10 Road Trip Games and Activities Your Family Will Love

Planning a road trip with kids can be just as memorable as the destination itself—if you’ve got the right activities lined up. Over the years, I’ve discovered that having a diverse mix of travel-friendly games and activities can even turn a routine drive into an adventure. Here’s a look at some of our favorites and how we keep everyone in the car, from the youngest to the oldest, entertained and happy.

Let’s start with what we’ve found to be the foundation of a smooth road trip: setting up an effective space for activities. In our car, we use a simple but ingenious setup: a six-drawer sliding organizer that fits perfectly between seats. This isn’t just about tidiness—it’s about making all of the kids’ must-haves readily accessible, from their cherished gummy snacks to their favorite dinosaur toys. You could opt for backpacks or seat organizers, but the key is to have something that allows easy access and quick cleanups. Make sure they also bring along some comfort items, such as throw blankets, neck pillows, and a safe travel booster seat (if age appropriate).

Now, onto the games and activities that have proven to be winners on our road trips:

 

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Stickers and Drawing

One of our simplest and most successful road trip activities involves stickers and some plain paper. My kids spend hours creating different scenes and stories on paper with stickers, which is a fantastic way to let their creativity shine. Pair this with a set of crayons and a magnetic cookie sheet as a stable drawing surface, and they’re all set. This cookie sheet isn’t just for drawing; it’s perfect for any activity that involves small pieces that might otherwise get lost under the seats.

Read-Along Books

Audio books that the kids can follow, along with physical copies in their hands, are golden. We have a few favorite read-along books that come with a CD (though many now come with digital download options). It’s a great way to keep the love for reading alive even when strapped in a car seat. Plus, it introduces a nice quiet time when everyone is a bit tired of chatting.

 

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Magnetic Play

Our magnetic cookie sheet doubles as a play area for magnetic toys. We bring along magnetic letters, numbers, and even small dolls and cars that can stick to the sheet. This setup is wonderful because it prevents pieces from flying around and getting lost, and it’s a versatile platform for a variety of magnetic games.

Lacing Boards

Another hit has been lacing boards, which are great, especially for younger children. They come with colorful strings and boards with various pictures that have holes around the edges. Not only do they keep the kids engaged, but they also help improve their fine motor skills.

Beads and Pipe Cleaners

You might think beads sound like a recipe for disaster in a car, but with a little preparation, they’re fantastic for road trips. We use pipe cleaners instead of strings, which are easier for little hands to handle and less likely to get tangled. With everything contained on a magnetic tray, this can be a surprisingly tidy activity.

 

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Reusable Sticker Sets

These are a lifesaver. Reusable sticker sets come with a background and a variety of scene stickers that kids can place and replace as many times as they like. They’re great for storytelling and can be used over and over again, making them perfect for long trips.

These activities are all part of our broader strategy to make the journey enjoyable. It’s not about filling every moment with activity, though. Sometimes, the best part of a road trip is taking the time to look out the window and talk about what we see. It’s about balance—keeping the kids engaged with activities while also giving them downtime to simply relax and take in the experience.

And, of course, preparation is key. Before every trip, I make sure to restock our activity kit, check the condition of all the games and books, and sometimes add something new to keep things exciting. This approach has turned our road trips into a series of small adventures, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Whether you’re just driving to the next state or across the country, with a little planning and creativity, road trips can be as enriching as they are fun.