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Approximately how long will this game be in early access, how is the full version planned to differ from the early access version, what is the current state of the early access version, will the game be priced differently during and after early access, how are you planning on involving the community in your development process, buy long car journey - a road trip game.

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About This Game

Key features:.

• A big world with many roads. Each will lead you somewhere new! Find out yourself!
• No map, you can only count on a compass (if you find it yourself)
• Fix, refine, and tank your car so that the journey lasts for as long as possible! (Or explore the map… on foot; which we don’t recommend at night)
• animals Running onto the Road!
• Explore abandoned places, buildings, venture into the abyssal wasteland!
• trade, Buy, and Sell Objects You Find!
• random Events (maybe A Hitchhiker?)
• day and Night Cycle
• Varying temperature — You’d better check the state of your battery if you want to spend the night in the car! We recommend heating up the car to the max at night!
• car tuning (better engines, extra storage etc)
• physics! put things in the trunk, watch out, they may fall out!
• Possibility to sell found items
• 2 game modes - Regular mode ( hunger, fatigue, body temperature, health), Simple mode (without life bars, just chill)
• several cars to buy
• eye-pleasing Low Poly Graphics

System Requirements

• OS *: Windows 7,8 10
• Processor: I3 3220
• Memory: 4 GB RAM
• Graphics: dedicated graphics card 2GB
• DirectX: Version 10
• Processor: I5
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: GTX 1050

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55 Fun Car Games For Families On Long Road Trips

By In The Playroom

April 10, 2023

Are you planning a family road trip and dreading the inevitable cries of “Are we there yet?” from the backseat? Don’t worry! We’ve compiled a list of 50+ fun car games perfect for keeping the whole family entertained during those long car rides.

Family road trips are a cherished tradition for many, especially during the long hot days of summer, offering the perfect opportunity to bond, explore new places, and create lasting memories.

As you embark on your next long road trip, you may be seeking ways to keep the whole family entertained, from younger kids to older children and we have compiled a list of the best road trip games and car ride activities that will ensure a good time for all!

From word games that challenge the mind to fun road trip classics like Rock Paper Scissors, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So buckle up, and get ready to make your next stop a memorable one with these great car games.

Huge List of Fun Car Games For Road Trips That The Whole Family Can Enjoy

• I Spy (Little Eye)

A fun game that kids of any age can play, the first person selects an object they see and says, “I spy with my little eye, something that is (color/shape).” The other players then guess what the object is. You can also play this game with the alphabet, I spy with my little eye… something beginning with A, B, C and so on.

• Alphabet Game

A classic game for long road trips, family members take turns finding objects or road signs that begin with each letter of the alphabet in alphabetical order. The first player to spot an object for each letter wins.

• Scavenger Hunt

Before your long drive, create a list of items commonly seen on the side of the road, such as a stop sign or a cow. Pass out the list to each player and see who can find the most items by the end of the trip.

Hearts is a fantastic card game ideal for families on road trips, offering engaging gameplay that promotes strategy and social interaction. It’s perfect for passing the time and fostering family bonding during long journeys. If you’re without a deck of cards, you can easily play Hearts online at sites like Hearts.land , ensuring the fun continues even when you’re on the move.

• License Plate Game

A road trip classic, players try to find license plates from different states. Keep a list and see who can find the most by the end of the game.

• 20 Questions

A great way to pass the time, one player thinks of a person, place, or thing, and the other players take turns asking yes or no questions to figure out what it is. The game continues until someone guesses correctly or all 20 questions have been asked.

Players take turns naming famous people, with the next player having to think of a name that starts with the last letter of the previous name. If someone gets stuck, they’re out until the next round.

• TV Show/Movie Game

Similar to the name game, players take turns naming a TV show or movie, with the next player having to think of a title that starts with the last letter of the previous title.

• Favorite Song Game

Players take turns singing a line from their favorite song, with the next player having to sing a line from a song that starts with the last word of the previous line.

A fun way to get to know your family members better, one person is in the “hot seat” and must answer questions from the other players for a set time limit.

• Memory Game

The first player names an object, and the next person repeats the object and adds another one. This continues with each player adding an object to the list and trying to remember the entire sequence. When someone forgets an item, they’re out of the game.

• Spelling Bee

A simple game that’s perfect for older kids and adults, take turns choosing longer words for the other players to spell. If a player spells a word incorrectly, they’re out of the game.

• Road Trip Bingo

Before your trip, create or purchase car bingo cards featuring common sights like a red barn or a motorcycle. As players spot these items, they mark them off on their card. The first person to get five in a row wins.

You can use our free printable travel bingo game for this activity.

Travel Bingo Free Printable Game for Kids

A classic road trip game for a good laugh, players take turns filling in the blanks of a Mad Libs story with words chosen by the other players. Read the completed story aloud for a hilarious time.

• Grocery Store Game

A fun memory game for kids of all ages, players take turns naming items found in a grocery store in alphabetical order.

• Rock, Paper, Scissors

A simple and classic game for a quick time pass, players simultaneously choose rock, paper, or scissors. Rock beats scissors, scissors beats paper, and paper beats rock. Best of three wins.

• Trivia Games

Test your family’s knowledge on various subjects with age-appropriate trivia questions. We have put together a huge list of road trip trivia questions here, or you can create your own questions or use a trivia book or app.

100 Trivia Questions For Road Trip Fun

• Degrees of Separation

A great game for movie lovers, the first player names an actor and a movie they starred in. The next player must then name another actor from that movie and another movie they appeared in. The game continues until someone can’t think of a connection.

A favorite for parents on long journeys, challenge the kids to see who can stay quiet the longest. Whoever makes a noise is out of the game.

• Sticker Books

Provide each child with a sticker book and a selection of stickers to keep them entertained for hours. Look for books with themes that interest your children.

• Alphabetical Order

Players take turns naming items in a specific category (such as animals or foods) in alphabetical order. The game continues until a player can’t think of an item for the next letter of the alphabet.

• Road Trip Activities

Bring along activity books, coloring books, and puzzles to keep the little kids entertained during the drive. There is no harm bringing their iPad along the way for a long trip too.

• Own Sentence Game

The first player starts by saying a word, and the next player repeats the word and adds another one. Continue until the sentence becomes too long or doesn’t make sense anymore.

• Car Pictionary

Give each player a piece of paper and a pencil. One person draws a picture related to the trip, and the others try to guess what it is within a time limit.

• Word Association

A player says a word, and the next player must say a word related to the first word. Continue around the car until someone can’t think of a related word.

• Two Truths and a Lie

Each player shares three statements about themselves, two of which are true and one is false. The other players try to guess which statement is the lie.

• Would You Rather

Players take turns asking each other “Would you rather…?” questions, prompting fun and often hilarious discussions.

• Storytelling

The first person starts a story with one sentence, and each player adds a sentence to continue the story. See where your collective imagination takes you!

• Road Sign Game

Each player chooses a specific road sign (such as a stop sign or a speed limit sign) and counts how many they see during the trip. The person who spots the most signs wins.

• Guess the Distance

Players take turns guessing how far away a specific landmark is. The person closest to the actual distance wins.

• Alphabet Categories

Choose a category (such as animals or cities) and have players take turns naming items in the category that start with each letter of the alphabet.

These are just a few examples of the many fun car games and activities available for your next road trip. With a little creativity and preparation, you can ensure that your family stays entertained and engaged during those long car rides.

So go ahead, plan your next family adventure, and enjoy the journey just as much as the destination! Here are a few more ideas….

• The A-Z Restaurant Game

Players take turns naming restaurants or fast food chains for each letter of the alphabet, in alphabetical order.

• Word Ladder

Choose a starting word and a target word. Players take turns changing one letter of the current word to create a new word, eventually reaching the target word.

• Celebrity Baby Names

Players try to guess the unique names of celebrities’ children. This can lead to some interesting discussions and laughter.

• Radio Roulette

Quickly switch through radio stations, and each player must guess the title and artist of the song currently playing.

• Cloud Shapes

Take turns looking at the clouds and describing what shapes, animals, or objects they resemble.

Divide the car into two teams – one on each side. Each team counts the cows they see on their side of the road. If a team spots a cemetery on the opposing team’s side, they can shout “Ghost Cows!” and reset the other team’s count to zero.

• License Plate Slogans

Players make up funny or clever slogans based on the letters on license plates they see during the drive.

One player thinks of a character or famous person, and the other players ask yes or no questions to figure out who they are.

• Story Cubes

Use story cubes (dice with images) to roll a random set of images, and take turns creating stories that incorporate those images.

• Pass the Story

One player starts a story, and after a minute, passes the story to the next player to continue. The story changes with each player, often leading to hilarious twists and turns.

• Odd One Out

Choose a category (such as animals or movies) and list four items, with one being the odd one out. The other players must guess which item doesn’t belong.

• The Humming Game

One player hums a tune, and the others try to guess the song.

• What’s Missing?

One player chooses an object in the car and secretly removes it from sight. The other players must figure out what’s missing.

• Animal Sounds

Players take turns imitating animal sounds, and the others have to guess the animal.

• The Prediction Game

Each player makes a prediction about something they think will happen during the trip, such as spotting a specific type of vehicle or hearing a certain song on the radio.

• The Compliment Game

Go around the car and have each person give a genuine compliment to the person on their left. This game encourages positivity and boosts morale during long trips.

• The Laughing Game

One player starts laughing, and the others must join in the game without smiling or laughing. The last person to keep a straight face wins.

• Invention Game

Players take turns describing a fictional invention, and the others have to guess what problem the invention is meant to solve.

• Print Out Word Searches

Create or download themed word searches that your children can complete during the trip. Tailor them to your children’s interests or your destination for a personalized touch. You can find various word search templates online, or create your own using word search generator tools.

We also have free word searches for you to print out on all kinds of themes from black history month to ramadan , halloween and beyond.

• Print Out Coloring Pages

Keep the little ones entertained with coloring pages featuring their favorite characters, animals, or scenes. Print out a variety of coloring pages before your trip, and pack some coloring supplies like colored pencils or washable markers.

We have all kinds of themes to download free here at in the playroom, from shark coloring , to disney frozen coloring pages , to mermaid coloring and more.

18 Free Printable Shark Coloring Pages For Kids

• Print Out Color By Number

Combine the fun of coloring with the challenge of a puzzle by providing your children with color by number pages. These activities help improve concentration and fine motor skills while keeping them engaged during long car rides. Search our site for printable color by number pages in various themes and difficulty levels for example disney princess color by number , or pokemon color by number .

12 Free Printable Disney Princess Color by Number Pages

8 Pokemon Color by Number Coloring Pages for Kids

We also have tonnes more free printable road trip activities that you can check out here…

Road Trip I-SPY Printable Game for Kids

Road Trip Printables for Kids

Printable Travel Games for Kids

By incorporating these printable activities into your long road trip, you’ll ensure that your children stay entertained and engaged, making the journey enjoyable for everyone in the family. Don’t forget to include the necessary coloring supplies and a hard surface to work on, such as a clipboard or lap desk. Happy travels!

From classic road trip games to new favorites, there’s something for everyone here. Buckle up and let the fun begin!

As your family road trip comes to an end, we hope that these fun road trip games and activities have brought laughter, joy, and a sense of connection to your journey. Whether you’ve discovered a new favorite game or revisited beloved classics, these car ride games have made the miles fly by, turning every stretch of road into an adventure. So next time you hit the open road, remember to pack these engaging activities, and watch as your family comes together to create unforgettable memories. Safe travels and happy gaming!

Recap of the game list….

Table of Contents

In The Playroom

Anna Marikar, mum of four and seasoned blogger, has spent over a decade sharing her parenting journey and passion for kid-friendly crafts and free printables. Her easy-to-follow craft ideas and practical parenting advice have transformed In The Playroom into a cherished resource for parents.

• In The Playroom https://intheplayroom.co.uk/author/firawla/ DIY Mason Jar Vase For Mother's Day
• In The Playroom https://intheplayroom.co.uk/author/firawla/ Inspiring Olympics Facts For Kids With Printable
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300 Charming and Rustic Country Baby Girl Names

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30 Best Road Trip Games That Are Super Fun

Road trip games can make any journey more enjoyable and fun whether you're going on a long drive across the country or spending a few hours in the car with the kids.

Our list of the 30 of the best road trip games will provide entertainment for children and adults alike, ranging from music-related games and foodie challenges to word contests and devious pranks.

You will never have to think of what to do on a long car ride again! The following is the ultimate list of games you can play on a road trip.

1. The Story Game

Entertaining for adults and kids alike, this is storytelling with a twist - you go round the car and each passenger adds just one word following on from the player before.

See how crazy you can make the story, and get someone to record it on their phone so you can listen back to the hilarious progression of the plot as you make way along your road trip. You could go from sunbathing in Spain to training alpacas in Chile in a matter of seconds.

Trust us, you're in for a laugh with this one and if your passengers are good, these stories can get seriously long!

2. I'm Going On A Road Trip

This road trip game requires a bit more brain power than some of the others, but is still really entertaining and great for all ages. To play, passengers take it in turns to state 'I'm going on a road trip and I'm bringing…' followed by an item of their choice.

The next person has to repeat the phrase, saying the last person's item and adding one of their own and so on - eventually you'll have a really long list of crazy items to try and remember, and it's always amusing watching people try and get it right a few rounds in.

Be sure to throw in a few weird and wonderful items to confuse the rest of the players!

3. The Quiet Game

This game is a bit of a joke for the adults who want a few minutes of peace and quiet from their squabbling kids. The rules are hilariously simple - just say 'who can stay quiet the longest?' and breathe as the competitive siblings fall instantly silent.

Just a word of warning though: don't expect it to last very long, so have another kid-friendly car game lined up for when they get bored.

4. The Banana Game

This game is all about the color yellow and is super simple - points are awarded whenever a passenger spots a yellow vehicle.

Come up with a scoring system for different types of vehicle (e.g. one point for a car, two for a van, and three for a lorry) and whether you saw it parked (one point) or in motion (two points). Add any extra rules you fancy, and prepare to get competitive about who saw it first.

5. Never Miss A Beat

This game may be more of a singalong than a game, but it's still awesome!

Never miss a beat offers another chance to show off your singing skills and unusually gets everyone playing together rather than against each other.

All you need to do is stick on your family's favorite song or a song everyone knows the words to and start singing. Someone then needs to turn it down for 10 seconds whilst everyone keeps singing, before turning it back up again to see if you've kept the beat and stayed in time.

This game is mainly just a bit of fun, but you could always turn it into a competition by splitting into teams!

Another classic you've probably played a thousand times before but never get bored of.

Passengers take it in turns to find an object either inside or outside the car and say "I spy with my little eye something beginning with…" the first letter of whatever the object is.

The other passengers must then try and guess the answer (clues can be given if it's really hard), with the winner taking the next turn. This is an easy car game to play with kids and always a great one to keep bored passengers entertained for a surprisingly long time.

7. 20 Questions

This classic road trip game probably doesn't need much of an introduction - simply choose one passenger to start by thinking of a random object, and the other passengers take turns asking 20 yes-or-no questions to guess the object.

Whoever finds the answer first gets to think of the random thing in the next round, but if the object has everyone stumped, they get to keep their role for the next round.

There are no rules on the object you can pick, but lying in your answers is strictly forbidden!

8. Car Bingo

This kid-friendly game takes a little prep before you set off, but it's well worth it if you need to keep the kids entertained on a long journey.

Make a list of things the children might see along the road trip route - e.g. cows, a tractor, a red car etc, to give to them when you get into the car.

As you drive they can cross things off as they see them, not only distracting them from boredom but also encouraging them to look around and learn about the places they're visiting.

Make the list as specific to the place you're going as you want. In Texas you might have anything mentioning the Lone Star and in Wyoming you might be on the lookout for elk!

You can tailor the difficulty and number of things to find depending on the age of your children.

9. Sweet Or Sour

The rules of this road trip game are super simple: passengers take turns waving at passing pedestrians or people in nearby cars. If they wave back they're sweet, if not they're sour. You win a point for every sweet passerby you get, so aim to find as many friendly people as possible along the way.

