Long car rides with kids can quickly go from fun to frustrating—especially when screens aren’t an option (or you just need a break from them).

Over the years, we’ve found that a few simple, screen-free activities can make a huge difference. These are the ones that have actually worked for us on long road trips—keeping the kids happy, engaged, and the journey a lot more enjoyable.

If you’re trying to keep kids entertained on a long car ride, a few simple ideas can make all the difference.

---

1. Classic Car Games

Games like “I Spy” and the license plate game are simple, require no prep, and work for all ages.

• I Spy (“I spy somthing green/blue/red” for younger kids.
• Would You Rather? (kids love making silly scenarios we also use a book of would you rather prompts).
• 20 Questions (great for curious kids who like guessing games)

These don’t require supplies—just your imagination.

---

2. Road Trip Bingo or Activity Printables

Printable bingo cards or scavenger hunts turn the drive into a fun challenge and keep kids looking out the window.

Traveling with kids? These printables are a simple way to keep them entertained on long drives.

• Download your free road trip scavenger hunt here
• Try our license plate challenge for older kids

Pro Tip: laminate bingo sheets and bring dry erase markers so you can reuse them for every trip. You can also pick these up for under $5 from stores like Five Below and Target (seasonally).

Water pen coloring books can also work well for young children. Mess free and reusable.

---

3. Audiobooks and Podcasts for Kids

Great for quiet time, audiobooks and kid-friendly podcasts can keep everyone engaged while giving parents a break.

If your child can’t read in the car without feeling queasy, audiobooks are gold. Some family favorites:

• Magic Tree House series
• The Chronicles of Narnia
• Harry Potter (if you’re up for a longer series)
• Boxcar Children (for a wholesome mystery that lasts around an hour per book)
• Autobiographies (we enjoyed Becoming by Michelle Obama, with our eldest daughter on a road trip last summer)
• Mother Nature is Not Trying to Kill You: A Wildlife & Survival Guide (by Rob & Haley Nelson) is a fun audiobook for families with older kids. We’ve enjoyed listening to it multiple times.

There are also tons of kid-friendly podcasts like Brains On! or Wow in the World. These keep everyone engaged—sometimes even the parents get hooked.

Platforms like Spotify have a great selection for family road trips.

Top Tip: Have audio books and music downloaded in advance to prevent any issues with cell reception.

---

4. Music + Sing-Along Playlists

Create a special “road trip playlist” before you leave. Mix in family favorites, throwback songs, and some kid-friendly sing-alongs. Bonus: let each child pick a few songs for the list so everyone feels included.

---

5. Surprise Bags

Before the trip, pack a few small surprise bags with dollar-store items (stickers, fidget toys, coloring books, magnetic puzzles or games). Hand them out one at a time throughout the drive when boredom strikes. Kids love the mystery element, and it stretches the fun over the whole journey.

---

6. Snack Time (Make It an Event)

Sometimes “entertainment” just means keeping little mouths busy. Pack a variety of road trip snacks for kids—things that take time to eat (like trail mix or string cheese). You can even make snack necklaces with Cheerios or pretzels on yarn for younger kids.

---

7. Storytelling Together

Have one person start a story, and each family member adds a sentence as you go. It always takes a funny turn and gives kids a chance to be creative.

---

8. Activity Kits for Older Kids

If your kids are past the preschool stage, activity books (crosswords, Sudoku, Mad Libs) can keep them busy for stretches of time. Just make sure they’re activities that don’t require looking down for too long if motion sickness is an issue.

---

9. Plan Fun Pit Stops to Break Up the Drive

Sometimes the best way to keep kids happy on a long car ride is simply to stop and move. Short breaks at playgrounds, parks, or even fun service stations can work wonders. In Texas, for example, Buc-ee’s isn’t just a convenience store—it’s practically a mini attraction with plenty of space to stretch legs, grab a snack, and explore a bit before getting back on the road.

Even a quick 15–20 minute stop to run around, play on swings, or explore something new can reset everyone’s mood and make the drive feel less like a marathon. These mini-adventures also give kids something to look forward to along the way, helping the miles fly by.

Top Tip: Check your route. Plan your fun stops along the way. Always stay flexible if the kids really need a break. Be open to opportunities for fun along the way.

---

10. Conversation Starter Cards for Unexpected Fun

One of our favorite ways to spark creativity and connection on long drives is with conversation starter cards. These are little prompts that get kids (and adults!) talking about things you’d never normally discuss in everyday life—like “If you could have any superpower, what would it be?” or “What’s the silliest rule you would make if you were king/queen for a day?” They’re great for passing time in the car, but the fun doesn’t have to stop there: take them out to dinner while you’re on your trip for a bonus family bonding session. You might be surprised at the hilarious, imaginative, and meaningful conversations that come out of these little cards!

---

Final Thoughts: Arrive Happy, Not Snappy

Screens can be a lifesaver (we definitely use our Kindle movies when we need them), but sometimes they’re just not an option—especially if you’ve got a child who gets carsick like mine. With a little planning, a few fun activities, and some creative snacks, you can keep kids entertained on a long car ride without screens and actually enjoy the journey together.

Because at the end of the day, road trips aren’t just about the destination—they’re about the memories you make along the way.

Planning a Family Road Trip?

If you’re getting ready for a longer trip, don’t miss these helpful guides:

• 20 Essential Road Trip Tips for Families (to make your journey smoother)
• Colorado with Kids (our favorite family-friendly adventures)
• National Parks with Kids Guides (for planning your next big trip)

• ShareCopied to clipboard

20 Essential Road Trip Tips for Families: Stress-Free Adventures on the Road