Whether it’s the long stretch of a family road trip or the quick dash across town for errands, spending time in the car is often a daily routine for many families.
Sure, gadgets and screen time can keep the kids occupied, but why not take the opportunity to truly connect with some interactive fun?
From classic games to inventive new activities, we’ve curated a list to keep both the driver and the little co-pilots engaged.
So, next time you hear the perennial “Are we there yet?” or “I’m bored,” you’ll be armed with 50 fun car games to transform your driving experience from mundane to memorable.
Buckle up, and let the good times roll!
I Spy:
This classic game is like a treasure hunt for the eyes. One person scans the scenery for a hidden gem—maybe it’s a quirky license plate, a majestic tree, or a vintage roadside sign.
They then say, “I spy with my little eye, something that is…” and drop a hint. It’s a test of observation and interpretation skills perfect for ages 3 and up.
20 Questions:
This old standby is not just a game; it’s a mental expedition. Someone thinks of an object—it could be as commonplace as a ‘chair’ or as abstract as ‘freedom.’
The others then navigate through a labyrinth of yes-or-no questions, having only 20 steps to uncover the mystery. Ideal for budding philosophers and detectives aged 6 and up.
License Plate Game:
Transform long car rides or trips around town into a family mission to find license plates from all 50 states. Keep a running tally on a checklist. Make up a backstory for each out-of-state car. Why is someone from Texas in New York? Perfect for mini-adventurers aged five and up, and ideal for long road trips.
Would You Rather:
Step into a parallel universe of bizarre possibilities. Players take turns asking mind-boggling “Would you rather” questions like, “Would you rather have wings or a tail?” It’s an exercise in both ethics and imagination, sparking conversations that can range from the silly to the profound. Best for kids aged 7 and up.
Most Likely To:
Point those fingers, but in a good way! In this game, someone reads out a“Most Likely To” statement, such as “Most likely to become President” or “Most likely to accidentally lock themselves out of the house.” Everyone points to the person they think the statement fits the most.
It’s all in good fun and is often hilarious, revealing, or even surprising. This game encourages family and friends to consider each other’s personalities and quirks, making it ideal for kids aged 8 and up and their families.
Never Have I Ever – Family Edition:
Adapted from the popular party game, theseNever Have I Ever questions for kidskeep the game G-rated and family-friendly. One person says something they have never done before, like “Never have I ever been to Disneyland.” Anyone who has done the action gains a point.
This game offers an engaging way to learn new and surprising facts about each other. It’s best suited for kids aged 8 and up, making it a versatile game that can be enjoyed by nearly the whole family.
Name That Tune:
Turn your car into a jukebox of memories and melodies. One person hums or whistles a tune from a nursery rhyme for younger kids or a current chart-topping hit for the teenagers. Rack up points and perhaps discover a new family anthem! This musical joyride is ideal for children aged 5 and up.
Car Bingo:
Imagine the world outside your window as a vibrant bingo board, rich with possibilities. Create or download bingo cards filled with items you’re likely to spot: cows, different types of trees, or even specific makes of cars. As you find them, mark them off, and the first to complete a row wins a small prize! Suited for sharp-eyed youngsters aged 4 and up.
Jeopardy for Kids:
Why should adults have all the trivia fun? Transform your backseat into a miniature game show set with theseJeopardy Questions For Kids. Create categories suitable for your young passengers—think “Animals,” “Cartoons,” “Math,” etc. Each player takes turns picking a category and answering a question. Correct answers earn points, and the one with the most points at the end of the game wins. Don’t forget to answer in the form of a question—just like the real Jeopardy! This game is an intellectual treat for young scholars aged 7 and up.
Tic-Tac-Toe:
Take the classic game off the paper and into the world. Use landmarks, vehicles, or even people walking their dogs as your ‘X’s and ‘O’s. For example, a red car could be an ‘X,’ and a blue one could be an ‘O.’ A fascinating twist to a familiar game, suitable for ages 5 and up.