For obvious reasons, the driver should opt out of this one, but it can be extra fun if they divert the car through a busy area of town to rack up some extra waving opportunities!

Remember not to distract other drivers!

10. Secret Place Race

Make use of that old road map that sits in the car seat pocket to entertain the kids. All you need to do for the secret place race is pick a place they're unlikely to know such as a tiny village, river, or mountain, and see how long it takes them to find it on the map.

This can be incredibly entertaining in a Where's Waldo kind of way, except their mission in finding the village can be made critically important for the driver to be able to find the right way!

Have a reward on hand if they're able to find it in less than 5 minutes, and watch as they're completely engrossed in the task. A simple yet satisfyingly effective game.

11. Punch Buggy

First gaining popularity as part of one of Volkswagen's marketing campaigns in the 1960s, the aim of this game is to give your fellow passengers a playful punch whenever you see a VW Beetle drive past.

This is one of those road trip games that is universally loved by children (as long as you monitor the punching to avoid disaster), although we don't see why the adults wouldn't enjoy it too.

Granted - in some parts of the world, seeing a Beetle is incredibly rare, so if you're struggling to see many Beetles, you could always choose a specific color of car or another funny model as the target instead to make it a touch easier.

12. Regional Car Pantry

One for the foodies. Stretching across the full duration of your road trip, collect as many local snacks as you can at every stop along the way to build up your car pantry.

Make sure you take pictures of each snack (or buy duplicates if they'll keep) so you can see what you've managed to collect at the end of the trip, and be sure to take some weird and wonderful treats home for friends and family to try.

Do some research beforehand and make a list of all the foods you want to find, or just wing it and see what local delicacies you stumble across as you go.

13. The License Plate Game

You'll need pens and paper for this game so make sure you've packed some before you head off. The aim is to spot license plates from as many different countries or US states (depending on where your road trip is taking place) as possible.

Write a list of the places you've seen and compare it with the other passengers at the end of the drive. This is the ideal game for those long stretches of boring motorway where you'll probably rack up a surprisingly long list, and the person with the most countries gets to ride shotgun for the next leg of the journey.

The end of this road trip game can get very controversial - if you spot a real game winner, photographic evidence is a good idea so get your phone out and take photos in secret!

14. The Fortunately - Unfortunately road trip game

This is similar to the Story Game (see #1 above), however players get a little more control and creativity. You can say more than one word this time!

One player starts off with a 'fortunately' sentence, and the next has to follow with an 'unfortunately' sentence to build a story of luck and misfortune. For example, one player might start with 'fortunately, the sun was shining' with the second player adding 'unfortunately they had a long drive ahead of them' and so on.

This game can make it a little easier to remember the long string as everything has to be either fortunate or unfortunate! Get as creative as you can and you'll find yourself at your destination in what seems like no time at all.

15. The Complete Food Menu Game

This is the perfect road trip game to play if you're passing through a few towns on your way although roadside restaurants and chains will do just fine.

Print out a sheet with all the food types you can think of in a grid against the names of people in the car.

Every time you drive past a restaurant of some kind, the first person to spot it gets to collect the tick for the food type it serves. Steaks and pizzas should be easy to collect by everyone, but you might just win if you're the only one who spotted the seafood restaurant in the middle of Oklahoma!

16. The Name Game

This is another simple game that keeps your brain occupied during a long drive without being too strenuous. One person simply says any name they can think of and the next person must say another name that begins with the last letter of the name before, and so on.

For example if passenger one says Tom, passenger two might say Mary. If you've made any friends during your road trip, try and include their names to make it a tad more topical.

Obviously adding the rule of not repeating the same names once they have been mentioned makes this a whole lot more interesting as the game progresses although you're guaranteed to have a disagreement over whether a name has or has not been mentioned already!

17. Guess The Song

If you're comfortable in your musical knowledge you'll definitely want to suggest playing this one. The rules are simple: get the front passenger to play the first few seconds of a song and whoever can guess the artist and song title the quickest wins a point.

This is much easier if you can connect your phone to the car for the road trip and play songs from there so you can easily search and pause the music.

The person with the most points after half an hour gets control of the music for the rest of the journey, so there's a lot at stake...

18. Sing The Next Line

A variation on the Guess The Song game above, except this game relies on your vocal chords.

Instead of just guessing the song after a few seconds, players have to rack their brains and try and sing the next line, and the person who successfully remembers it first wins a point. Think of a reward for whoever wins, and if you attempt it but get it wrong you have to do a forfeit chosen by the driver.

19. Radio Roulette

This game's a little less hands-on but no less entertaining. Use your road trip driving time to discover all the local radio stations of the place you're visiting by re-tuning every ten minutes and choosing a new station at random.

You'll probably find some pretty wacky programs and get to know traditional and popular music in that country - a great way to appreciate culture even when you're between destinations.

If you a radio station that is really wacky, let us know!

20. Would You Rather

This road trip game can be be as PG or as outrageous as you like depending on the age of the passengers.

Take turns asking the car whether they would rather do one thing or another (e.g. 'would you rather go to France or Spain?') and see what they answer. Make it as difficult as possible to choose between the two options for maximum entertainment value, whether that's making them equally amazing or equally horrible, it's up to you…

You can see how this game can get as interesting in group of adults as with kids - answering the question is compulsory and providing reasons is where it gets fun!

21. Car Rules Road Trip Game

Everyone in the car gets to make up a silly rule, e.g. whenever we cross a bridge everyone has has to touch their nose, or whenever we stop at a red light everyone has to touch the roof of the car.

The last person to join in when an action is enforced gains a point, and the person with the most points at the end of the drive loses. Get as creative as you like with the rules and try and catch people out where possible so you can take the victory.

The loser has to go pay for parking or buy ice creams at the next stop!

22. Hot Seat

If you're that nosy friend that wants to find out all of your companions' deepest secrets then you'll like this one. Passengers take it in turns to be in the hot seat and are asked 5 questions, one of which they're allowed to veto and the other four must be answered honestly.

This is best played in an adult-only car (questions get notoriously cheeky) and is the ideal way to pass the time finding out some interesting new facts about your road trip friends.

You can use it as a warm up or a step up from the car version of Truth or Dare (see #27 below) depending on how close your friendships are!

23. People Watching

Someone picks a car full of people that everyone can see (this works best if you're stuck in traffic), and together you make up a story about the people - who they are, where they're going, what they do for a living. The funnier and more far-fetched the story, the better - just make sure you're not staring too obviously at your subjects or it might get a little awkward...

Use your imagination to make the stories controversial and see how far you can go with making things up!

You might just surprise yourself how the most innocuous of road trip games will make you spot things you would never otherwise see just by looking at the cars around you.

24. Kiss, Marry, Avoid

Another one for the older crowd. Take turns listing three famous people and the other passengers in the car have to choose which person they would kiss, which they would marry, and which they would avoid.

Make it really hard to decide so that everyone has a bit of a laugh, and try to predict each other's answers to add an extra twist to the game.

If you want to add a little spice to the game, use people you all know or move to people in the car!

25. While You Were Sleeping

There's nothing more tempting than pulling a prank on a passenger who falls asleep en route, and whilst we don't dispute the whole drawing-a-mustache classic, we've got something even craftier.

Whilst they're taking a nap on the road trip, have a brainstorm with the awake members of the party and come up with an epic story or scenario of something that they missed during their nap.

The aim of the game is to get them to believe the story, so make sure nobody laughs or breaks character (come up with a forfeit if they do), and keep the lie going for as long as possible. If you manage to pull it off this is far better than a DIY mustache... but by all means, draw one on for good measure.

This classic road trip game can really take a turn for the worse if you want it to. A simple horror story about a truck that followed the car for miles that you just managed to pull away from before getting a flat tyre can go a long way as you're parked on the side of the road. Peer into the rear view mirror in horror and watch their face when a random truck appears on the horizon!

26. Categories

Popular with kids and adults alike the world over, Categories can be an awesome game to play on road trips as well.

The premise is simple - somebody picks a category which can have multiple different answers. Fruit or Beatles' songs can both be great options.

Players have to then take turns to name one item from the category at a time. Players are eliminated when they can't name one until there's one winner. Either the winner or the next person in turn gets to choose the next category.

That brings our list of the best road trip games to an end. Do you have other games you enjoy? Get in touch to let us know and we'll add it to our list!

27. Truth Or Dare (The Car Edition)

The old classic can and should be played on road trips! Players take turns to either answer an embarassing question truthfully or perform a dare set by other players.

The dares obviously have to be contained to the realms of the car or the roadside so you'll have to get creative.

Needless to say, this game is very different when played with kids as a family or with adult friends and is equally great in both cases!

28. 6 Degrees of Separation

This is a road trip game that will require some imagination and provide plenty of topics for conversation.

Take turns and pick two people who you may know or make them up (e.g. a Shaolin monk). The more different the background and location of these people the better!

Then proceed to discuss how these two people are connected through 6 connections or less. You don't have to know the whole chain - that's actually where the fun is.

How is a gaucho from a remote farm in southern Argentina connected to Prince Charles? The gaucho must know his ranch's boss (1). The boss knows the boss of the company that buys beef from local producers (2). That company has a liaison manager in a UK-based Argentinian beef importing firm (3). This manager has a colleague who imports fine wines from around the world for the same company (4). The colleague personally provides the fine wines to the Royal sommelier (5) and the sommelier personally knows Prince Charles (6). Bingo!

29. The Stop Joker Card road trip game

If you're going on a long trip and you're going to be driving all day or even longer than that, this is a great way to give everyone in the car, kids included, a way to have a bit of control.

At any point during the trip, each person can enact their Stop Joker Card - this means the car has to stop wherever they are passing and spend some time there doing an activity or just relaxing.

Your kids might see something really fun halfway along and use their card to break up the journey and everyone gets to have their stop along the route!

30. Pick One Car road trip game

This one is a game of patience and opportunity. Every person in the car has one chance during the journey to pick a car that you can see on your way as their ultimate One Car. The objective is to pick the coolest/fastest/most amazing car possible.

Once you've chosen a car, you can't change it - you only have one go so you better make it count - if you're passing something that is decent but not stellar, you might have to make a tough choice.

The game is made even more difficult by the fact that the first person to call the car out gets to have it so you have to be alert and on the lookout if you haven't got one yet.

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10 Fun Car Journey Games That Will Make Your Trip Unforgettable

Are you planning a road trip soon? Looking for ways to make those long car journeys more fun and enjoyable? Well, you’re in luck! In this article, we’ll explore some exciting games that you can play to pass the time and keep everyone entertained during your travels.

Whether you’re traveling with friends or family, these games are sure to bring laughter and friendly competition to the backseat. From classic games like “I Spy” and “20 Questions” to more interactive options like “The License Plate Game,” there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, buckle up, get ready to play, and let the games begin!

• I Spy is a classic game that can keep everyone entertained during a car journey.
• Directions : One player selects an object within sight and says, “I spy with my little eye, something that is [insert color or description].”
• Others take turns guessing what the object is.
• Once the object is correctly guessed, the player who guessed correctly gets to choose the next object.
• This game is great for all ages as it encourages observation skills and critical thinking.
• Remember to choose objects that can be seen by all players to ensure everyone can participate.

20 Questions

Looking for a fun and engaging game to play during a long car journey? 20 Questions might just be your perfect choice. This classic game can be enjoyed by individuals of all ages, making it a great option for families or groups of friends traveling together. It’s simple to play, yet challenging enough to keep everyone entertained for hours.

Here’s how it works: one person thinks of a person, place, or thing, while the other players take turns asking yes or no questions to guess what it is. With only 20 questions allowed, players must strategize and think critically to narrow down their guesses effectively.

The 20 Questions game not only provides entertainment but also helps improve deductive reasoning skills and encourages logical thinking. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to pass the time during a road trip while bonding with your fellow passengers. Ready to put your detective skills to the test and see if you can guess the mystery item within 20 questions?

The License Plate Game

When it comes to classic road trip games, The License Plate Game is a go-to option for many travelers. It’s a fun and engaging activity that keeps you entertained while on the road. Here’s how you play:

• Spot a license plate from a different state
• Call it out
• Try to spot license plates from all 50 states

Keep track of the states you’ve seen by either making a mental note or jotting them down on a piece of paper. The thrill of finding an elusive state like Alaska or Hawaii adds an extra level of excitement to the game.

To make it more challenging, you can set additional goals such as:

• Finding plates with specific letters or numbers
• Spotting specialty plates
• Guessing the backstory of the travelers based on the state they are from

Name That Tune

Looking for a fun and engaging game to spice up your car journey? Name That Tune is a classic game that challenges your music knowledge and memory. The rules are simple – one person plays a short snippet of a song, and the others have to guess the title and artist. It’s a great way to pass the time and enjoy some friendly competition with your fellow travelers.

To play Name That Tune, you can create different categories such as “80s Hits,” “Movie Soundtracks,” or “One-Hit Wonders.” This allows you to tailor the game to everyone’s music preferences and make it more exciting. With the advent of music streaming services, you have access to a vast library of songs to choose from, making the game even more varied and entertaining.

Not only is Name That Tune a fun game to play, but it also enhances your music knowledge and listening skills. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you can recognize a song from just a few notes. Additionally, playing this game can spark conversations about music preferences, favorite artists, and memorable concerts, creating memorable moments during your road trip.

So next time you hit the road, don’t forget to pack your favorite tunes and challenge your companions to a round of Name That Tune. It’s a fantastic way to keep everyone entertained and make your journey more enjoyable.

Road Trip Bingo

Road Trip Bingo is a classic game that adds an element of excitement to your journey. It’s a game that keeps everyone engaged and entertained as you compete to spot various items along the way. The rules are simple – create a bingo card with different items you might see on the road, like a red truck, a billboard with a funny slogan, or a license plate from a different state. Once you spot an item on your card, mark it off until someone gets a bingo!

Here are a few tips to make your Road Trip Bingo experience even more enjoyable:

• Create personalized bingo cards: Tailor the items on the bingo cards to the route you are taking or the interests of your fellow travelers. This personal touch adds to the fun and excitement of the game.
• Set a time limit: To keep the game moving and prevent it from dragging on, set a time limit for how long everyone has to get a bingo. This adds a sense of urgency and competition to the game.
• Incorporate fun rewards: Consider adding a fun reward for the winner, whether it’s getting to choose the next pit stop or deciding what music to play next. Rewards add an extra level of motivation to the game.

Enhance your next car journey with these classic road trip games. From “Name That Tune” to “Road Trip Bingo,” these games are sure to keep you and your fellow travelers entertained and engaged. By customizing cards, setting time limits, and offering rewards, you can make the experience even more enjoyable and competitive. These games not only provide entertainment but also create lasting memories and strengthen the bond among road trip companions. So, pack your bags, hit the road, and let the games begin!

Hey there! I'm Scott, and I absolutely love hitting the open road. Over the years, I've discovered that the journey is just as important as the destination, especially when you've got some entertaining car games up your sleeve. I've turned countless hours of travel into laugh-out-loud moments and bonding experiences with my favorite in-car games. Whether you're on a family trip, an adventure with friends, or just cruising solo, I'm here to share my top game recommendations to make your drives even more fun. Dive into my articles and let's turn those long stretches of road into unforgettable memories. Happy traveling and game on!

Ultimate Trip Games Ideas: Fun Games for Solo Travelers

Top 10 engaging road trip games to keep everyone entertained, related posts, ultimate guide to creating lasting memories with the question game on your road trip, 10 fun car games for family road trips: keep everyone entertained, fun road trip games: entertain and educate with these car games.

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30+ Fun Road Trip Games To Pass The Time While Traveling

Long drives are fun at first, but after a while, you need something to do..

• Deauna Roane

Last updated on Jul 11, 2023

There’s no better feeling than the freedom of the open road. The destination that awaits you evokes excitement and joy.

Where are you going? Maybe you’re traveling to the hot spot of the summer or visiting your boyfriend, putting a stop to long distances. You can feel the energy building up inside you on this journey to somewhere new. But what do you do when the road trip seems never-ending?

