“Daaaad! Moooom! How much longer?” Car rides can sometimes feel endless for kids. But with a bit of creativity and a few fun games, you can turn your trip into a fun adventure for the whole family. Here are 14 car games for kids that make long drives easier and guarantee hours of laughter and fun. Best of all, you won’t need any supplies—or screens.
1. Guessing Game
One player silently picks an object they see outside. Then they give clues by saying: “I’m thinking of something that’s… (color), texture (smooth, soft, rough, etc.), shape (square, circular, triangular, spherical, etc.).” The others try to guess what the object is. The first person to guess correctly takes the next turn and picks a new object.
2. Make-Up-a-Story
One player starts telling a story, and each player adds to it in turn, building the plot until it ends in a surprising way. To spice things up, each player must include a specific place, animal, and character during their turn.
3. Yes or No Game
Ask questions quickly and one after the other to throw the other player off and get them to break the “no yes, no no” rule. The player who slips up and says “yes” or “no” loses the round.
4. Forbidden Words (Yes or No Variation)
Parents choose 3 to 5 words that become off-limits during the trip—or until a specific moment (like the next stop). The player who goes the longest without saying any of the forbidden words wins the game.
5. Alphabet Game
The goal is to take turns naming words that follow the alphabetical order, starting with the letter A and going all the way to Z. Variation: Stick to specific categories like animals, foods, countries, etc.
6. “Who Am I?”
Make animal sounds like meowing, roaring, mooing, etc., or describe an animal using some of its characteristics (for example: “a furry animal that eats mice”). Then ask the others to guess which animal you’re imitating.
7. License Plates
Players try to make words using the letters found on license plates of passing cars. On their turn, a player picks a license plate and tries to come up with as many words as possible using those letters. For example: HOI BUR → owl, hub.
8. Word Chain
The first player says a word, and the next player has to say a word that comes to mind based on the previous one—and so on. The first person to repeat a word that’s already been said is out.
Variation: Same rules, but using rhyming words instead.
9. Radio Word
As a group, choose a word (e.g., “sun”), then turn on the radio and listen. The first person to hear the word wins the game.
10. Silly Rules
Everyone makes up a silly rule, like: “Every time we see a yellow car, we all have to yell ‘Broccoli!’” The more different rules you have, the funnier it gets!
12. Guess the Song
Hum a tune and have others guess what song it is. Variation: Instead of humming, try clapping, whistling, or using another sound to get them to guess.
13. The Cursed Number
Choose a number between 1 and 10. Starting from 1, players take turns saying the next number in the sequence. If the number to be said contains the cursed number, the player must say “shhh” instead. For example, if the cursed number is 3, it would go: 1 – 2 – shhh – 4 – 5, and so on.
14. The King of Silence
The first person to speak loses!
These games are designed to spark imagination, encourage teamwork, and add extra fun to your family travels. If you’re heading out on an activity, consider getting customizable allergy and ID bracelets. They’re perfect for school trips, amusement park visits, summer camps, or any crowded event.
