Kids can become pretty restless while cooped up in the backseat, but our favorite family car games are guaranteed to prevent that. Trust us, they’ve been road-tested on I-95 North and South, cross country, around the Grand Canyon and on a drive East from Los Angeles to Miami!
That’s why we confidently recommend these handy word, geography, spelling and other interactive travel and road trip games. We know they keep traveling children – and their adults – content during a road trip.
We know many electronic devices are effective in keeping the peace. However, they often cause a severe lack of communication. One kid is engrossed in a movie with headphones on, while the other rocks out to Spotify. Parents end up sitting up front listening to traffic updates on the radio.
Circumstances like that eliminate the option of family bonding, which, for most family vacationers, is one of the main reasons for hitting the road in the first place.
So for your next road trip, don’t bother packing the toys and games that the kids request, pack these handy car games. It’s easy; just print this article. Below our road tripping scholars explain the rules to some of the most creative, interactive and fun backseat car games that the entire family can play… together!
Download a printable brochure of FTF’s Most Popular Backseat Car Games and keep it in the glove compartment at all times!
Favorite Car Games: License Plates
The great thing about the open road is that everyone is from somewhere different and the best way to keep track of each car’s origins is through its license plate. At the start of your road trip, put one child in charge of the master list that includes all the license plates. Then as you travel to your destination, make sure the entire family screams out the various license plates they see along the way.
The goal is to cross off each state/territory/province off the list. Remember it will be easy to spot the plates from the area you are traveling, but good luck finding Puerto Rico or Hawaii! Once, while traveling from New York City to Montreal, Canada, my family managed to see a plate for Guam!
Here’s a printable with all the license plates you’re likely to spot in the US — remember that colors may change annually. Download a printable brochure of favroite backseat car games and play away.
Favorite Car Games: The ABC Game
For kids that have recently learned the alphabet or even for the older kids in the mood for some fun competition, this game works for car rides. Everyone gets a pen and paper. Then, be on the lookout for letters; you can find them anywhere signs, billboards, bumper stickers, etc. Once you spot a letter for the first time, jot it down on your list. The first person to cover from A to Z is victorious! Prizes can be distributed at mom’s discretion.
Download a printable brochure of favorite backseat car games.
Favorite Car Games: The Story Game
Sometimes it is good to let the family’s wacky imagination wander. With the Story Game one person starts off by saying the classic phrase, “Once upon a time…” From there, going around in a circle, each family member adds his or her own sentence to the story. With everyone throwing their two cents each story is a custom-creation and can include knights, aliens, submarines and other unique ramblings.
If you are playing with older children or teens, it might be fun to modify the game and add a memory element. With this change, each family member would only add one word to the story. The person who starts says, “Once.” Then the following person must repeat “Once” and add “Upon.” The third: “Once, Upon, A…” Thus each time one new word is added, the following individual must repeat the entire story. This uses up lots of memory and brain power and also makes the story even wackier. Sometimes the sentences won’t make any sense at all!
And More Favorite Car Games
Ready to read on? More of our favorite car games follow. Before you designate your Official Score Keeper, don’t forget to download a printable brochure of FTF’s Most Popular Backseat Car Games with all the “official” rules.
Favorite Car Games: 20 Questions or Who/What Am I?
Everyone gets to play this game and there will be many rounds, as well. Have one child, maybe the youngest, go first and pick something- a person, place, thing. Then, each person in the car gets to ask yes or no questions to try and uncover the mystery. After each question is answered, the person who asked it gets to take a guess.
The first person to correctly solve the puzzle goes next. The limit is 20 questions and if no one can figure out what the thing is by then, the round is over; everyone has been stumped and that person gets to go again!
Road Trip Fun: I’m Going on a Picnic
Even if your family isn’t actually going on a picnic, this is still a really fun game to play. A random family member gets to start: “I’m going on a picnic and I’m going to bring apples.” Thereafter, each passenger takes a turn and says what they will be bringing on the picnic, but it must go in alphabetical order: “I’m going on a picnic and I’m going to bring apples… baseballs… cantaloupe… dinosaurs, etc.”
To make the game more interesting, throw the memory element into the mix. Each person has to list all of the items that have been said previously before they add a new item to the list. If someone forgets or misses something, they are eliminated from the round. The game continues until there is only person left.
Secret Car Games: I Spy
This is a classic game that makes long periods of downtime fun, so we can bet that your kids have played it before. The basics are simple, have an adult start out: “I spy with my little eye, something that is…” and then fill in the color. Taking turns, each child has to guess to what the mystery object is.