It can be hard to keep your mind occupied behind the wheel or in the passenger seat. No matter where you’re sitting, there are ways to make the trip more bearable .

RELATED: 7 Sneaky Ways Traveling Actually Makes You Healthier, Says Science

Whether you’re alone or with friends , it’s beneficial to have some go-to activities for the car. Luckily, there are plenty of fun road trip games to play in the car to pass the time while you’re en route.

30 Fun Road Trip Games for Long Car Rides

1. categories.

Start by picking a category such as colors or vegetables and take turns naming something in that category until someone is stumped. Red, green, yellow, pink... you lost! This is a fun way to use your brainpower and react quickly to someone possibly taking your answer.

2. The License Plate Game

You’ll inevitably pass some out-of-state drivers. Take advantage and see how many of the states you can find before you reach your destination. Feel free to print out a map before your trip and mark which states you discover.

In another variation of the License Plate Game, most license plates contain three letters and this game makes use of them. Interpret each potential acronym in a funny way. For example, PMP could be “purple mashed potatoes” and LSB could be “Lexi smells bad.” Be creative!

You may not have thought of yourself as a writer until now. One person says a word to begin a story and all the players take turns adding another word to the story. It will be fun to see where the story ends up.

4. Celebrity

One person chooses a famous person and plays out their character. They will answer questions as if they are this celebrity and the first person who guesses correctly wins. It will then be their turn to take the stage.

5. The Alphabet Game

Take turns going through the alphabet and find letters in the car or passing license plates and road signs. This simple game gives you a chance to search for things instead of focusing on the time it’s taking to get where you need to be. Good luck to whichever player gets X.

6. My Father Owns a Grocery Store

A fun guessing game that involves some deep thinking. Begin by saying, “My father owns a grocery store and in it, he sells something that begins with the letter...” Once someone has guessed the food item you were thinking of, it’s their turn.

7. Going on a Picnic

This memory game continues to build until you mess up or forget. The first person says, “I’m going on a picnic and I’m going to bring...” Then the next person says, “I’m going on a picnic and I’m going to bring...” and must list the first person’s item before adding their own. As the list grows, it becomes harder to remember all of what was said.

8. Deep Questions

Pull out your phone and head onto Pinterest or the Internet for some great conversation starters . You’ll be sure to get to know your friends better while exploring your own answers to some deep questions.

9. Guess the Song

Put a playlist on shuffle and see who knows music the best. Whoever can name the song and artist first wins. This competitive road trip game allows you to work on your listening skills and maybe come across some new music.

10. While You Were Sleeping

This is a great game if you have sleepy passengers. When a passenger is sleeping, the awake parties in the car must create a story. Once the passenger awakes, the game is on.

The passengers must now make the sleeping person believe their story. If someone goes off-script or breaks character, they lose points; if you're successful, you win points. If the sleeping passenger ends up joining in on the story and correctly fools the car, they win.

RELATED: 25 Exciting 2-Player Card Games You Can Play Anywhere

11. Did You Hear That?

This is a great game for those interested in the news and pop culture. The object of the game is to fool your car mates. You will say, "Did you hear that (blank) happened?" You fill in the blank with something you either have or have not heard and your car mates must decide if it's true or not.

They are to respond with, "That didn't happen" or, "Tell me more." If they say, "Tell me more," the points double if they guess correctly.

12. 21 Questions

One person thinks of something (it can be anything). Then, the car has exactly 21 questions to figure out what the thing is. Whoever guesses it right gets to start the next round.

13. The Movie Game

This is a great game for movie buffs. One person begins by naming an actor or actress, and then the next person has to name a movie that person was in. The person after them has to name another actor from that same movie, and on and on it goes.

14. Riff Off

If you've seen "Pitch Perfect," you know exactly how to play. A person starts singing a song and the next person has to connect that song (using the lyrics) to another song. If you mess up, you're out. Last person singing wins.

15. Alphabetical Categories

Want to make Categories a bit harder? Make your car mates do it in alphabetical order. The same rules apply as regular Categories.

16. Regional Food Master

The object of the game is to get as many local snacks as possible before you reach your destination. The rule is that at every gas station you stop at, you must find one snack item that is made within that region.

17. The Name Game

Someone randomly says a famous person's name. The next person has to name another famous person's name which starts with the first letter of the previous person's last name. If someone says a famous person who has the same letter for both their first and last name, the game reverses in order.

18. Word Association

The object of the game is to see how far you can go. Someone begins with a word and the next person has to say a word that is associated with it. The game continues until someone messes up or says something too far-fetched.

19. Cows On My Side

This is great for those driving through country states. The object of the game is to grab as many points as possible. To gain points, you have to A) Yell, "Cows on my side" if you see cows on your side of the car, or B) Yell, "Cows on your side" before that person can claim them.

If you see a cemetery, however, you can yell "Ghost Cow" and you steal all of the points from the other side.

A classic car ride game to play is I-Spy. In this car ride game, someone spots an object and says, "I spy with my little eye something (blank)," and fills in the blank with a descriptive word of the object. The remaining players have to guess what it is.

RELATED: 5 Therapy-Inspired Games That Can Strengthen Any Family Bond

21. Punch Buggy

Want a semi-violent but fun road trip game to play in the car? Punch buggy is it. Whenever you see a Volkswagen Bug, punch someone in the car and say, "Punch buggy, no punch back." You can get creative and add more rules, like having to name the color of the car or if it has a spoiler or not.

You can also do variations of this game for other cars. For example, on family road trips, my husband and I pinch each other when we see a Prius.

22. In My Suitcase

This memory game is great for long road trips. It begins with someone saying, "In my suitcase, I packed..." You begin the list with the first letter of the alphabet and continue on.

So the first person will begin with A, then the next person has to continue the list from the beginning and add on with their letter. Whoever messes up first loses.

23. Who Am I?

This game is very similar to 20 Questions except the player starting the round has to be a person. You can decide whether you will play with people who are living or dead.

24. Two Truths And a Lie

This game is self-explanatory. You say three "facts" about yourself, but one of them is a lie while two of them are truths. The rest of the players have to guess what is the lie.

25. Color Search

Before you begin your road trip, decide on a color you want to look for. Once the color is decided, you can start earning points by shouting out objects that are that color like "yellow car." Most people like to stick to just cars, but you can broaden the search to just about anything. It's great for younger kids, too!

26. Would You Rather?

Would You Rather? is a fun game to play to pass the time and get a few laughs. You ask your fellow car mates, "Would you rather..." and give them a choice of two situations. They must then choose which one they'd rather pick. The questions can become quite outlandish so buckle in for some laughs.

27. City, Country, River

You go in alphabetical order. On each turn, you have to name a city, a country, and a river that starts with the letter you are on. If you can't think of one, you're out. It goes until there is only one person left.

28. How Long is The Tunnel?

Whenever you get to a tunnel, pick a number. Then, once you enter the tunnel, whole car begins counting. Whoever was closest to how long it took you all to get out of the tunnel wins.

29. Road Trip Olympics

You can get really stiff while on a road trip, so whenever you stop it's good to get exercise. On the Road Trip Olympics, at every stop, have your car mates compete in a physical challenge, whether it's jumping jacks, push-ups, crunches, or another activity. The person who can do the most within the time limit you set wins.

30. Spot The Cracker Barrel

As you go along your road trip journey, keep a lookout for Cracker Barrel locations. Call them out to win points. The winner receives a free meal at the next Cracker Barrel stop. You can obviously switch out Cracker Barrel for any franchised restaurant like Wendy's or McDonald's.

RELATED: 21 Fun Activities & Outdoor Games For Kids

6 Ways to Pass the Time on a Solo Road Trip

1. listen to a podcast..

One of my favorite things to do on solo road trips is to listen to my most-loved podcast. Time seems to escape when I’m listening to familiar voices. It also makes the drive seem less lonely because I feel like I have company.

2. Talk to yourself.

As weird as it may sound, sometimes all you need is to talk to yourself . Vocalize your thoughts and listen to your own voice. If there’s something weighing on your mind, let it out and come up with a solution. Who gives better advice than you?

3. Listen to your favorite songs.

Alone time in your car is the perfect opportunity to sing your heart out. It’s always nice to have a road trip playlist with some of your favorite songs. Play it on repeat and get excited about where you’re heading.

4. Call a friend.

Another great way to pass the time is to talk with a friend or family member. Always be safe and use your speakerphone. But enjoy a good conversation with a person you don’t normally get to talk to.

5. Listen to an audiobook.

If you love storytelling, this is the perfect option for you. Before you leave for your trip, download the book you’ve always been wanting to read. When you’re in a good headspace and ready to listen, play the audiobook and enjoy the story.

6. Think about what you will do when you reach your destination.

Sometimes there’s nothing better than future thinking. If you don’t already have plans set in place, now’s the time to figure out what you’ll do once you get to where you’re going. This will also make you excited and help the drive go faster.

RELATED: We Met On Twitter — And Our First Date Was A Week-Long Road Trip

Deauna Roane is an associate editor for YourTango who covers pop culture, lifestyle, astrology, and relationship topics. She's had bylines in Emerson College's literary magazine, Generic, and MSN.

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*This post contains affiliate links, and we will be compensated if you buy after clicking on our links. The views expressed in this blog are strictly my own opinions and are not to be considered professional advice.

300+ Fun Road Trip Games to Play in the Car for Adults and Kids

Intro – Road Trip Games to Play

Are we there yet?! The dreaded question that inevitably comes up during any long car ride. But fear not, fellow road trip warriors, for I bring you a solution to keep boredom at bay and make the journey just as exciting as the final destination! Introducing our ultimate list of 300+ road trip games for adults and kids to play in the car. Gone are the days of mindlessly staring out the window or endlessly scrolling through social media. With these games, you’ll be laughing, bonding, and maybe even learning a thing or two along the way.

From classic favorites like “I Spy” and car scavenger hunts, to interactive challenges like “21 Questions” and “Name That Tune,” there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

So buckle up, pack your sense of humor, and get ready to make memories that’ll last long after the car ride is over. Let the fun road trip games begin!

It may seem obvious, but it’s been well analyzed that distracted drivers can result in serious accidents. So it’s important that you only play these games if they are not distracting the driver. For more information about distractions take a look at this useful NHTSA summary .

Jump to Games Lists

Feel free to read through some of the basics to start, or Jump straight to:

Kids Car Games List – 119 Games and Idea Teens & Adults Car Games List – 199 Games and Innovative Combinations

What are some classic road trip games that can keep everyone entertained?

Road trips are incomplete without classic road trip games that make the journey more fun. Road Trip Bingo involves spotting specific items or shapes along the road and marking them off a bingo card. It’s a fantastic way to pass the time and keep everyone engaged. Another great game is 20 Questions, where one player thinks of an object, and others have 20 questions to guess what it is.

As you hit the road, the License Plate Game is a must-try. Players aim to spot license plates from different states and mark them off a list. It’s exciting to see who finds the most plates during the trip!

Road Trip Bingo

Road Trip Bingo is a staple game during car rides, especially for families with kids. It keeps everyone on the lookout for specific items or landmarks, adding a competitive yet enjoyable element to the journey. This game is not only entertaining but also enhances observation skills as players scan their surroundings for bingo items.

Players can create their bingo boards with various road trip-related images to make the game more personalized and engaging. Whether it’s a red car, a rest area sign, or a cow in a field, the diversity of items keeps players entertained throughout the trip.

20 Questions

20 Questions is a mentally stimulating game that challenges players to think creatively and strategically. It encourages participants to ask well-thought-out questions to narrow down the possibilities and make an accurate guess. What makes this game exciting is the diversity of objects that can be chosen, ranging from everyday items to abstract concepts.

This game sparks lively discussions and fosters critical thinking skills, making it an ideal choice for long road trips where mental engagement is crucial. With each round revealing new insights about the players’ deductive abilities, 20 Questions promises endless entertainment for all ages.

License Plate Game

The License Plate Game is a classic road trip favorite that adds an element of competition to the journey. Players can create their unique rules, such as assigning points based on the rarity of each state’s license plate. This game not only entertains but also educates players about different states and their unique designs.

As players eagerly scan passing vehicles for elusive plates, the excitement builds, creating a lively atmosphere in the car. The License Plate Game turns mundane drives into exhilarating adventures, making it a must-play for road trips with friends and family.

Jump to the Games Lists

Kids Car Games List Teens & Adults Car Games List

How to play popular car games that are perfect for long rides?

Long car rides call for engaging car games that make the journey more enjoyable for everyone. The Alphabet Game is a simple yet entertaining choice where players find words starting with each letter of the alphabet in order. This game tests memory and quick thinking skills, keeping players alert throughout the ride.

For a nostalgic twist, the Memory Game challenges players to recall and repeat a growing list of items in the correct order. This game is not only fun but also exercises memory and concentration, making it ideal for long stretches on the road.

Alphabet Game

The Alphabet Game is a versatile choice for car rides, allowing players to explore their surroundings and think creatively. From road signs to passing vehicles, players can spot words beginning with each letter of the alphabet, adding variety to the gameplay. This game is not only entertaining but also educational, as players discover new words and objects along the way.

Players can set themed variations of the Alphabet Game, such as finding names of animals or cities, to tailor the gameplay to their interests. With each player contributing unique findings, the Alphabet Game creates a dynamic and interactive experience for all passengers, proving it’s among the best road trip games.

Memory Game

The Memory Game is a classic choice for car rides, engaging players of all ages in a challenging yet entertaining activity. As players take turns adding items to the list, the pressure to remember and repeat them correctly grows, creating an exciting gameplay dynamic. This game encourages focus and concentration, making it an excellent choice for lengthy car journeys where mental engagement is key.

Players can customize the difficulty level of the Memory Game by increasing the number of items to remember or setting time limits for recalling the list. Whether played competitively or cooperatively, the Memory Game promises hours of entertainment and mental stimulation for everyone in the car.

Scavenger Hunt

A Scavenger Hunt is a fantastic way to make long car rides more interactive and entertaining for everyone on board. Players can create a list of items to find along the road, such as specific road signs or unique vehicles, and compete to be the first to spot them. This game promotes teamwork and friendly competition, adding excitement to the journey.

Players can set time limits or point systems to enhance the challenge of the Scavenger Hunt, motivating participants to stay alert and observant throughout the trip. With surprises waiting to be discovered around every corner, the Scavenger Hunt transforms mundane car rides into thrilling adventures for passengers of all ages.

What are some fun and interactive games for the whole family during a road trip?

Road trips are the perfect opportunity for families to bond and have fun together. Would You Rather is a game that sparks hilarious discussions by presenting players with challenging dilemmas to choose between. It’s a great way to get to know each other better and share laughs along the way.

Next Person is a game where players take turns continuing a story one sentence at a time. This creative game encourages imagination and storytelling skills while keeping passengers engaged and entertained throughout the journey.

Would You Rather

Would You Rather is a lighthearted game that prompts players to make challenging decisions between two equally amusing or absurd options. It sparks lively debates and reveals unexpected preferences among players, leading to hilarious and memorable moments on the road. This game encourages creativity and humor, making it a favorite choice for family road trips.

Players can take turns presenting imaginative scenarios to keep the game engaging and unpredictable. From quirky dilemmas to thought-provoking choices, Would You Rather is a versatile game that guarantees laughter and entertainment for the whole family during long car rides.

Next Person

Next Person is a collaborative storytelling game that challenges players to build a cohesive narrative one sentence at a time. This game fosters creativity and cooperation among participants, encouraging them to listen and contribute to the evolving story. With each player adding a unique twist, the story unfolds in unexpected and humorous ways, keeping everyone entertained.

Players can introduce plot twists, quirky characters, and imaginative settings to make the story more engaging and entertaining. The collaborative nature of Next Person promotes teamwork and communication skills, making it an excellent choice for families looking to share creative adventures during road trips.

Next Road is a game that adds an element of surprise and anticipation to long car rides. Players take turns predicting the sights or events they will encounter after the next turn or along the upcoming road. This game encourages players to observe their surroundings and make creative guesses, sparking engaging conversations and enhancing the journey experience.