Story Time:
Craft a tapestry of imagination with a collective storytelling adventure. One person lays the first thread with a sentence like, “Once upon a time, in a land filled with unicorns and rainbows…”
Each additional sentence weaves in a new layer, making the narrative richer and more exciting. Perfect for young novelists and dreamers aged 6 and up. You can also do this one word at a time for an added twist!
Telephone:
Whisper down the lane goes mobile! One person whispers a sentence into the ear of the person next to them. As the whispered phrase passes through each passenger, its transformation is almost magical, sometimes resulting in hilarious outcomes. It’s a silly yet insightful game perfect for children aged 4 and up.
Imagine That!
What if the sky were green? What if animals could talk? This game is all about asking‘what if’ questionsthat encourage kids to use their imagination to the fullest. Each player takes turns posing a hypothetical question, and everyone else shares their creative or logical responses.
The most imaginative or well-thought-out answer can be declared the winner for each round. It’s a great way to explore imaginary scenarios and practice critical thinking, making it perfect for young philosophers aged 7 and up.
Color Hunt:
Turn the landscape zipping by your windows into a technicolor dream. Challenge everyone to spot as many objects of a chosen color as possible within a set time. But watch out! Extra points for rare items like a purple car or a yellow bike. Ideal for little kids!
Punch Buggy:
Jazz up those long stretches of highway with a bit of retro fun. When someone spots a Volkswagen Beetle, they gently “punch” the person next to them and call out “Punch Buggy!”
Not just an alertness game, but also a trip down automotive history lane. Best for children aged 6 and up. Beware: Volkswagen Beetles will forever have this association as long as your children shall live!
Two Truths and a Lie:
Dive into the complex world of fact and fiction. Each person shares three statements—two true and one false. Everyone else tries to unveil the lie. It’s a fantastic way to learn surprising and unexpected things about each other. Suitable for aspiring detectives and psychologists aged 7 and up.
A to Z Scavenger Hunt:
Words are everywhere—road signs, billboards, and license plates. The objective is to find words that start with each letter of the alphabet, in order. But beware: ‘X’ is the wildcard! This game can get intensely competitive on family road trips, and is suited for children who are learning to read, aged 6 and up. To make it less competitive, have all family members work together to find the words.
Alphabet Categories:
Expand your world one letter at a time! In this alphabet game, one person picks a category, like “Animals” or “Cities,” and everyone takes turns naming an item in that category for all letters of the alphabet, in alphabetical order. It’s is a linguistic journey through diverse worlds, making it ideal for kids aged 7 and up.
Map Quest:
In an age of GPS, let’s not forget the beauty of paper maps. Hand a simple map to the kids and let them track your journey with a highlighter. Or have them pick a nearby destination for a quick detour, turning your road trip into a thrilling treasure hunt. A great way to teach geography and navigation to kids aged 8 and up.
Human Jukebox:
In this game, one person starts singing a song and stops at a random point. The next person has to pick up where they left off and continue the song. It’s a musical relay that requires good memory and quick thinking, making it perfect for kids aged 6 and up who love to sing.
Who Am I?:
Think of a character in a book, movie, or tv show, real or fictional. The whole family asks yes-or-no questions to guess who you are. From historical figures to cartoon characters, the possibilities are endless. This game is ideal for kids of all ages.
The Compliment Game:
Spread positivity by taking turns giving genuine compliments to each other. Not only does this make everyone feel good, but it also teaches the virtue of kindness. This heartwarming activity is perfect for all ages, making those long drives feel just a little shorter.
Mini Spelling Bee:
Challenge each other to spell words that are either seen outside or announced by someone in the car. For an extra layer of fun, include categories like “Nature” or “Automobile Parts.” Perfect for young learners aged 6 and up.
Count the Cows:
Choose an object—maybe it’s red cars, cows, stop signs, or billboards—and start counting. Whoever reaches a predetermined number first wins. This game is excellent for teaching younger children how to count and is suitable for young children ages 3 and up.
Rhyme Time:
Someone says a word, and the rest take turns saying words that rhyme with it. Simple but surprisingly tricky as commonly rhymed words get eliminated. Ideal for budding poets and lyricists, suited for kids aged 5 and up.
