, or other objects outside the car. The first person to spot all the letters wins.
The Memory Game
This game is great for both children and adults. One person starts by saying “I’m going on a road trip and I’m bringing (an item starting with the letter A)” and the next person repeats what the first person said and adds an item starting with the letter B, and so on. The game continues until someone forgets an item, and the last person to remember all the items wins.
Car Bingo
Create bingo cards with different objects that you might see on the journey, such as cows, red cars, or water towers. The first person to spot all the objects on their card wins.
The Sing-Along Game
This game involves choosing a song and singing it together as a family. Each person takes turns choosing a song, and the others have to sing along. You could even create a family playlist before the journey begins.
The Storytelling Game
This game involves creating a story as a family, with each person adding a sentence or two to the story. The story can be silly or serious, and you can take turns to continue the story.
The I-Spy Game
This game is a classic and can keep children entertained for hours. Choose an object outside the car, and say “I spy with my little eye something beginning with (the first letter of the object)”. The other players have to guess what the object is.
PLANNING AHEAD FOR YOUR CAR JOURNEY
DIY Activity Books
Create DIY activity books for each child, filled with coloring pages, puzzles, and games. You could also include a travel journal where children can document their journey, including the places they visit and the things they see.
DIY Snack Packs
Create DIY snack packs for each child before the journey begins. This will keep them fed and happy during the journey, and avoid any arguments over snacks. Include healthy snacks like fruit and nuts, and some treats like cookies or candy.
DIY Car Organizer
Create a DIY car organizer for each child, filled with their favorite books, toys, and games. This will keep them entertained during the journey and make it easy for them to access their things.
Remember, the journey is just as important as the destination. With these hacks and games, you can turn your long car journey into a fun and memorable adventure for the whole family. Don’t forget to stop along the way to explore new places and create new memories together. Happy travels!