From imagining quirky roadside attractions to predicting the weather conditions ahead, Next Road keeps passengers entertained and involved in the journey. The game facilitates discussions about travel plans and destinations, making it a fun and interactive way to pass the time during family road trips.

How can you keep kids engaged and entertained during a road trip?

Keeping kids entertained during a road trip is essential for a smooth and enjoyable journey. Spy with My Little Eye is a game where one player secretly chooses an object within sight, and others have to guess what it is by asking yes-or-no questions. This game not only entertains but also sharpens children’s observational and deductive skills.

Take Turns Asking is a game where kids get to ask each other questions about anything, from favorite foods to dream vacation spots. This game fosters communication and bonding among siblings or friends in the car, creating a cheerful and engaging atmosphere.

Spy with My Little Eye

Spy with My Little Eye is a captivating game that challenges kids’ observation skills and deductive reasoning. By selecting items within the car or along the road, the designated spy prompts other players to think creatively and ask strategic questions to uncover the hidden object. This game not only entertains but also promotes cognitive development and critical thinking in young players.

Players can take turns being the spy, adding variety and excitement to the game as new objects are chosen for guessing. Spy with My Little Eye encourages active participation and engagement from all players, making it a must-have for keeping kids entertained and mentally stimulated during long road trips.

Take Turns Asking

Take Turns Asking is a simple yet effective game that encourages kids to express themselves and learn more about their fellow passengers. By taking turns asking questions and sharing answers, children bond and develop social skills while enjoying lighthearted conversations. This game fosters a sense of camaraderie and creates lasting memories for kids on the road.

Players can tailor the questions to suit the interests and preferences of everyone in the car, ensuring that the game remains engaging and enjoyable for all participants. Whether discussing favorite activities or imaginary adventures, Take Turns Asking sparks creativity and laughter, making it a wonderful addition to any family road trip.

Classic Road Trip Game

The Classic Road Trip Game is a timeless favorite that brings joy and excitement to kids of all ages. With simple rules and easy gameplay, this game involves spotting common objects or landmarks along the road and calling them out to earn points. The thrill of being the first to identify a designated item makes this game a hit among youngsters, turning the car ride into a spirited competition.

Players can customize the list of items to find based on the surroundings or create themed variations to add variety to the gameplay. The Classic Road Trip Game sparks enthusiasm and energy in the car, keeping kids engaged and entertained for hours on end. It’s a go-to choice for family road trips seeking simple yet enjoyable entertainment options.

What are the best games to play in the car that are suitable for different age groups?

Choosing the right games for respective age groups ensures that everyone in the car stays entertained and engaged throughout the journey. Games for Kids are specifically designed to cater to the interests and cognitive abilities of young passengers, offering simple and interactive gameplay that fosters creativity and learning.

Older Kids may enjoy more challenging and strategic games that test their observation, memory, and critical thinking skills. These games are designed to keep older children mentally stimulated and entertained during long car rides, offering a mix of fun and educational experiences.

For Younger Kids, games that focus on colors, shapes, and simple concepts are ideal for keeping them entertained and engaged in the car. These games nurture early learning skills and encourage active participation, ensuring that younger passengers have a delightful and enriching road trip experience.

Road trip games to play for Kids

Games for Kids are tailored to the interests and developmental stages of young passengers, offering engaging and interactive experiences that stimulate creativity and imagination. From color recognition to storytelling games, these activities provide children with opportunities to learn and have fun in a car-friendly setting. Games for Kids ensure that little passengers stay entertained and happy throughout the journey.

Players of Games for Kids can explore a variety of themed games, such as animal guessing games or alphabet challenges, to cater to different interests and preferences. With vibrant visuals and simple rules, these games create a cheerful and educational atmosphere in the car, making them ideal companions for young travelers on road trips.

Fun road trip games for older Kids

Older Kids can enjoy a range of challenging and thought-provoking games that keep them engaged and entertained during long car rides. From word puzzles to trivia quizzes, these games test cognitive abilities and knowledge, providing stimulating experiences for older children on the road. Older Kids benefit from games that offer a balance of fun and mental stimulation, ensuring an enriching and enjoyable journey.

Players can compete individually or in teams to solve puzzles and answer questions, fostering a sense of friendly competition and cooperation among passengers. With an array of games designed to appeal to older kids, the car ride becomes a dynamic and engaging environment that promotes learning and entertainment throughout the trip.

Younger Kids

Younger Kids thrive on games that emphasize colors, shapes, and basic concepts, engaging their curiosity and creativity during car rides. Simple matching games, counting exercises, and storytelling activities are perfect for younger passengers, offering playful and educational experiences that cater to their developmental needs. Younger Kids delight in interactive games that promote learning and skill development while keeping them entertained in the car.

Players can introduce interactive elements like singing, clapping, or acting out prompts to enhance the engagement and enjoyment of younger kids during the games. By incorporating familiar themes and activities, Younger Kids stay focused and entertained throughout the journey, creating a positive and enriching road trip experience for the entire family.

119 Fun Road Trip Games for Kids

Jump into this big list of 119 car games for kids all about making the most of the ride with creativity, learning, and fun stuff to see, hear or even smell. It’s all the cool things they can do without needing anything fancy.

Games for Kids Contents

Top 20 for Kids Storytelling Observation Games Hand Games Singing Games Drawing Games Paper Games

Jump to Teens & Adult Car Games Section Back to Top

Top 20 Best Road Trip Games for Kids

Here is my absolute top 20 great game to play on a road trip with the kids, but don’t stop there, make sure you look at the other sections for inspiration and laughs!

A classic observation game where one person describes an object they can see, and others guess what it is. 

Instructions Choose an object you see and give a descriptive clue without naming it. 

Example “I spy something green.”

Players think of an object, and the others have up to 20 questions to guess what it is. 

Instructions One player thinks of an object, and the others ask yes/no questions to guess it. 

Example Is it bigger than a breadbox? Is it alive?

License Plate Bingo

Create bingo cards with different categories like states, colors, or numbers, and spot license plates that match. 

Instructions Make or print bingo cards with various license plate criteria. Spot them to win. 

Example A card might have “A blue plate,” “Out of state plate,” or “Plate with number 7.”

Find objects outside the car that start with each letter of the alphabet, in order. 

Instructions Spot and call out objects seen outside that start with each letter of the alphabet. 

Example “A is for Airplane, B is for Bridge…”

Story Round-Robin

One person starts a story, and each passenger adds a sentence or two, building a tale together. 

Instructions Start a story with one sentence. Each person adds on to create a continuous narrative. 

Example “Once upon a time, a cat found a magic collar…”

Name That Tune

Hum or describe a song without saying its title for others to guess. 

Instructions Hum the melody or describe the song’s theme without using its title or lyrics. 

Example “This song is about dancing in the dark.”

Guess the Artist

When a song plays on the radio, the first person to identify the artist wins a point. 

Instructions Listen to the song on the radio, and be the first to correctly name the artist. 

Example “That’s ‘Shape of You’ by Ed Sheeran!”

Finish the Lyric

Play a song and pause it, challenging passengers to finish the lyrics correctly. 

Instructions Pause a song at a certain point. Others must continue the lyrics from where it stopped. 

Example “Despacito, quiero respirar tu cuello despacito…” – participants continue the lyrics.

Tic-Tac-Toe

A simple and quick game that can be played on paper or with a reusable board. 

Instructions Draw a grid and take turns marking Xs and Os in an attempt to get three in a row. 

Example Player 1 chooses X and places it in the center. Player 2 places O in the top left corner.

A word game where players guess letters to fill in the blanks of a hidden word before the drawing of a hangman is completed. 

Instructions One player thinks of a word and draws blanks for each letter. Others guess letters. 

Example Word is “CAMPFIRE,” so draw 8 blanks. Players guess letters until the word is revealed or the hangman is drawn.

Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament

A fun way to make decisions or just for a quick game, with a tournament twist for more players. 

Instructions Players pair off to play Rock, Paper, Scissors. Winners advance until a champion is crowned. 

Example If there are 8 players, it takes 3 rounds to determine a winner.

Word Association

A player says a word, and the next person has to say a word related to it, keeping the chain going. 

Instructions Start with any word. The next person says a word that is associated with the previous word. 

Example “Water” might lead to “Ocean,” then to “Fish,” and so on.

The License Plate Decoder

Invent a backstory or meaning for the letters and numbers on a license plate you see. 

Instructions Choose a license plate and create a funny or interesting story based on its letters and numbers. 

Example For “LUV 123,” “Lions Under Volcanoes, 123 of them.”

Map Reading Race

Give kids maps and have them track the journey, learning to read key map symbols and distances. 

Instructions Provide a map and have kids follow along, marking landmarks as they pass. 

Example Mark the starting point, and each child tracks the route, identifying major roads and landmarks.

Pictionary Telephone

A combination of drawing and guessing where each person’s interpretation is passed down the line to see how it evolves. 

Instructions The first person draws something based on a word, and each subsequent person guesses the word and redraws based on their guess. 

Example The word “Dog” starts and might end up interpreted as “Wolf” after several turns.

Musical Geography

Identify songs that mention cities, states, or countries and discuss them. 

Instructions When a location is mentioned in a song, shout it out and talk about the place. 

Example “New York, concrete jungle where dreams are made of,” from “Empire State of Mind.”

Spot the Difference

Players find differences between two seemingly identical pictures prepared beforehand. 

Instructions Look at two similar pictures and find all the differences between them. 

Example One picture has a dog with a collar, and the other picture’s dog does not have a collar.

Pose two scenarios and have each passenger choose which one they would prefer, with explanations for their choices. 

Instructions Present two options and discuss which one each person would choose and why. 

Example “Would you rather be able to fly or be invisible?”

Two Truths and a Lie

Each person shares three statements about themselves, two truths and one lie, while others guess the lie. 

Instructions Think of two true facts and one false fact about yourself. Others guess which one is the lie. 

Example “I’ve been skydiving, I’ve met a celebrity, and I’ve never been out of the country.” (If you’ve never met a celebrity, that’s the lie.)

A classic game of commands where players must only follow instructions that begin with “Simon says.” 

Instructions One person is Simon and gives commands. If Simon says “Simon says jump,” everyone jumps. If Simon just says “jump,” those who jump are out.  Example “Simon says touch your toes,” followed by “Jump up.” Only follow the first command.

That’s my top picks for Kids, keep reading for a huge number more of great games.

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Car Games for Kids – Storytelling

Embark on a journey of imagination and storytelling with these engaging activities. Perfect for young minds eager to explore, create, and invent, these games offer endless opportunities for adventure and creativity.

Once Upon a Time

Use classic story starters to inspire new tales. Children can draw cards with characters, settings, or objects to include in their stories.

Roll dice with pictures on them to determine elements of the story, such as characters, settings, and actions.

Finish the Story

Start a story and have each child add a sentence or two, taking turns to build on the narrative.

Magical World

Create stories set in magical or fantasy worlds with mythical creatures and enchanted objects.

Time Travel Adventures

Invent stories that involve traveling to different historical periods or to the future.

Superhero Sagas

Kids create their own superhero characters, including their powers, origins, and adventures.

Mystery Tales

Develop a mystery for characters to solve, including clues, suspects, and a surprising resolution.

Space Odyssey

Set stories in outer space, involving aliens, space travel, and distant planets.

Fairy Tale Reimagining

Take classic fairy tales and twist them with new perspectives or unexpected endings.

Animal Antics

Stories where animals are the main characters, possibly with human-like qualities or abilities.

Pirate Adventures

Tales of treasure hunts, sea monsters, and pirate ships on the high seas.

Journey to the Center of the Earth

Explore underground worlds, ancient civilizations, or fantastic landscapes below the surface.

Island Survival

Characters must survive and solve mysteries on a deserted or mysterious island.

Haunted Tales

Spooky but not too scary stories involving ghosts, haunted houses, or supernatural events.

Secret Agent Missions

Stories of espionage, secret gadgets, and undercover operations.

Lost Civilization

Discover an ancient or lost civilization, with stories about their culture, technology, and downfall.

Parallel Universe

Characters find themselves in a parallel universe where things are familiar yet distinctly different.

Eco-Warriors

Tales of heroes fighting to protect the environment or save endangered species.

Characters embark on a quest to find a magical object, solve an ancient riddle, or rescue someone in distress.

Invent a Planet

Kids create a story about discovering a new planet, including its environment, inhabitants, and cultures.

These storytelling prompts are designed to unleash the creative potential within every child, guiding them through worlds of their own making.

Observation road trip games to play

Explore the world around you with these fun and engaging observation and memory games. Perfect for enhancing children’s attention to detail, these activities are great for both indoor and outdoor play, encouraging curiosity and exploration.

A classic game where one person describes an object they can see, and others guess what it is using the clue.

Create a list of items or themes to find, either indoors or outdoors. Players mark off items as they find them.

Lay out a series of objects, let the kids study them for a minute, then cover them up and ask the kids to recall what they saw.

Provide two seemingly identical pictures and challenge kids to find small differences between them.

Nature Bingo

Create bingo cards with pictures or names of things to find in nature, such as specific types of leaves, insects, or birds.

Pick a color and have kids find objects that match the color as they walk or drive.

On road trips, look for license plates from different states and check them off a list.

Cloud Shapes

Observe the clouds and encourage kids to describe or guess what shapes they see.

Sit quietly in a park or garden (or car), and have kids draw a map of sounds they hear around them.

Storyteller’s Box

Fill a box with various small items. Kids pick an item without looking and tell a story about it.

What’s Missing?

Display several objects, have kids study them, then remove one object and ask them to identify what’s missing.

Photo Observation

Show kids a detailed photo for a short time, then ask questions about specific details in the picture.

While traveling, look for objects that start with each letter of the alphabet, in order.

Animal Watching

Observe animals (in the wild, at a zoo, or even pets) and discuss their behaviors, patterns, and habits.

Describe a person in the room or a character from a story with as few details as possible, and have others guess who it is.

Nature Walk Observation

On a walk, challenge kids to notice something new they haven’t seen before, even if it’s a familiar path.

Silhouette Guessing Game

Show the silhouette of an object, animal, or character, and have kids guess what it is.

Detail Detective

Describe a scene in detail (real or imaginary) and then ask specific questions about it.

Texture Scavenger Hunt

Find objects that match textures on a list, such as smooth, rough, bumpy, or soft.

What’s That Smell?

Blindfold players and have them guess objects or foods by their smell.

These games are designed to sharpen observational skills, enhance memory, and inspire creativity among children, making every day an adventure filled with discovery and learning.

Hand Games to play on a road trip

Hand games offer a playful way to engage minds and fingers, fostering coordination and laughter in equal measure.

Rock, Paper, Scissors

A classic hand game where players simultaneously form one of three shapes with an outstretched hand.

Instructions: Players count to three together and simultaneously show one of three shapes (rock, paper, or scissors) with their hand. Rock crushes scissors, scissors cut paper, and paper covers rock. This really is an easy to play road trip game.

Two players grasp hands and try to pin the other’s thumb down for a count of three.

Instructions: Players hook their hands together and chant “1, 2, 3, 4, I declare a thumb war!” and then try to pin the opponent’s thumb for a count of three.

Hand Clapping Games

Such as “Miss Mary Mack” or “A Sailor Went to Sea,” where players clap their own and each other’s hands in a sequence.

Instructions: Players face each other and clap their own hands together, then each other’s, in a set rhythm and pattern, often while reciting a rhyme.

Shadow Puppets

Using hands to form shadows on the wall or car ceiling, creating figures like animals or faces.

Instructions: In a dimly lit room, use a flashlight or lamp to cast a light on a wall. Shape your hands to form shadows that resemble animals or other figures.

Finger Knitting

Using fingers to weave yarn or string into simple bracelets or chains.

Instructions: Loop yarn around your fingers in a weaving pattern to create a knit chain, then slide off to finish the piece.

Hand Signs Game

Competing to quickly show a series of hand signs or gestures.

Instructions: Players take turns calling out specific hand signs (peace sign, thumbs up, etc.), and the other player must quickly replicate the sign.

Silent Animal Gestures

Players guess the animal someone is miming with their hands.