One Word Story:
Create a collective story where each person contributes just one word at a time. The results can be hilariously nonsensical or surprisingly coherent. A creative game that’s ideal for kids aged 7 and up.
Guess the Sound:
One person mimics a sound, and the rest have to guess what it is. From animal noises to car engines, the more creative, the better. Suitable for little listeners aged 4 and up.
Invent a Car:
Dream up the ultimate fantasy vehicle, taking turns to add features like rocket boosters, a candy dispenser, or even a mini-zoo. A game that fuels imagination, it’s perfect for future engineers and dreamers aged 6 and up.
What’s Missing?:
One person lists five items they see, then turns away as another person names them. Remove one, and the first person must guess what’s missing. Ideal for developing memory skills, suitable for ages 5 and up.
Fact or Fiction:
Tell a story and let others decide if it’s true or a tall tale. It’s a fun way to share interesting anecdotes or outrageous lies. Suitable for kids aged 7 and up who love a good yarn.
Quick Draw:
Someone shouts out an object, and you have 30 seconds to draw it. Reveal your doodles and vote for the best one. Note: Make sure the driver is focused on the road! Suitable for kids aged 6 and up.
Movie Time:
Someone starts describing a movie plot vaguely, and others must guess the title. The more obscure you are while still being accurate, the better. Ideal for young cinephiles aged 8 and up.
Silent Challenge:
Need a break from the noise? Challenge everyone to see who can stay silent the longest. The first one to speak is out. This game works best for children aged 5 and up.
For a twist, try the ‘silent laugh’ version where making someone else laugh will get them out. It’s harder than it sounds and provides a few moments of peace for parents. Suitable for monks-in-training aged 5 and up.
Memory Game:
Ideal for developing concentration. One person starts by saying, “I’m going on a picnic and I’m bringing…” followed by an item. The next person repeats the sentence and adds another item. The list grows, and the game continues until someone can’t remember all the items. Suitable for ages 5 and up.
Geography Game:
This road trip classic can be played with any category, not just geography. One person names a place, and the next person has to name a place that starts with the last letter of the previous place.
For example, if the first place is “Paris,” the next place has to start with ‘s’, such as “Seattle.” Suitable for children aged 7 and up. For little kids, try playing with the category “animals”. Each person tries to think of an animal that starts with the last letter of the previous animal mentioned.
Color Search:
Teach kids about colors while keeping them engaged. Everyone picks a color and then looks for items of that hue outside the car. This game is ideal for children aged 3 and up. For older kids, try adding points for spotting less-common items in the chosen color.
Scavenger Hunt:
Turn the car ride into an adventure. Create a list of items to spot or tasks to complete along the journey. Suitable for kids aged 4 and up. For added excitement, you can offer small prizes or incentives for completing the list.
Pictionary:
A fun drawing game that requires a bit of skill and a lot of imagination. Use a drawing app or a notepad for a car-friendly version. One person draws something related to a given category while the others try to guess what it is. Suitable for ages 6 and up. Categories can be adjusted based on age and interest.
Spot the Car Brand:
Ideal for budding car enthusiasts. Everyone tries to spot as many different car brands as they can. Suitable for ages 6 and up. To make it more challenging, you can include car models as well.
Odd One Out:
One player says three items, and the others have to guess which one is the odd one out. For example, “Apple, Banana, Car” — the odd one out is the Car because it’s not a fruit. Suitable for children aged 5 and up. For older kids, make the categories more complex.
Travel Trivia:
Turn your car into a quiz show. Prepare or search up a list of trivia questions related to your travel destination, general knowledge, or even family history. This is great for older children aged 8 and up who enjoy a mental challenge.
You can also use general trivia questions. To start your game, here are 100 Science Trivia Questions For Kids.
Cloud Shapes:
Let imagination soar by identifying shapes, animals, or objects in the clouds. This low-stress game is perfect for young kids aged 3 and up. It’s a great way to encourage creativity and can be played individually or as a group.
Word Association:
One person says a word out loud, and the next person has to say a word that is associated with it. For example, if the first word is “sun,” the next word could be “shine.” Great for children aged 6 and up. For a challenging twist, impose a time limit for responses.