Whoever is correct gets to be the spy during the next round. Instead of using colors, some kids might find it entertaining to switch it up and use letters instead: “I spy with my little eye, something that starts with the letter…” Both alternatives are fun!
Classic Car Games: Geography
This game is certainly not geared to younger children, as a knowledge of global country names is required. Have someone start by naming a country; it might be fun to name the one you are traveling in; for example, Canada. The next person has to name a country that starts with the last letter of the previous country. In this case, A; so Afghanistan would be a good answer. Then N, so your child might say Norway and so on…
The game continues until someone gets stumped or repeats a country that was already said. Families can broaden the rules as well to include other forms of geography such as cities, states, rivers and other bodies of water.
Car Games: The Name Game
This one is pretty easy: simply think of a name and then tell the group what letter it starts with and whether it is a boy’s or girl’s name. Then each passenger takes turns guessing what it can be. The person to guess correctly gets to think of the next name.
Car Games: Song Title Game
There are certain words that are frequently in song titles: baby, love, happy, heart and plenty of others. Have one person chose a word that is popular in song titles and have another person keep a list. Then everyone can go around and name songs with that word in the title. This game requires a group effort because the object is to get your list as long as possible.
Download a printable brochure of FTF’s Most Popular Backseat Car Games here and keep it in the glove compartment at all times!
And safe there, safe home!
Photo courtesy of ANationofMoms.com
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
2 Replies to “Favorite Car Games For The Backseat”
Comment on this article
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Harbin Ice Festival seems exciting. I want to join.
Hello! I’ve been following your web site
for some tme now and finally got the bravry to go
ahead and give you a shout out from Austin Texas!
Just wanted to mention keep up the fantastic job!
wow ..enjoyed.looking forward for next blog..
Choosing the Best Travel Backpack is essential for a pleasant experience. Pick based on your travel needs, style, and interests. You may confidently and easily plan for your next vacation with the best travel backpack.
I want to do this type of ski , because I want to do this activity one time in our life
Thanks for finally talking about >Family Cruise Vacations Directory: Setting Sail for a Fun Adventure <Liked it!
Thank you so much for your great article..This is giving us clues for our future tourism perspective and keeping us updated.. Thanks a lot.
Hello! I could have sworn I’ve visited your blog before but after going through many of the posts I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely delighted I came across it and I’ll be bookmarking it and checking back often!
Thank you for providing these details.
My brother recommended I might like this website. He was totaly right.
This post actually made my day. You cann’t imagine just how much time I
had spent for this information! Thanks!
whoah this weblog is wonderful i like studying your articles.
Keep up the great work! You understand, many people are searching round for
this information, you could hellp them greatly.
Have you ever thought about writing an ebook or guest authoring on other blogs?
I have a blog based upon on the same topics you discuss and would love to have you share some stories/information. I know my subscribers would
value your work. If you are even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an e-mail.
Planning a bucket-list adventure? Let’s dive in! From secret flight deals to off-peak gems, these hacks are our compass. Picture sunrise hikes, hidden cafes, and maps scribbled with dreams. So pack light, dream big, and let the world unfold, one hack at a time!
In the quiet of night, meteors streak across the sky, a celestial dance choreographed by the universe. And then there are fairy rings, circles of mushrooms, whispered secrets from the forest floor. But amidst these wonders, there’s another magic: fatherhood. It’s like RVing through life, a journey of discovery, laughter, and love. So let’s embrace the art of wonder, both cosmic and familial.
As a family, we’re not just travelers; we’re stewards of the planet. From reusable water bottles to supporting local artisans, our journey leaves a gentle footprint. Let’s explore, learn, and protect—because sustainable travel isn’t just a trend; it’s our legacy.
Picture this: wheels rolling, laptop humming, and the open road as our office. For a year, our family worked remotely from our cozy camper. It wasn’t just about Wi-Fi signals; it was about sunrises over mountains, campfire brainstorming, and shared laughter. We learned that work isn’t confined to cubicles, it’s wherever our hearts roam.
In Salem, MA, October casts a bewitching spell. Amid historic streets, the Witches of Salem weave magic—psychic fairs, spirited soirees, and sacred rites. It’s a season where history whispers, and the veil between worlds thins.