Instructions: One player uses hand gestures to mime an animal without making a sound, while others guess which animal it is.

Finger Spelling

Using sign language or invented gestures to spell out words for others to guess.

Instructions: Spell out a word using finger movements from sign language or a made-up system, while others try to guess the word.

Snap Battle

Players snap their fingers as quickly as possible in a playful competition.

Instructions: On a signal, players snap their fingers as fast as they can for a set time period. The one with the most snaps wins.

Number Guess

Hide a number of small items in your hand, and others guess how many there are.

Instructions: Hold a few small objects in your closed hand. Players guess the number of items without seeing them.

Hand Symphony

Creating a musical composition by clapping, snapping, and tapping hands in different rhythms.

Instructions: Assign different hand sounds (clap, snap, tap) to players and conduct them to create a rhythm or song together.

A quick-reflex game where players slap their hand down on a stack of cards when a jack is played (can be mimicked with hand gestures).

Instructions: Spread a deck of cards face down. Players take turns flipping cards. When a Jack appears, the first to slap it collects the cards. Mimic with hand gestures if no cards are available.

Concentration 64

A rhythm and memory game where players must keep up with the sequence of hand movements without making a mistake.

Instructions: Players sit in a circle and clap a beat. Taking turns, each player adds a hand movement to the sequence without breaking the rhythm.

The Mirror Game

Players mirror each other’s hand movements, trying to keep in sync.

Instructions: Two players face each other. One leads by making hand movements, while the other tries to copy them exactly like a mirror.

One player uses their finger to trace a path on the other player’s palm, who must guess the shape or letter.

Instructions: Trace a letter, number, or simple shape on the other player’s palm with your finger. The other player guesses what was traced.

Finger Races

Players slide their fingers across a surface, pretending they are racing.

Instructions: On a flat surface, players use their fingers as “legs” to race to a finish line.

Stacking hands on top of one another and trying to keep the tower from collapsing.

Instructions: Players take turns stacking one hand on top of the last, trying to build the tallest tower without it toppling over.

Finger Puppets

Creating simple puppets using fingers and playing out stories or scenarios.

Instructions: Use markers or stickers to decorate fingers as characters and act out stories or scenes.

Guess the Object

One player shapes their hand like an object and others guess what it is.

Instructions: Use your hands to mimic the shape of an object, and have others guess what you’re trying to represent.

Finger Twister

Players call out colors and a finger (e.g., “Right index finger, green”), and participants must touch the designated spot or color with that finger.

Instructions: Designate colors or spots on a surface. Players take turns calling out instructions for which finger to move to which color, trying not to get tangled.

Through these simple gestures and movements, many games and laughs can be had.

Singing for a fun road trip game

These singing games not only entertain but also educate, helping children learn numbers, letters, animal sounds, body parts, and more while enhancing their memory and attention skills. All makes for a fun road trip game.

Old MacDonald Had a Farm

Kids sing about different animals and the sounds they make, adding more animals with each verse.

Here is the first verse: Old MacDonald had a farm, E-I-E-I-O, And on his farm he had a cow, E-I-E-I-O, With a moo moo here and a moo moo there, Here a moo, there a moo, everywhere a moo moo, Old MacDonald had a farm, E-I-E-I-O.

The Wheels on the Bus

A classic song where children mimic the movements and sounds of different parts of the bus.

Here is the first verse: The wheels on the bus go round and round, Round and round, round and round, The wheels on the bus go round and round, All through the town.

If You’re Happy and You Know It

Children express their happiness through song, clapping hands, stomping feet, etc.

Here is the first verse: If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands (clap clap), If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands (clap clap), If you’re happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it, If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands. (clap clap)

Hokey Pokey

Kids follow the song’s instructions to put different body parts in and out of the circle, turning themselves around.

Here is the first verse: You put your right hand in, You take your right hand out, You put your right hand in, And you shake it all about, You do the hokey pokey and you turn yourself around, That’s what it’s all about.

Five Little Ducks

A counting song where ducks go out to play, gradually decreasing in number.

Here is the first verse: Five little ducks went out one day, Over the hill and far away, Mother duck said “Quack, quack, quack, quack,” But only four little ducks came back.

Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes

This song teaches body parts while encouraging kids to touch each part as it’s sung.

Here is the first verse: Head, shoulders, knees, and toes, knees and toes, Head, shoulders, knees, and toes, knees and toes, And eyes, and ears, and mouth, and nose, Head, shoulders, knees, and toes, knees and toes.

A song about a dog named Bingo, with clapping to replace letters of the dog’s name in each verse.

Here is the first verse: There was a farmer who had a dog, And Bingo was his name-O, B-I-N-G-O, B-I-N-G-O, B-I-N-G-O, And Bingo was his name-O.

Five Little Monkeys Jumping on the Bed

A fun counting song about monkeys’ misadventures and the consequences of jumping on the bed.

Here is the first verse: Five little monkeys jumping on the bed, One fell off and bumped his head, Mama called the doctor and the doctor said, “No more monkeys jumping on the bed!”

Ring Around the Rosie

A group circle game with singing and falling down at the end.

Here is the first verse: Ring-a-round the rosie, A pocket full of posies, Ashes! Ashes! We all fall down.

London Bridge is Falling Down

Kids form an arch with their arms while others pass under as the song plays, capturing someone at the end of the song.

Here is the first verse: London Bridge is falling down, Falling down, falling down, London Bridge is falling down, My fair lady.

I’m a Little Teapot

Children act out the lyrics, pretending to be a teapot with spout and handle.

Here is the first verse: I’m a little teapot short and stout, Here is my handle, here is my spout, When I get all steamed up, hear me shout, “Tip me over and pour me out!”

Row, Row, Row Your Boat

Can be sung in rounds, mimicking rowing actions in pairs, sitting opposite each other.

Here is the first verse: Row, row, row your boat, Gently down the stream, Merrily, merrily, merrily, merrily, Life is but a dream.

Down by the Bay

A rhyming song that encourages creativity, with kids coming up with new verses.

Here is the first verse: Down by the bay, Where the watermelons grow, Back to my home, I dare not go, For if I do, My mother will say, “Did you ever see a bear, combing his hair, Down by the bay?”

Itsy Bitsy Spider

Mimicking the spider’s movements, this song tells the story of its climb up the water spout.

Here is the first verse: The itsy bitsy spider climbed up the water spout, Down came the rain and washed the spider out, Out came the sun and dried up all the rain, And the itsy bitsy spider climbed up the spout again.

Skip to My Lou

A simple, playful song that can involve dancing or skipping around in a circle.

Here is the first verse: Lost my partner, what’ll I do? Lost my partner, what’ll I do? Lost my partner, what’ll I do? Skip to my Lou, my darling.

A modern favorite with repetitive verses and hand motions representing different members of the shark family.

Here is the first verse: Baby shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo, Baby shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo, Baby shark, doo doo doo doo doo doo, Baby shark!

The Farmer in the Dell

A singing game with selections of different characters (the farmer, the wife, the child, etc.) during the song.

Here is the first verse: The farmer in the dell, The farmer in the dell, Heigh-ho, the derry-o, The farmer in the dell.

The Ants Go Marching

A counting and marching song, with verses for each number of ants.

Here is the first verse: The ants go marching one by one, hurrah, hurrah, The ants go marching one by one, hurrah, hurrah, The ants go marching one by one, The little one stops to suck his thumb, And they all go marching down to the ground, To get out of the rain, BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

Do Your Ears Hang Low?

A silly song with accompanying gestures about ears, encouraging laughter and movement.

Here is the first verse: Do your ears hang low? Do they wobble to and fro? Can you tie them in a knot? Can you tie them in a bow? Can you throw them over your shoulder Like a continental soldier? Do your ears hang low?

These activities bridge generations and cultures, proving that when we sing together, harmony extends beyond the music.

Drawing Games You can Play

Embark on a journey of creativity and fun with drawing games that unleash the imagination and bring artwork to life.

Players draw a word on a piece of paper while others guess what it is.

Instructions:

• Divide players into teams.
• One team member draws a word on paper without speaking or gesturing.
• The team has a minute to guess the word for points.

Draw in the Dark

Players try to draw an object or scene in the dark or with their eyes closed, and then share the hilarious outcomes.

• Players close their eyes or turn off the lights.
• Each player tries to draw a predetermined object or scene.
• Share and laugh at the outcomes.

Exquisite Corpse

A collaborative drawing game where players fold a paper into sections and each person draws a part of a body (head, torso, legs) without seeing the other parts until the end.

• Fold a paper into sections, enough for each player.
• The first player draws a head at the top section, folds it to hide, and passes it on.
• Continue with each player adding parts of the body.
• Unfold to reveal the collaborative creature.

Draw the Song

Listen to a song and draw what you imagine the song is about.

• Play a song for everyone to listen to.
• Each player draws their interpretation of the song’s story or theme.
• Share drawings and discuss interpretations.

Drawing Relay

Players take turns adding to a drawing within a set time limit, creating a unique collaborative artwork.

• Start with a simple drawing.
• Players take turns, each adding to the drawing for a minute.
• Continue until everyone has added to the drawing.

Copycat Drawing

One player draws something, and the others try to replicate it as closely as possible.

• The first player draws an image.
• Other players try to copy the drawing as closely as possible.
• Compare drawings to the original.

Drawing Dictation

One player describes a scene or object without naming it, while others try to draw it based on the description.

• The describer thinks of a scene or object but doesn’t name it.
• They describe it in detail while others draw.
• Reveal the described object or scene and compare drawings.

Blind Contour Drawing

Without looking at the paper, draw the outline of an object or person in one continuous line. Instructions:

• Choose an object or person to draw.
• Without looking at your paper, draw its outline in one continuous line.
• Share and discuss the results.

Scribble Drawing

Start with a random scribble and then turn it into a detailed drawing by adding features and elements.

• Make a random scribble on your paper.
• Look at the scribble and imagine a detailed scene or object.
• Develop the scribble into a detailed drawing.

Memory Drawing

Look at an object for a certain period, then try to draw it from memory.

• Study an object for one minute.
• Without looking again, draw the object from memory.
• Compare the drawing to the object.

Draw the Word

Players write down a word or phrase, and others must illustrate it.

• Write down a word or phrase on a piece of paper.
• Pass the paper to another player who illustrates the word or phrase.
• Guess the original word or phrase from the illustration.

Opposite Drawing

Given a theme, players draw the opposite (e.g., draw cold when given the word hot).

• Choose a theme or concept word.
• Players draw something that represents the opposite of the theme.
• Share and explain your drawings.

Dot-to-Dot Drawing

One player makes dots on a paper, and another connects them to create a picture.

• One player places dots on a sheet of paper.
• Another player connects the dots to create an image.
• Reveal the final picture to the dot placer.

Story Drawing

One player starts a story, and each subsequent player adds a drawing to continue the tale.

• The first player draws a scene starting a story.
• Pass the paper; the next player adds to the story with another drawing.
• Continue until the story concludes.

Two-Line Drawing

Players can only use two lines to create a recognizable object or scene.

• Think of an object or scene to draw.
• Using only two continuous lines, create your drawing.
• Share and guess what each drawing represents.

Shape Challenge

Everyone starts with the same basic shape and must turn it into a unique drawing.

• All players start with the same basic shape on their paper.
• Transform the shape into a unique drawing.
• Share and discuss the creative outcomes.

Drawing with Scissors

Inspired by Matisse, players cut shapes out of colored paper to create a composition.

• Choose a variety of colored paper.
• Cut out shapes to create a composition or scene.
• Arrange and glue the shapes onto a background.

Nature Drawing

Incorporate an element found in nature (a leaf, a twig) into a drawing.

• Find an element from nature to include in your artwork.
• Draw a scene or object incorporating the natural element creatively.
• Share your nature-inspired artwork.

Alphabet Drawing

Choose a letter and draw objects that start with that letter, an easy and fun game to play on a road trip.

• Select a letter of the alphabet.
• Draw as many objects as you can think of that start with that letter.
• Share and compare drawings.

Fantasy Creature

Mix parts of different animals or objects to create a new fantasy creature.

• Think of different animals or objects to combine.
• Draw a creature that incorporates elements of your chosen animals or objects.
• Present your fantasy creature and explain its features.

Drawing games not only spark joy and creativity but also connect us through the universal language of art, making every sketch a shared adventure.

Car Games for Kids – Paper Games

Here’s a collection of classic and creative paper games, perfect for entertainment without the need for screens. These activities not only offer fun but also stimulate imagination and critical thinking. These overall principles make for a great game to play when on a road trip with the kids.

A classic game where players take turns marking Xs and Os in a 3×3 grid, aiming to get three in a row.

• Draw a 3×3 grid on a piece of paper.
• Players choose their marker, either X or O.
• Taking turns, each player places their marker in an empty square.
• The first player to align three of their markers vertically, horizontally, or diagonally wins.

Dots and Boxes

Players take turns connecting dots with lines. When a player completes a box, they mark it with their initial. The player with the most boxes wins.

• Fill a paper with a grid of dots.
• Players take turns drawing a single line (vertical or horizontal) between two adjacent dots.
• If a player completes the fourth side of a box, they initial it and play again.
• Once all boxes are completed, the player with the most initialed boxes wins.

One player thinks of a word, and the others guess letters. For each wrong guess, part of a hangman drawing is added.

• The word chooser thinks of a word and draws a blank line for each letter.
• Guessing players suggest letters.
• If the letter is in the word, the chooser writes it in the correct spots. If not, they add a part to the hangman drawing.
• The game ends when the word is guessed or the hangman is fully drawn.

Paper Fortune Teller

A folded paper game where players choose colors and numbers to reveal a hidden message or fortune.

• Fold a paper into a fortune teller shape with eight flaps inside.
• Write colors on the four outer flaps and numbers on the eight inner flaps.
• Hide fortunes or messages under the inner flaps.
• Players choose a color, spell it out while manipulating the fortune teller, choose a number, and then reveal their fortune under the flap.

Each player draws two grids. On one grid, they place ships. They take turns guessing coordinates to “hit” the opponent’s ships.

• Each player draws two 10×10 grids, labeling rows and columns.
• Secretly place ships on one grid.
• Players take turns calling out grid coordinates.
• Mark hits and misses on your grids. The first to sink all opponent’s ships wins.

Players draw a word on paper while others try to guess what it is.

• Prepare a list of words or phrases.
• Players take turns drawing a selected word for their team to guess within a time limit.
• No letters, numbers, or verbal clues allowed. The team with the most correct guesses wins.

Paper Airplane Contest

Kids design and fold paper airplanes, then see whose can fly the farthest or perform the best tricks.

• Each player folds a paper into an airplane.
• Decide on the contest criteria (distance, accuracy, tricks).
• Take turns launching your airplanes according to the contest rules. The best performance according to the criteria wins.

A classic fortune-telling game where players find out about their future jobs, spouses, car, and living situation.

• Write M.A.S.H. at the top of a paper (Mansion, Apartment, Shack, House).
• List categories (partner, car, number of kids, job) and options under each.
• Draw a spiral and count the lines to get a number. Count through the options, crossing out the option each time you hit the number.
• Your future is determined by the last options left.

Folded Story

Players write a sentence on a paper, fold it to hide most of it, and pass it on. The next player continues the story.

• The first player writes a sentence on the top of the paper and folds it to hide all but the last word.
• Pass the paper to the next player, who writes another sentence starting with that word.
• Continue until the paper is full, then unfold and read the story aloud.

Word Search

Create a grid of letters with hidden words for players to find and circle.

• Draw a grid on a piece of paper and fill it with random letters.
• Hide words within the grid by writing them vertically, horizontally, diagonally, forwards, or backwards.
• Players search for and circle the hidden words.

Crossword Puzzles

Design simple crossword puzzles related to themes or subjects the kids are interested in.

• Create a grid on a piece of paper.
• Fill in words horizontally and vertically, creating intersecting words.
• Write clues for each word and number them according to their position in the grid.
• Players fill in the grid based on the clues.

Fill a 9×9 grid so that each column, row, and 3×3 section contain all digits from 1 to 9.

