by Swati Mehra
Road trips are really fun. Won’t you agree? They sure are for adults, who are yearning to steal that time away from the daily hustle-bustle and get some wind in the hair while soaking in nature.
However, I’m sure that the kids will beg to differ. For our little hearts, it’s the destination that matters, since they don’t always have the calm and patience to survive those long journeys. Having done so many of these exciting yet challenging drives, I have learned that the best way to keep the kids engaged and ensure that the start of a vacation is full of happy memories is to plan out some car games ahead of time.
These car games for kids, as I call them, are hassle-free and easy to play while on-the-go and surely can turn a boring drive into a real fun experience that makes you laugh out loud and bring you closer together.
1. Memory Game:
There are a few names for this one (The Picnic Game) but they all start similarly. This alphabet-based memory game doesn’t require any material and is great for kids aged 5 and up. One passenger says “I’m going out on a picnic and I’m bringing…” followed by whatever item comes to mind. The next player has to remember that item and add something else to the story. If you forget an item, you’re out. The last player to be able to remember everything on the list wins.
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2. Travel Bingo:
Headed on a road trip with the kids? Here is an ultimate fun travel game to take with you in the car. Ideal for kids across age-groups too! So, mommies and daddies, now you know how to keep kids busy on your next family vacation!
Travel Bingo by Cocomoco Kids
3. Truth and Dare:
A game where one must choose to attempt either truth or dare. While the truths have to be honest answers to any questions asked, all the dares must be something that can be accomplished (safely) in the car. And of course, you can’t say NO! Don’t forget to carry your favorite pack of healthy and yummy munchies – perfect snack, on-the-go!
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4. Brain Games – Flashcards:
Learning through flashcards can be a fun way to while away the time. For short travels, these flashcards can be utilized not just to have a good time with friends or adults in the car but also to learn and understand concepts that our little brains are now being introduced to.
5. Categories:
One person picks a category (ex: countries, movies, sports teams, etc.) and everyone takes turns naming something in that category until someone is stumped (ah, you just lost).
6. Would You Rather:
In this epic game, you try to stump the other person with the weirdest or most difficult questions you can come up with.
7. Tic Tac Toe:
All you need are two players and a pencil to play this popular standby. Player one places an X on the grid, player two plots an O. They continue to take turns until one player has three across.
8. Name That Song:
One person says a popular song lyric in a completely dead voice and the other passengers has to guess the song. You’ll be surprised how difficult it is to guess something recognizable without the accompanying music.
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9. Spelling Bee With a Twist:
We all know the game where you provide complicated words to the other players, and they need to spell them right. For a fun twist, play Spelling Bee using words from a TV show or book or movie series everyone in the car enjoys. It can be a Harry Potter/Game of Thrones or any other spelling bee.
10. Quiet Game:
Last but not least, this is a true trump card in attempting to restore order in a car full of squabbling siblings. You’ve ignored the incessant whining, arguing, complaining, but no more. How about a game of “Let’s see who can stay quiet the longest?” It’s a great way to steal some time to enjoy the open road in blissful silence.
Next time on when you plan that trip, do give these games a try. These are sure to end the backseat grumping, entertain the young ones and keep them distracted long enough to stop asking the dreaded question, “How long ’til we get there?”
End boring road trips with these best games for long drives!
About Swati Mehra: A not-so-perfect toddler mum, a seasoned communication professional, and a control freak – that’s what defines me the best. Having spent a decade servicing brands, I recently stumbled upon my new found passion for writing, and I’m enjoying every bit of my thoughts flowing seamlessly on the paper. I’m a compulsive planner, who likes things well charted out, often to other’s annoyance. Good days or bad, I love to celebrate motherhood, and my love for food, fun and finer things in life, all of which I love to experience with my mini-me.