As a family, we’re not just travelers; we’re stewards of the planet. From reusable water bottles to supporting local artisans, our journey leaves a gentle footprint. Let’s explore, learn, and protect—because sustainable travel isn’t just a trendk, it’s our legacy.
When wanderlust calls, these sites answer. From Expedia to Kayak, they weave magic into your getaways. Picture flights, hotels, and car rental. All bundled up like a gift waiting to be unwrapped. So go ahead, chase sunsets and collect memories. Your dream vacation awaits!
Picture this: snow-capped peaks, crisp air, and the thrill of gliding down pristine slopes. That’s what awaits at South America’s ski resorts. From Chile’s Portillo to Argentina’s Cerro Catedral, these resorts weave magic for snow enthusiasts. So grab your gear, chase the powder, and let the Andes embrace you!
Legoland California isn’t just a theme park; it’s a canvas where kids paint their dreams with Lego bricks. From the Technic Coaster’s gentle thrill to the Dragon Coaster’s whimsical castle ride, every moment is a memory etched in joy. And as parents? We pedal, laugh, and become part of the magic. Legoland, you’ve got our hearts, one brick at a time!
Summer vacations are a canvas for unforgettable family adventures. From exploring Alaska’s glaciers to savoring Parisian cuisine the possibilities are endless.
Watching rocket launches is an exhilarating experience that fuels our curiosity about the cosmos. ? Whether you’re at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida or gazing from afar the thrill of liftoff transcends age and ignites wonder.
Celestyal Cruises offers an unforgettable journey to the heart of Greece and the Mediterranean. With warm hospitality, authentic experiences, and award-winning service, they make every moment aboard a heavenly escape.
Awesome places to go to
This post iis priceless. How can I find out more?
Excellent site. Plenty of useful information here. 68971741
Love travelling with my family as well! Thank you for sharing your stories!
Insightful and useful – that’s what I admire about
your posts. This one on this subject is no different.
The tips and recommendations you offer are practical and create
a real impact.
Heya i’m forr the firsxt time here. I came across this board and I find It
really usefu & it helped me out much. I hope to give something back and aid
others like you aided me.
Very nice article, totally what I was looking for.
check out this best tours in Canada for you or for your family https://seasonalholidaysinn.com/
A very helpful website! A good article to share the beautiful places suitable for all types of vacations.
La meilleure facon de s’enrichir rapidement !
A good website! A good article to share the beautiful places suitable for Spring Break. I think Tibet China, is also a good place for Spring Break.
Greetings! Very useful advice in this particular article!
It’s the little changes that make the biggest changes. Thanks
a lot for sharing!
Thank you for posting this.
For family travel I would advise to go to Switzerland. For example, the Berner Oberland is perfect also for kids. Best place I’ve ever been.
They have made significant investments in technology upgrades, port and destination projects, and more to achieve net carbon-neutral operations. They have committed to using innovative solutions to reduce their carbon footprint, including using new propulsion fuels and special hull paint to reduce friction. They are also working with ports to support their shore power development efforts.
Planning an Alaska adventure can be a daunting task but it sounds like you’re looking for some fun activities for kids in Alaska. The trip is guaranteed to be one for the memory books. Carnival cruise passengers get an up-close view of glaciers on an Alaska adventure aboard Native American canoes.
Galveston is a great place for family reunions. If you’re looking for a fun and affordable place to host your family reunion, Galveston is definitely worth considering!
This trip is designed to provide a fun and engaging experience for the whole family, with activities that cater to both kids and adults. If you’re looking for a unique and memorable family vacation, a family magic rafting trip is definitely worth considering!
If you’re looking for a unique and indulgent way to explore Halong Bay, the Ambassador Overnight Cruise is definitely worth considering!
If you’re looking for a unique and sustainable adventure that your family will never forget, UnCruise Adventures is definitely worth considering!
It sounds like you’re looking for a last-minute summer vacation deal. You can find some great deals on destinations across the USA, from California to Florida, New York, Las Vegas, and more. If you’re flexible with your travel dates and plan around 6 weeks ahead of departure. You may even find incredible deals on last-minute vacations up to 1 week before you plan to travel if you are flexible with your destination. From budget-friendly breaks to vacations that are all about pure indulgence.
It sounds like San Diego is offering some great deals and fun festivals for kids. Some of the attractions that are offering free admission for kids include the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld San Diego. Additionally, there are other fun activities such as axe throwing and film festivals that are sure to keep kids entertained. If you’re looking for a fun family outing, San Diego is definitely worth considering!