• Draw a 9×9 grid, subdivided into 3×3 sections.
• Pre-fill some of the cells with numbers 1-9.
• Players fill in the empty cells, ensuring each row, column, and 3×3 section contains all numbers 1-9 without repetition.

Cipher Games

Create coded messages for kids to decode, using simple substitution ciphers.

• Write a message.
• Replace each letter with another letter, number, or symbol based on a key.
• Players use the key to decode the message.

Comic Strip Creation

Provide a theme or story starter, and let kids create their own comic strips.

• Decide on a theme or story starter.
• Draw a series of empty comic panels on a piece of paper.
• Fill in the panels with your story, using drawings and dialogue.

Folding paper to create shapes, animals, or objects. Beginners can start with simple models like cranes or boats.

• Choose an origami model to make.
• Follow step-by-step folding instructions to shape your paper into the model.
• Decorate your origami if desired.

Scavenger Hunt Lists

Create lists of items for kids to find and check off. They can draw or write when they find each item.

• Create a list of items to find.
• Distribute the list to players.
• Players search for items and check them off or draw them as they find them.

Create two similar drawings with slight differences for kids to find.

• Draw two similar pictures with a few subtle differences.
• Players look for and point out the differences between the two pictures.

Maze Design

Draw mazes on paper for kids to solve, or have them design their own for others to try.

• Design a maze with a clear start and finish.
• Players attempt to solve the maze by drawing a path from start to finish.

Storybook Creation

Kids write and illustrate their own stories, making a small book out of paper.

• Fold and cut paper to create a booklet.
• Write a story across the pages, adding illustrations.
• Share the completed storybook with others.

Symmetry Art

Fold a paper in half, draw a design on one side, then paint or color it. Fold again to transfer the design to the other half, creating a symmetrical artwork.

• Fold a paper in half to create a crease, then unfold.
• Draw a design on one half or add paint.
• Fold the paper back over while the paint is still wet to transfer the design to the other half.
• Unfold to reveal the symmetrical artwork.

These games prove that all you need is paper, pens, and a bit of creativity to unlock hours of fun and learning. Each game, from the strategic to the artistic, offers a unique way to engage the mind and foster creativity.

120 Fun Road Trip Games To Play in the car – Teens and Adults

Stepping up from the kids’ games, our teens and adults section brings a twist with challenges that test strategy, wit, and teamwork. It’s about diving deeper into fun, with a touch of complexity and a lot more laughs.

Games for Teens and Adults Contents

Fun Car Games for Teens and Adults – Top 20 Alphabet Theme Ideas 20 Questions Ideas Classic Car Games Combined Longer Running Games Pre-Planned Games Educational Games Word and Riddle Games Number Plate Game Ideas Brain Teasers and Logic Puzzles True or False Game Ideas Pop Culture Trivia and Radio

Back to Kids Games Section Back to Top

Top 20 Best Road trip Games for Teens and Adults

Kick off your road trips with this collection of games designed for teens and adults, focusing on creative, strategic, and interactive fun that goes beyond the simplicity of children’s games. Perfect for keeping the energy high and making those long drives fly by.

Car Karaoke

Instead of “Guess the Song,” passengers take turns singing their favorite songs while others guess the title or artist.

Instructions

• Choose a passenger to sing first.
• The singer selects a song and performs a portion of it.
• Other passengers guess the song’s title and artist.

Adapted from a classic guessing game, one player thinks of something, and others have up to 20 questions to guess what it is.

• One player thinks of an object, animal, or person.
• The others take turns asking yes or no questions.
• The group tries to guess the answer within 20 questions.

Pose two scenarios and have each passenger choose which one they would rather do, with explanations for their choices.

• Present two different scenarios to the passengers.
• Each passenger chooses their preferred scenario and explains why.
• Rotate who poses the next set of scenarios.

Each passenger says three statements about themselves, two truths and one lie, while others guess the lie.

• A passenger states two truths and one lie about themselves.
• The others guess which statement is the lie.
• Reveal the correct answer before moving to the next person.

Adaptation of a campfire storytelling game where one person starts a story, and each passenger adds a sentence or two.

• Begin a story with a single sentence.
• Pass the story to the next passenger, who adds to it.
• Continue until the story reaches a natural conclusion or every passenger has contributed.

License Plate Lingo

Create sentences or a story using the letters from license plates spotted on the road.

• Spot a license plate and read its letters.
• Create a sentence or story starting with those letters.
• Take turns and try with different plates.

Travel Bingo

Make bingo cards with items or events likely to be seen on the road (like a red car, a cow, or a billboard). First to get a line wins.

• Prepare bingo cards before the trip with common road trip sights.
• Mark off items as you spot them during the journey.
• The first to complete a line shouts “Bingo!” and wins.

The Alphabet Game

Find words outside the car that start with each letter of the alphabet, in order, from A to Z.

• Start with the letter A and find a word seen outside that starts with it.
• Continue through the alphabet in order.
• The first to reach Z or the furthest along wins.

Adaptation of the observation game where players compete to spot items from a pre-determined list, like different types of vehicles, road signs, or animals.

• Create a list of items to spot before the trip.
• Players call out and mark off items as they spot them.
• The player who spots the most items wins.

The Movie Game

One player names an actor, the next names a movie that actor was in, then the next names another actor from that movie, and so on.

• Start with naming an actor.
• The next person names a movie the actor was in.
• Continue with movies and actors, keeping the chain going.

The Singing Game

Someone sings a line from a song, and the next person has to start their song with the last word of the previous song.

• Sing a line from a song.
• The next person starts their song with the last word sung.
• Continue, linking songs through their final words.

Play the first few seconds of a song on your device, and the first person to guess the song wins.

• Play a short clip of a song.
• The first person to correctly guess the song title and artist wins.
• Take turns playing song clips.

Whisper a message to the person next to you, and have it passed along through whispers. The last person says it out loud to see how much it changed.

• Whisper a message to the person next to you.
• Pass the message down the line through whispers.
• The last person says the message out loud to compare with the original.

I’m Going on a Trip

A memory game where the first person says, “I’m going on a trip and I’m bringing…” followed by an item. Each person repeats the list and adds their own item.

• Start the game with “I’m going on a trip and I’m bringing…” followed by an item.
• Each subsequent player repeats the list and adds an item.
• Continue until someone forgets an item or the list becomes too long.

One person says a word, and the next person has to say a word related to it. The game continues with associations to the previous word.

• Start with any word.
• The next person says a word associated with the previous word.
• Continue, building a chain of associated words.

Pick a category, and players take turns naming items that fit into it until someone gets stumped.

• Choose a category (e.g., fruits, countries).
• Take turns naming items within the category.
• Continue until someone can’t name an item.

The Picnic Game

Similar to “I’m Going on a Trip,” but each item must begin with the next letter of the alphabet. One of my favorite fun road trip games to play with the kids.

• The first player starts with “I’m going on a picnic and I’m bringing…” followed by an item starting with A.
• The next player repeats the first item and adds something starting with B.
• Continue through the alphabet.

Guess the Animal

One player thinks of an animal, and others ask yes/no questions to guess what it is.

• Think of an animal but don’t reveal it.
• Others ask yes/no questions to deduce the animal.
• Continue until the animal is guessed or questions run out.

Finish the Lyrics

Say a line from a song, and another player has to finish the next line.

• Recite a line from a song.
• The next player completes the lyric.
• Confirm the correct lyrics and continue with different songs.

Spin the Bottle (Q&A Edition)

Adapt it by having a “spinner” (using a phone app or imaginary bottle) and whoever it “points” to must answer a question from the group.

• Use an app or mimic spinning a bottle.
• The person the bottle points to must answer a group question.
• Rotate the spinner and continue with questions.

That’s just my top Picks, keep reading for more Fun games.

Fun Car Games for Teens and Adults – Alphabet Theme Ideas

Games based on using the Alphabet are almost endless. But here are 20 ideas which can help with your creativity.

Players must name an animal for each letter of the alphabet.

Cities of the World

Name cities around the globe, from A to Z.

Foods and Drinks

Each letter corresponds to a food or drink item.

Movie Titles

Players come up with movie titles for every letter.

Famous People

This can include celebrities, historical figures, or fictional characters.

Book Titles

Great for book lovers, name a book title for each letter.

Name a song title for each letter of the alphabet.

Identify brands that correspond with each letter.

Household Items

Find items around the house or that you’d typically find in a home, for each letter.

Sports and Activities

Any sport, exercise, or physical activity fits into this category.

Test your geography skills by naming countries from A to Z.

Plants or Flowers

Ideal for nature enthusiasts, name plants or flowers for each letter.

Come up with titles of TV shows, past or present.

Professions

Name a job or profession for each letter of the alphabet.

Instruments

Musical instruments that start with each letter.

for an easy to play game, Identify colors or shades that correspond with each letter.

Name languages spoken around the world, from A to Z.

Video Games

Great for gamers, name a video game for each letter.

Name an invention or discovery for each letter.

Mythological Creatures

Dive into mythology by naming creatures from legends and folklore for each letter.

Fun Car Games for Teens and Adults – 20 Questions Ideas

The game of 20 Questions is a classic guessing game where one player thinks of an item, and the other players have up to 20 yes-or-no questions to guess what it is. This game can be adapted to various themes to make it more interesting or educational. Here are 20 ideas or themes for playing 20 Questions

Think of an animal, and others must guess it with questions related to habitat, diet, characteristics, etc.

Historical Figures

For a fun game to play, choose a person from history, and players ask questions to figure out who it is based on their achievements, era, nationality, etc.

Geographical Locations

This could be a country, city, landmark, or natural feature, with questions revolving around location, cultural significance, or physical characteristics.

The mystery item is a movie, and questions can be about the plot, characters, actors, or awards.

Pick a book, and players ask questions related to genre, author, plot, or characters.

Celebrities

Choose a well-known public figure, and questions can relate to their profession, notable works, or personal life.

Think of an invention, and questions could be about its inventor, era of creation, purpose, or impact on society.

The item to guess could be a type of plant, flower, or tree, with questions focusing on habitat, appearance, and uses.

Choose a specific dish or food item, and questions can be about ingredients, origin, or taste.

The mystery item could be a sport, athlete, or sports team, with questions about rules, achievements, or famous figures associated with it.

Musical Instruments

Pick an instrument, and players ask questions regarding its family, how it’s played, or its sound.

Choose a creature from mythology, and questions could explore its origins, powers, or stories.

Technological Gadgets

Think of a gadget, and questions can be about its use, features, or the era it was popular.

Choose a famous work of art, and questions can revolve around the artist, era, medium, or subject matter.

Scientific Theories

Pick a scientific theory or concept, and questions could be about the field of science it belongs to, its implications, or key figures associated with it.

Board Games

The item could be a board game, with questions about gameplay, the number of players, or components.

Choose a language, and players ask questions about the region it’s spoken, number of speakers, or its writing system.

Holidays and Traditions

Think of a holiday or cultural tradition, and questions can be about how, where, or why it’s celebrated.

Choose a type of vehicle, and questions could cover its mode of transportation, use, or features.

Clothing and Fashion

Pick an item of clothing or a fashion trend, with questions about the era it was popular, materials, or associated culture.

Hopefully that helps with your creativity and spurs you on to find even more great ideas.

Fun Car Games for Teens and Adults – Classic Car Games Combined

Get ready to level up your road trip entertainment with these innovative car games that blend classic fun with fresh twists. Perfect for all ages, these games promise to keep everyone engaged and laughing from start to finish.

Karaoke Charades

Players sing a song while acting out the lyrics, and others guess the song and artist.

• One player selects a song and starts singing while also acting out the lyrics.
• The other passengers guess the song and the artist based on the performance.
• Rotate roles after each song.

Start with a word or phrase, draw it, then the next person guesses what it is and draws their interpretation, continuing down the line to see how it evolves.

• The first player writes down a word or phrase and then draws it on a piece of paper.
• The next player guesses what it is and then draws their interpretation of that guess on another piece of paper.
• Continue passing and drawing down the line, then compare the first and last drawings.

20 Questions + Storytelling

The object guessed in 20 Questions becomes the protagonist in a spontaneous group storytelling session.

• Play a classic game of 20 Questions until the object is correctly guessed.
• Use the guessed object as the protagonist of a group storytelling session, with each passenger adding to the story.

Alphabet Road Trip Bingo

Create bingo cards with the alphabet, and players must find objects starting with each letter outside the car to fill their card.

• Before the trip, create bingo cards with each square representing a letter of the alphabet.
• As you travel, players spot and call out objects that start with the letters on their card.
• The first player to complete a row or column wins.

Musical Scavenger Hunt

Compile a playlist where each song title or artist is a clue to find a specific object or perform an action.

• Create a playlist with songs where the titles or artists relate to objects or actions.
• Play each song, and passengers must figure out the clue and either find the object or perform the action.
• Keep score of who completes the most tasks.

Guess the Emoji Story

One player creates a short story using only emojis, and others must decipher the story or continue it with their own emoji sequence.

• One player composes a short story using a sequence of emojis.
• Other players attempt to decipher the story from the emojis.
• Players can then add to the story with their own sequence of emojis.

Trivia Treasure Hunt

Combine trivia questions with a treasure hunt, where each correct answer leads to a clue or location of the next hidden item.

• Prepare a list of trivia questions related to the trip or general knowledge.
• Correct answers lead to clues or the location of hidden items along the trip.
• The player who finds the most items or solves the final clue wins.

Drawing Pictionary with a Twist

Use concepts from “Taboo” where certain obvious clues or words cannot be drawn, making it harder to guess.

• Similar to Pictionary, but with a list of words or concepts that are “taboo” and cannot be used in the drawings.
• Players take turns drawing while others guess, without using the taboo clues.
• Points are awarded for correct guesses under time limits.

Soundtrack of My Life Challenge

Players choose songs that represent different moments in their life, and others have to guess the event or period it correlates with.

• Each player selects a series of songs that represent significant moments in their life.
• Play snippets of each song, and the other passengers guess the life event or period it represents.
• Share stories behind each song choice.

Dance-Off Simon Says

Mix “Simon Says” with a dance-off, where players must follow dance moves only when “Simon says” but with added competition for the best dancer.

• One player is “Simon” and calls out dance moves followed by “Simon says.”
• Players only move if “Simon says” is used before the move; otherwise, they stay still.
• Add competitive elements by voting on the best dancer for each round.

Story Dice + Improv Theater

Use story dice to roll for story elements, and then perform an impromptu skit based on the results.

• Roll story dice to determine elements like setting, character, and conflict.
• Players collaborate to perform a short, improvised skit using the rolled elements.
• Take turns rolling dice and performing different skits.

Lip Reading Song Battle

Mute a song’s audio, and one player tries to lip-sync the lyrics while the others guess the song.

• Play a song with the audio muted.
• One player lip-syncs the lyrics.
• Others guess the song based on the lip-sync performance.

Crafty Spies

Combine “I Spy” with crafting, where players create a simple craft based on something they spy with their eyes.

• Play a round of “I Spy” to choose an object.
• Using crafting materials, players create a simple representation of the spied object.
• Share and explain your crafts with the group.

Emoji Charades

Act out the meaning of emojis for others to guess, adding a modern twist to traditional charades.

• Choose an emoji and act out its meaning without speaking.
• Other players guess the emoji based on the actions.
• Rotate actors and continue with different emojis.

Musical Hangman

Play hangman using only song titles or artist names, and the guesser has to sing the song if they solve the puzzle.

• Choose a song title or artist and draw blanks for each letter.
• Players guess letters; incorrect guesses result in drawing parts of the hangman.
• If a player correctly guesses, they sing a line from the song.

Alphabetical Lip Sync Battles

Participants perform lip-sync battles but must choose songs that start with the next letter of the alphabet each round.

• Start with the letter A and choose a song that begins with A for the first lip-sync battle.
• The next round moves to B, and so on through the alphabet.
• Judges or audience vote on the best lip-sync performance for each round.

Movie Mashup Madness

Players describe a movie plot using details from two different films, while others guess the movies involved.