Rhyme Time:
Keep the kids linguistically active. One person says a word, and everyone else tries to find words that rhyme with it. This game is suitable for children aged 4 and up. You can make it competitive by setting a time limit for finding the most rhyming words.
Guess the Animal:
One player thinks of an animal, and the rest ask yes-or-no questions to figure out what it is. Suitable for younger children aged 3 and up. You can give them a category, like “farm animals” or “sea creatures,” to make it easier.
Hot or Cold:
One person thinks of an object in the car, and the others ask questions to determine its location. The person can only respond with “hot” if they are close to guessing it or “cold” if they are far away. Suitable for ages 5 and up.
What’s That Smell?:
Add a sensory twist to your road trip. Whenever you drive through an area with a distinct aroma, like a forest or a fast-food joint, have everyone guess the smell. Reward correct guesses with a small treat. Perfect for kids aged 5 and up and especially engaging for the olfactory-inclined!
Sound Safari:
Turn the car ride into an auditory adventure / scavenger hunt. Listen carefully and identify the unique sounds around you—from the honk of a truck to the rustle of leaves. Kids can keep a checklist of sounds, making it a delightful listening exercise. Suitable for ages 4 and up, this is an excellent game for nurturing mindfulness.
Musical Stories:
Merge music and storytelling for a memorable experience. Start playing a song and then pause it. The first player makes up a short story inspired by the song so far. Play the song again, pause, and let the next player continue the story. Excellent for kids aged 8 and up with a flair for creativity.
Emoji Game:
In this digital-age game, one person thinks of a movie, book, or phrase and represents it through emojis on a smartphone. The other players then guess what it is. This game is a modern classic suitable for the tech-savvy family and ideal for children aged 7 and up.
Rapid-Fire Categories:
A high-energy game that keeps everyone on their toes. One person shouts out a category like “Fruits” or “Superheroes,” and everyone else has to rapidly name items in that category without repeating any. Suitable for ages 6 and up, this game can be made more challenging by adding a time limit.
Follow the Leader:
Bring some physical movement into the mix. The leader makes a simple motion like tapping their head or snapping their fingers. Everyone else follows, and the leader continues adding new motions. Players are out if they miss a step. Ideal for ages 5 and up, it’s a bit like Simon Says but in your car!
Detective Time:
One person plays the detective and leaves the car (at a safe stop, of course). While they’re gone, the others decide on a ‘criminal’ among them. The detective returns and asks yes-or-no questions to figure out who the ‘criminal’ is. Intriguing and immersive, this game is best for children aged 8 and up.
Role Reversal:
Kids get to play the parent, and the parents act like kids. Ask questions or make statements that the other typically would. It’s a hilarious way for families to walk a mile in each other’s shoes, figuratively speaking. Ideal for kids and parents who enjoy a hearty laugh, and suitable for ages 7 and up.
State Capital Showdown:
Time to wear your thinking caps—state capitals are the name of the game! One person names a U.S. state, and another has to respond with its capital. Get it right, you earn a point; get it wrong, you lose your turn. Make it competitive by setting a timer. A fun and educational way for kids aged 8 and up to sharpen their geography skills.
Mad Libs on the Move:
Car journeys have never been this “adjective”! Bring along a Mad Libs book, or better yet, create your own. One person asks for a series of words (nouns, adjectives, verbs, etc.), and then reads out the hilarious and often nonsensical story you’ve collectively created. This riot of a game encourages creativity and expands vocabulary, making it ideal for children aged 7 and up.
From the timeless classics like “I Spy” and “20 Questions” to educational twists like “State Capital Showdown” and “Mad Libs on the Move,” we’ve journeyed through an exciting landscape of more than 50 fun games guaranteed to keep young minds buzzing and little fingers busy.
These games aren’t just a fun way to pass the time; they’re also opportunities for learning, bonding, and fostering creativity, no matter if you’re on a road trip or just driving around town.
Happy driving!
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Calie Herbst
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Pageand Editorial Policy Page.
