20 Ways to Keep the Kids Busy on a Long Car Ride

Hannah Schmitt

Hannah is the managing editor at MetroFamily Magazine in Oklahoma City but her favorite jobs are the ones done at home: loving on her husband and dog, sprucing up the house and entertaining family and friends.

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Aug 11, 2014

20 Ways to Keep the Kids Busy on a Long Car Ride

Ahh, the family road trip. Sure to be a memory maker, piling in the car together also has a tendency to drive parents and kids crazy. Sure, there are apps and gadgets that can keep them entertained, but what happened to the good old-fashioned road trip games? Hold on to that iPad (because, quite frankly, you could be using it for some shopping) and keep them occupied with one of these inventive ideas.

License Plate Lingo

To the driver of that car ahead of you, the letters “SFIC” on their license plate mean nothing. To your kids, it could mean “scream for ice cream.” The most clever acronym wins! (image via Parade)

Mini White Board

Did you realize that an old CD case makes a mini white board perfect for kids? Replace the sleeve inside with white or patterned paper for endless in-car entertainment. Tic-tac-toe, hangman — even doodling! (image via iStock)

Slug Bug Game

This one is a classic. A Volkswagon Beetle sighting means the right to punch your neighbor (softly) and holler out “slug bug.” (image via Alan Guido)

Make a Stop

No matter how much entertainment you plan, it’s always a good idea to get out and stretch your legs — especially at a quirky roadside attraction. (via Brit + Co)

Map Spotting

Give each child a map and have them mark it up with what they see as you pass your milestones. (image via Huffington Post)

Car Counting

Even older kids won’t be able to resist this one. Pick a color or a type of car and the first to see 10 of them wins. (image via Free Wallpaper World)

Foil Sculptures

A roll of aluminum foil goes a long way in the car, and it’s fun even the adults can get into. Bonus points for making a recreation of one of these roadside attractions. (image via MiYoung Sohn)

Magnet Spelling

Spell things you see along the way using a magnet alphabet on baking sheets. (via Megan Leigh Prather)

I Spy Jar

Fill a jar with rice and toss in some small knick knacks. Without opening the jar, have kids look through the glass to spot the special items inside. (via Blog in a Bottle)

Name Game

This might look like Katy Perry, but really it’s just inspiration for this handy road trip game. You say “Katy Perry,” the next person must quickly say a celebrity’s name that starts with the first letter of the last name of the previous star, like maybe Penelope Cruz. Confused? Read it again — it’s easy. (image via Billboard)

Twenty Questions

Because no parent wants to hear “are we there yet" 20 times in a row, give the questions a little more structure with this classic game. (image via Jaunted)

DIY Silly Putty

A few ingredients and a little mixing will bring together this batch of DIY goop for endless fun on the road. (via Scattered Thoughts of a Crafty Mom)