• Pick two movies and combine elements from both into a single plot description.
• Other players guess which two movies are being described.
• Take turns creating and guessing movie mashups.

Recipe Roulette

Combine “20 Questions” with cooking, where players ask questions to guess the dish, then attempt to cook it with only the guessed ingredients.

• Think of a recipe but don’t reveal it.
• Players ask yes/no questions to guess the dish.
• Attempt to cook the dish with the ingredients identified through the questions.

Celebrity Heads Road Trip Edition

Adapt “Celebrity Heads” for the car by guessing the celebrity based on traits or accomplishments, using road signs or objects seen outside for hints.

• Think of a celebrity and give hints based on traits, accomplishments, or related road signs and objects.
• Players ask yes/no questions and guess the celebrity.
• Rotate the role of the hint giver.

Historical Figure Daydreams

Players choose a historical figure, then play a round of “Fortunately/Unfortunately” to create humorous scenarios about what could have happened in their lives.

• Choose a historical figure.
• Start with a scenario involving the figure.
• Players take turns adding to the story with alternating “fortunately” and “unfortunately” scenarios.

I hope you enjoyed that section of creative combinations of car games. That’s just the tip of the iceberg, I’m sure you can come up with some yourself.

Fun Car Games for Teens and Adults – Longer Running Games

Longer-running games are great for keeping interest and excitement alive over extended periods, such as during road trips, vacations, or even over a summer break. Here are 20 ideas for longer-running games that involve ongoing tasks, collection, or points tallying, providing continuous fun and engagement

Regional Snack Collection

At each stop, collect a snack or item unique to that area, aiming to gather the most diverse collection of treats by trip’s end.

• Plan to stop at various regional locations along your route.
• At each stop, select a snack or local item unique to the area.
• Compare collections at the end of the trip to see who has the most diverse assortment.

Travel Journal Doodles

Each participant maintains a doodle journal, adding a drawing for every place visited or sight seen, comparing journals at the end of the trip.

• Provide each traveler with a journal at the trip’s start.
• Encourage drawing a doodle for each significant sight or location visited.
• Share and compare the doodle journals at the journey’s conclusion.

Create bingo cards with states, countries, or unique characteristics of license plates. The first to complete their bingo card wins.

• Before the trip, prepare bingo cards featuring different states, countries, or unique license plate features.
• Mark off each item on your card as you spot it during the trip.
• The first to complete a row or card shouts “Bingo!” and wins.

Mini Travel Olympics

Hold a series of short physical challenges or games at rest stops or parks, keeping a tally of winners to declare an overall champion at the trip’s end.

• Identify suitable rest stops or parks for physical activities.
• Organize a variety of short games or challenges.
• Keep score of each participant’s wins to determine the overall champion by the trip’s end.

Scenic Photography Contest

Participants take photos of scenery, landmarks, or quirky finds along the journey. Vote on categories like “Most Beautiful” or “Most Unusual” at the trip’s end.

• Throughout the trip, take photos of interesting sights, landmarks, or scenery.
• At the journey’s end, organize a voting session for various categories.
• Declare winners for each category based on votes.

Car Ride Story Building

Start a collaborative story at the beginning of the trip, and each person adds a sentence or paragraph in turns. Read the entire story aloud at the journey’s end.

• Begin a story with an opening line.
• Pass the story around, with each person adding to it in turn.
• Read the completed story together once the trip concludes.

Travel Trivia

Keep track of interesting facts, landmarks, or learning moments encountered during the trip. Hold a trivia quiz on the last day to recall what everyone learned.

• Throughout the trip, note down interesting facts or landmarks.
• Organize a trivia quiz based on these notes on the last day.
• Quiz each other to see who remembers the most.

Postcard Chronicles

Send a postcard to yourself from each major stop, writing about what you did or saw there. Collect them at home as a keepsake of your travels.

• At each significant stop, choose a postcard and write a brief account of your experiences.
• Mail the postcard to your home address.
• Collect and reminisce over the postcards once home.

Nature Scavenger Hunt

Maintain a list of animals, plants, and natural phenomena to spot over the trip. Tally who spots the most items on the list by the end.

• Create a list of natural items to spot during your travels.
• Keep a tally of who spots each item first.
• Count up the tallies at the end of the trip to find the winner.

Culinary Explorer

Try a different local dish at each stop and rate them. Compile a food diary or blog to summarize the culinary adventure.

• At each stop, try a local dish or specialty.
• Rate each dish based on taste, presentation, and uniqueness.
• Compile your ratings and experiences into a diary or blog.

Podcast or Book Club

Select a podcast series or a book to listen to or read together during the journey. Discuss it at various intervals or at the trip’s end.

• Choose a podcast or book for the trip.
• Listen or read in segments during the journey.
• Hold discussions at predetermined intervals or at the end of the trip.

Landmark Bingo

Similar to License Plate Bingo but with landmarks or types of locations (e.g., museums, bridges, national parks). First to complete their card wins.

• Create bingo cards with various landmarks or location types.
• Spot and mark off these landmarks during your travels.
• The first to complete their card wins.

Fit Challenge

Use fitness trackers to monitor steps or activity levels, setting daily goals. The person with the most consistent achievement or improvement wins.

• Set daily step or activity goals for each traveler.
• Use fitness trackers to monitor progress.
• Review achievements at the end of the trip to determine the winner.

Souvenir Swap

Collect souvenirs from each location, then have a swap meet at the end of the trip to exchange items and stories.

• Collect souvenirs from each stop on your journey.
• At the trip’s end, organize a swap meet to exchange souvenirs and share stories behind each item.

City Builder

Like your idea, participants choose items or landmarks they see and describe how they’d incorporate them into their ideal city. Sketch or list ideas and share at the trip’s end.

• As you travel, note down interesting items or landmarks.
• Imagine and describe how each could be part of your ideal city.
• Share your city concepts with fellow travelers at the end of the trip.

Travel Playlist Compilation

Each person adds songs to a collaborative playlist throughout the trip, aiming to encapsulate the journey’s mood or memorable moments.

• Create a collaborative playlist accessible to all travelers.
• Add songs throughout the trip that capture moments or moods.
• Share and discuss the playlist at the journey’s conclusion.

Cultural Immersion List

Make a list of cultural activities to experience, such as attending a local event or trying a traditional craft. Document each activity with photos or entries in a travel diary.

• Before the trip, research and list cultural activities available along your route.
• Participate in these activities and document the experience.
• Share your cultural immersion experiences through photos or diary entries.

Historical Marker Hunt

Take note of historical markers or sites visited. Research and share a brief history at the day’s end or trip’s conclusion.

• Keep an eye out for historical markers and sites during your travels.
• Research and learn about the significance of each.
• Share your findings with fellow travelers at the end of the day or trip.

Roadside Attraction Bingo

In my opinion, this is one of the best road trip games. Start by Creating bingo cards with common and uncommon roadside attractions (e.g., giant statues, unique local businesses). First to spot and document each with a photo wins.

• Prepare bingo cards with various roadside attractions listed.
• Spot and photograph these attractions during your journey.
• The first to complete a bingo row or card wins.

Travel Vlog or Blog

Document the trip through videos or blog posts, with each person responsible for capturing or writing about different segments or aspects of the journey.

• Assign different travel segments or topics to each traveler for documentation.
• Capture the journey through videos or blog entries.
• Compile and share the complete vlog or blog at the trip’s conclusion.

These games encourage exploration, creativity, and physical activity, making long journeys or extended periods more engaging and memorable for all involved.

Fun Car Games for Teens and Adults – Pre-Planned Games

Games that require a bit of pre-planning can add an enriching layer to your journey, transforming a simple trip into an adventure filled with discovery and learning. Here are several themes and ideas for games and activities that can be planned in advance to enhance long journeys.

Movie Set Road Trip

Research and plan visits to filming locations of favorite movies or TV shows. Create trivia or scavenger hunts based on those movies to play en route or at the location.

• Research and list filming locations of interest along your route.
• Plan your visit to these locations.
• Create trivia questions or a scavenger hunt related to the movies or TV shows for additional fun.

Historical Trails

Choose a historical trail or route, such as the Oregon Trail, Route 66, or the Freedom Trail, and plan stops at significant landmarks. Prepare related games, stories, or quizzes for each landmark.

• Select a historical trail or route and identify key landmarks to visit.
• Research the history and significance of each landmark.
• Prepare interactive games, stories, or quizzes related to each stop.

Geocaching Adventure

Use a geocaching app to plan a route with caches along the way. Geocaching combines treasure hunting with navigation skills, making for a thrilling journey.

• Download a geocaching app and locate caches along your travel route.
• Plan your stops around these geocache locations.
• Use the app to navigate to the caches and log your finds.

Cultural Heritage Tour

Select a route that goes through areas rich in cultural heritage. Learn about the local traditions, cuisines, and crafts in advance, and plan activities or visits around them.

• Research areas rich in cultural heritage along your route.
• Learn about local traditions, cuisines, and crafts.
• Plan visits or activities that allow you to experience the cultural heritage firsthand.

Nature Exploration

Plan a trip around national parks, nature reserves, or scenic landscapes. Prepare a nature bingo or scavenger hunt that includes flora, fauna, and geological features to look for.

• Identify national parks, nature reserves, or scenic landscapes to visit.
• Prepare a nature bingo or scavenger hunt with items to find or observe.
• Explore the natural beauty and mark off items on your bingo card or scavenger hunt list.

Art and Architecture Quest

Focus on exploring art galleries, street art, and architectural wonders along your route. Develop an art journal or photo challenge to capture and reflect on the art seen during the trip.

• Map out art galleries, street art locations, and architectural wonders to visit.
• Create an art journal or initiate a photo challenge for the trip.
• Document and discuss the art and architecture you encounter.

Literary Journey

Choose a route that follows the settings of a novel or the life of a famous author. Prepare discussions, readings, and activities based on the book or author’s works.

• Select a novel or author with strong ties to specific locations.
• Plan your route to follow the settings or significant places in the author’s life.
• Organize discussions, readings, and activities related to the book or author at each stop.

Music Trail

Plan to visit places of musical significance, such as the birthplaces of famous genres (e.g., jazz in New Orleans, country in Nashville) or iconic music venues. Include a playlist of related music to listen to as you travel.

• Identify places of musical significance to visit on your trip.
• Compile a playlist of music related to these places or genres.
• Visit the locations and immerse yourself in the music history and culture.

Science and Innovation Tour

Include stops at science museums, observatories, tech companies, or historical sites of scientific discoveries. Prepare trivia questions or experiments related to each stop.

• Plan visits to science museums, observatories, and other related sites.
• Prepare trivia questions or simple experiments related to the science or innovation at each location.
• Engage with the science and technology through interactive learning at each stop.

Foodie Road Trip

Map out a route based on regional cuisines, famous restaurants, or food festivals. Plan to try specific dishes at each location and rate them, or even take a cooking class.

• Research regional cuisines, famous restaurants, and food festivals along your route.
• Make a list of must-try dishes or restaurants.
• Sample the local cuisine at each stop, rate the dishes, and possibly take a local cooking class.

Sports History Tour

Visit stadiums, halls of fame, or hometowns of famous athletes. Create fantasy sports teams or sports trivia based on the locations visited.

• Identify stadiums, halls of fame, and significant sports locations along your route.
• Research the sports history of each location to create trivia questions or fantasy sports teams.
• Engage in trivia challenges or discussions about sports history at each stop.

Ghost Towns and Legends

Explore abandoned towns, haunted locations, or sites of local legends. Research stories in advance for storytelling sessions.

• Map out ghost towns, haunted locations, or legendary sites to visit.
• Gather stories, legends, and histories of each place before the trip.
• Share these stories with your travel companions as you explore each site.

Astronomy Road Trip

Plan stops at observatories, planetariums, or dark sky parks for stargazing. Learn about constellations and celestial events that may occur during your trip.

• Locate observatories, planetariums, and dark sky parks along your travel route.
• Research constellations, stars, and any celestial events happening during your trip.
• Schedule stargazing sessions and use the opportunity to learn and share astronomy knowledge.

Eco-Challenge

Focus on sustainable travel, visiting eco-friendly sites or engaging in conservation activities. Plan challenges around minimizing your carbon footprint or learning about ecology.

• Choose eco-friendly destinations and activities that emphasize conservation and sustainability.
• Set personal or group challenges to minimize your carbon footprint during the trip.
• Engage in activities that educate on environmental conservation and document your eco-friendly practices.

Fitness Challenge

Map out a route with opportunities for hiking, biking, swimming, or other physical activities. Set personal fitness goals or challenges for each location.

• Identify stops along your route where you can engage in physical activities like hiking or biking.
• Set fitness goals or challenges for each activity or location.
• Track your progress and celebrate achievements as you meet your fitness goals during the trip.

Photography Challenge

Choose a theme or subject for photography (e.g., landscapes, urban life, sunrise/sunset) and plan stops accordingly. Share tips and critique photos to improve skills along the way.

• Decide on a photography theme or subject for your trip.
• Plan your route to include stops that offer opportunities to capture photos related to your theme.
• Share photography tips among your group and critique each other’s photos to improve your skills.

Gardens and Botanics Tour

Visit botanical gardens, arboretums, or wildflower trails. Prepare a plant identification guide or a botanical sketchbook activity.

• Research and plan visits to botanical gardens, arboretums, and trails known for their flora.
• Prepare a plant identification guide or create a botanical sketchbook for drawing the plants you see.
• Explore the beauty of plant life, documenting and sketching as you go.

Film Festival Tour

Attend film festivals in different cities if your trip coincides with their schedules. Discuss themes, cinematography, and performances.

• Research film festivals happening along your route and plan your itinerary to attend them.
• Watch films and participate in festival activities.
• Hold discussions about the films’ themes, cinematography, and performances after viewing.

Craft Brewery Tour

For adults, plan a route that includes visits to craft breweries, with tastings and tours. Learn about the brewing process and regional specialties.

• Identify craft breweries along your route and plan visits.
• Participate in brewery tours and tastings to learn about the brewing process and regional beer specialties.
• Discuss the flavors, brewing techniques, and your favorite brews from each stop.

Railroad History Trip

Follow historic railroad routes, visiting train stations, railroad museums, and scenic railway journeys. Prepare related games or model train building sessions.

• Research historic railroad routes and significant railway locations to visit.
• Plan stops at train stations, museums, and scenic railway journeys that highlight railroad history.
• Engage in railroad-themed games or model train building activities to deepen your appreciation of railway heritage.

These themes not only add structure and purpose to your journey but also enrich the experience with education, culture, and fun, making the journey as memorable as the destination.

Fun Car Games for Teens and Adults – Educational Games

Educational games that engage Older Kids and Teens (or even Adults) into thinking critically about their surroundings can be both fun and informative, helping them learn about economics, history, architecture, and more. Here are several ideas for games that can educate kids during a journey, categorized by different themes.

Architecture and Urban Planning

Building functions guess.

Spot different buildings, and have kids guess their purposes. Discuss why certain designs are used for specific functions.

• Point out various buildings along the route.
• Ask kids to guess each building’s function based on its design.
• Discuss the architectural features that indicate the building’s purpose.

City Planning Basics

Discuss why certain areas have more of a specific type of business or building and talk about zoning, city planning, and community needs.

• Observe the distribution of businesses and buildings in different areas.
• Initiate a discussion on zoning laws, city planning, and why certain areas develop specific business types.
• Talk about how these decisions impact the community.

Economics and Business

Business success or failure.

When passing by businesses or abandoned buildings, speculate why a business might have succeeded or failed.

• Identify businesses or buildings that are thriving or abandoned.
• Discuss potential reasons for their success or failure.
• Consider factors like location, competition, and market demand.

Supply and Demand on the Road

Discuss why certain products or services are more common in some areas than others, relating it to the concept of supply and demand.

• Notice the prevalence of certain types of businesses or products in different regions.
• Discuss how supply and demand influence these patterns.
• Talk about factors that affect supply and demand in various locations.

Environmental Science

Eco-detectives.

Identify different types of landscapes (urban, rural, forest, desert) and discuss the ecosystems and how humans impact them.

• As you travel, identify and categorize the landscapes you see.
• Discuss the characteristics of each ecosystem.
• Talk about human impacts on these environments.

Recycling and Sustainability Quest

Spot recycling bins, solar panels, wind turbines, or other signs of sustainable practices and discuss their importance.

• Look for signs of sustainable practices and renewable energy use.
• Discuss the importance of each practice spotted.
• Talk about ways to incorporate sustainability into daily life.

History and Culture

Historical marker scavenger hunt.

Look for historical markers and research or discuss the significance of each location.

• Keep an eye out for historical markers along your route.
• Stop to read the markers and research further if needed.
• Discuss the historical significance of the locations.

Cultural Diversity Explorer

Notice and discuss cultural markers that indicate the heritage of the communities you pass through (e.g., architectural styles, restaurants offering various cuisines).

• Observe and identify cultural markers in different communities.
• Discuss what these markers reveal about the community’s heritage.
• Explore the cultural diversity and history of the places you visit.

Science and Technology

Engineering wonders.

Identify and talk about the engineering behind bridges, tunnels, dams, and skyscrapers.

• Spot engineering marvels like bridges and skyscrapers.
• Discuss the engineering principles and challenges involved in their construction.
• Explore the impact of these structures on society and the environment.

Technology Timeline

Notice and discuss the evolution of technology, from old factories to modern wind farms or tech companies.

• Identify examples of old and new technology along your route.
• Discuss how technology has evolved over time.
• Consider the future direction of technological development.

Mathematics

Math in motion.

Calculate travel times, distances, or fuel consumption as a practical application of math skills.

• Use maps and travel information to calculate distances between stops.
• Estimate travel times based on distance and speed.
• Discuss fuel consumption and how to calculate it.

Budgeting Game

Give kids a hypothetical budget for a day’s journey. Have them manage expenses like food, souvenirs, and activities.

• Assign a hypothetical budget for the day.
• As you make stops, have kids decide how to spend their budget.
• Discuss choices and the importance of budgeting.

Health and Nutrition

Healthy choices challenge.

Discuss the nutritional value of different foods when stopping for meals, encouraging healthy choices.

• At meal stops, evaluate the available food options.
• Discuss the nutritional value of different foods.
• Encourage making healthy food choices.

Exercise Exploration

Talk about the importance of physical activity and brainstorm ways to stay active during stops.

• Discuss the benefits of regular physical activity.
• Brainstorm quick exercises or activities that can be done at rest stops.
• Encourage everyone to participate in physical activities during stops.

Provide kids with maps and have them track the journey, learning to read key map symbols and distances.

• Distribute maps to the kids.
• Teach them how to read map symbols and measure distances.
• Have them track the journey’s progress on their maps.

Landmark Legends

Research and share stories about natural landmarks you pass, enhancing geographical and cultural knowledge.

• Identify natural landmarks along your route.
• Research and prepare stories or facts about each landmark.
• Share these stories as you pass by the landmarks.

Government and Civics

Local government glimpse.

Discuss the role of local government in maintaining roads, parks, and public services spotted along the way.

• As you travel, identify public services and infrastructure.
• Discuss the role of local governments in providing these services.
• Talk about the importance of civic responsibility and community involvement.

Public Services Hunt

Identify and talk about different public services (fire stations, schools, libraries) and their roles in the community.

• Spot various public service facilities during your journey.
• Discuss the function and importance of each service.
• Consider how these services contribute to community welfare.

Arts and Creativity

Artistic inspirations.

Encourage kids to sketch or describe landscapes, buildings, or scenes they find interesting, discussing artistic elements.

• Provide sketchbooks or notebooks for drawing or describing scenes.
• Encourage observation and depiction of interesting sights.
• Discuss the artistic elements of the scenes captured.

Music and Movements

Discuss the influence of music on culture and personal identity, exploring different genres and artists.

• Create a playlist featuring a variety of music genres and artists.
• As you listen, discuss the cultural significance and personal impact of different musical styles.
• Encourage exploration of new music and artists.

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

What-if scenarios.

Pose hypothetical situations related to the journey or locations (e.g., “What if this bridge wasn’t here? How would it affect the town?”).

• Present hypothetical scenarios to the group.
• Discuss possible outcomes and impacts of these scenarios.
• Encourage creative thinking and problem-solving discussions.

Invent a Solution

Spot a problem or challenge a community might face (like traffic congestion, pollution) and brainstorm innovative solutions.

• Identify visible community challenges during your trip.
• Discuss the causes and potential solutions to these problems.
• Encourage innovative and practical ideas.

Language and Communication

Language spotting.

Identify different languages on signs, businesses, and public spaces. Discuss where these languages are from and basic greetings or phrases.

• Look for signs or businesses featuring different languages.
• Discuss the origins of these languages and their global presence.
• Learn and share basic greetings or phrases in the languages spotted.

Storytelling from Surroundings

Create stories based on interesting sights or landmarks seen, encouraging creativity and narrative skills.

• Choose a landmark or sight as the story’s setting or inspiration.
• Encourage each participant to create and share a story based on the chosen sight.
• Discuss the creative process and narrative elements of each story.

Social Studies

Community roles and jobs.

Observe different jobs people are doing in the communities you pass through and discuss their importance to society.

• Notice various jobs and roles performed by people in different communities.
• Discuss the significance of these jobs to the community and society at large.
• Reflect on the diversity of roles and their contributions to community life.

Historical Impact Analysis

Speculate on how historical events might have shaped the landscapes, towns, and cities you visit.

• Research the history of the places you plan to visit.
• As you travel, discuss the historical events that have influenced these places.
• Consider the long-term impacts of these events on the landscape and community.

Environmental Awareness

Conservation conversations.

Discuss the importance of conservation efforts visible during your journey, such as protected areas, wildlife crossings, and conservation signs.

• Identify conservation efforts and protected areas during your travels.
• Discuss the purpose and importance of these conservation measures.
• Reflect on how individuals and communities can contribute to environmental conservation.

Climate Zones

Talk about the different climate zones you travel through and their characteristics, including the types of vegetation and wildlife that can survive there.

• Research the climate zones along your route.
• Discuss the characteristics of each climate zone, including vegetation and wildlife.
• Reflect on how climate affects the natural world and human activities.

Astronomy and Space

Skywatching stories.

If traveling at night, identify constellations and share myths or facts about them.

• Prepare constellation maps or apps for night travel.
• Identify constellations and share their myths or scientific facts.
• Discuss the significance of these constellations in different cultures and science.

Space Exploration Discussion

Discuss how certain landscapes you pass through resemble other planets or moons and the basics of space exploration.

• Compare and contrast Earth’s landscapes with known landscapes of other planets or moons.
• Discuss human space exploration efforts and achievements.
• Explore the possibilities of future space travel and discovery.

These educational games and discussions can turn a long journey into a moving classroom, sparking curiosity and a love for learning in various subjects. They encourage observation, questioning, and critical thinking, making travel an enriching experience beyond just reaching a destination.

Fun Car Games for Teens and Adults – Word and Riddle Games

Here are 20 word or riddle games designed to entertain teens and adults during long car trips. These games are perfect for stimulating the mind and sparking lively discussions.

Start with one word, and each person says the first word that comes to mind. Keep going until you can’t think of any more associations.

• Someone says a starting word.
• The next person says the first word they think of that’s associated with it.
• Continue around until no one can think of a related word.

Example “Car” might lead to “road,” which might lead to “travel,” and so on.

Each person shares three statements about themselves—two truths and one lie. The others have to guess which statement is the lie.

• Each player thinks of two truths and one lie about themselves.
• They share all three statements in a random order.
• The others guess which one is the lie.

Example “I’ve been to Australia, I have two siblings, I can play the guitar.” (If the lie is about playing the guitar.)

Movie Synonyms

Describe a movie title with synonyms (e.g., “Gigantic” for “Big”), and others guess the movie.

• Think of a movie title.
• Describe it using synonyms without saying the actual title.
• Others guess the movie based on your description.

Example “Nighttime in the Museum” for “Night at the Museum.”

Choose a word, and everyone takes turns saying a word that rhymes with it until someone gets stumped.

• Take turns saying words that rhyme with the starting word.
• Continue until someone can’t think of a rhyming word.

Example If the starting word is “cat,” responses might include “hat,” “bat,” “rat,” etc.

Alphabet Story

Start a story where each sentence begins with the consecutive letter of the alphabet. “A long time ago…” “But then…”

• Begin a story with a sentence starting with “A.”
• The next person continues the story with a sentence starting with “B.”

Example “A cat walked into a bar. But it wasn’t an ordinary bar…”

Riddle Me This

Share riddles for others to solve, ranging from simple to complex. You can prepare a list of riddles beforehand.

• Think of or look up a riddle.
• Share the riddle with the others.
• They try to solve it.

Example “What has to be broken before you can use it?” (An egg.)

License Plate Decoder

Invent a backstory or meaning for the letters and numbers on a license plate you see.

• Choose a random license plate.
• Create a story or meaning behind its letters and numbers.
• Share with the others and see who can come up with the most creative interpretation.

Example For “4JMP2,” “Four jugglers made pancakes too.”

Start with a word, and each person changes one letter to make a new word. The goal is to see how far you can veer from the original word.

• Begin with any word.
• The next person changes one letter to form a new word.
• Continue, with each person altering one letter of the latest word.

Example “Cat” could change to “bat,” then to “bit,” “bite,” and so on.

These games are great for keeping the energy up and making long car trips more enjoyable and engaging for teens and adults alike.

Fun Car Games for Teens and Adults – Number Plate Game Ideas

Elevate your road trip entertainment with these imaginative number plate car games. Each game transforms ordinary license plates into puzzles, stories, and challenges, making the miles fly by.

Alphabet Soup

Find license plates in alphabetical order, starting with A and working your way to Z.

Example First, spot a plate with an ‘A’, then look for a ‘B’, and continue until you reach ‘Z’.

State Bingo

Create bingo cards with different states. Spot license plates from those states to mark off your squares.

Example If your card has Texas, Florida, and California, and you spot a plate from Texas, mark that square off.

License Plate Limericks

Create a short, funny limerick using the letters from a spotted license plate.

Example For a plate reading “D4N,” a limerick could be: “A dog named Dan, who could tan, in the sun he’d span, until he ran, after the mailman.”

License Plate Math

Use the numbers on a license plate to create and solve math problems. Add, subtract, multiply, or divide the digits in creative ways.

Example If a plate is “X32G4,” you could create: 3 + 2 – 4 = 1.

Plate Color Hunt

Look for license plates of a specific color. The first to spot a predetermined number of them wins.

Example Find five blue license plates while traveling through the city.

Plate Pictionary

Draw a scene or object that the letters on a license plate remind you of, and have others guess what it is.

Example A plate “CAT” might inspire a drawing of a cat lounging in the sun.

License Plate Stories

Create a short story or sentence using the letters of a license plate as the first letter of each word.

Example For “GFT,” a story could start: “Giant frogs trembled…”

Around the World

Spot license plates from as many different states or countries as possible, aiming to “travel” through continents or across the U.S.

Example Spotting a plate from California, then one from New York, and imagining the coast-to-coast journey.

Plate Detective

Guess the profession or personality of the vehicle’s owner based on the license plate and the car’s appearance.

Example A plate that reads “4RTIST” on a brightly painted van might belong to an artist.

Invent a funny or interesting meaning behind the letters and numbers on a license plate.

Example A plate “123 XYZ” could be decoded as “One-two-three, Xylophone Yodeling Zebras.”

Plate Categories

Pick a category (e.g., animals, foods, movies). Use the letters on a license plate to name something within that category.

Example For “BGR,” in the food category, you could say “Burger.”

License Plate Scramble

Rearrange the letters in a spotted license plate to form new words or phrases.

Example A plate “LVE” could be scrambled to “EVL” (Evil).

Secret Mission

Pretend each spotted license plate is a clue or code for a secret mission. Create the mission’s objective based on the plates you see.

Example A plate “007” might inspire a spy mission to uncover a mystery.

License Plate Haiku

Use the letters on a license plate to inspire a haiku. The letters can dictate the theme or specific words to use.

Example For “SNW,” a haiku could be: “Silent night whispers, Snowflakes dance on cold breezes, Winter’s breath holds tight.”

Plate Chain

Spot a license plate, then find another plate where the last letter or number of the first plate is the first letter or number of the next.

Example If you see a plate ending in “4,” find another starting with “4.”

License Plate Tag

When you see a license plate from a new state, shout it out. No repeats allowed. The person with the most unique states wins.

Example Spotting plates from Florida, then Texas, and so on, each called out once.

Number Pursuit

Choose a number (e.g., 7), and then find license plates with numbers that add up to it.

Example A plate with “313” because 3 + 1 + 3 = 7.

License Plate Bingo Deluxe

Make a bingo card with a mix of states, numbers, and colors. For example, “A blue plate from Texas” or “A plate with ‘123’.”

Example Creating a bingo card that requires spotting a green plate, a plate from Nevada, and a plate containing “567.”

Alphabetical Sentences

Use the letters from a plate to start each word of a sentence, in order. The more coherent the sentence, the better.

Example For “CAT,” a sentence could be: “Cats adore tuna.”

License Plate Riddles

Create riddles based on the letters and numbers of a license plate. For example, if the plate is “4JMP2,” the riddle could be “I jump but never play. What am I?” (Answer: A basketball).

Example For “SUN1,” a riddle might be: “I shine and rise but never run. What am I?” (Answer: The sun).

These variations of the number plate game provide a fresh and engaging way to pass the time on long car journeys, turning every new plate spotted into a mini-adventure.

Fun Car Games for Teens and Adults – Brain Teasers and Logic Puzzles

Here are 20 brain teasers and logic puzzles designed to challenge and entertain during long car trips. These puzzles are perfect for teens and adults looking for a mental workout on the road.

Answers at the bottom of section.

Missing Dollar

Three friends check into a hotel room that costs $30. Each friend pays $10. Later, the clerk realizes the room was only $25 and gives $5 to the bellboy to return to the friends. The bellboy, however, decides to keep $2 for himself and gives $1 back to each friend. Now, each friend has paid $9, totaling $27, and the bellboy has $2. Where is the missing dollar?

Crossing the Bridge

Four people need to cross a bridge at night. The bridge can only hold two people at a time, and they have only one flashlight. The group’s speeds are 1 minute, 2 minutes, 5 minutes, and 10 minutes. How can they all cross the bridge in 17 minutes?

Farmer’s Challenge

A farmer needs to transport a wolf, a goat, and a cabbage across a river. His boat can only carry him and one other item at a time. He can’t leave the wolf alone with the goat or the goat alone with the cabbage. How can he get all three across safely?

The Three Doors

You’re in a game show with three doors. Behind one door is a car, and behind the other two are goats. You pick a door, say No. 1, and the host, who knows what’s behind the doors, opens another door, say No. 3, revealing a goat. He then asks if you want to switch to door No. 2. Should you switch?

The Hat Puzzle

Three people are captured by a bandit king. The king lines them up and places a hat on each of their heads, either black or white. Each person can only see the hat of the people in front of them, not their own or those behind. The king promises freedom to anyone who can correctly state the color of their hat. How do they figure it out?

Water Jug Problem

You have a 5-liter jug and a 3-liter jug and need to measure exactly 4 liters of water. How do you do it?

The Monty Hall Problem

Similar to the Three Doors puzzle but explore variations. For instance, what if there were 100 doors instead of three?

Two Fathers and Two Sons

Two fathers and two sons go fishing. Each catches one fish, so why do they bring home only three fish?

The Poisoned Wine

A king has 1000 bottles of wine, and one is poisoned. He has 10 prisoners to find out which one is poisoned. The poison takes effect in an hour, and the king needs the answer by the next morning. How does he figure out which bottle is poisoned with the least number of deaths?

Infinite Quarter Toss

If you toss a quarter an infinite number of times, what are the odds that you will eventually flip heads ten times in a row?

The Liar and the Truth Teller

You come to a fork in the road with two individuals. One always tells the truth, and the other always lies. You can ask one question to find out which road leads to your destination. What do you ask?

The Sock Drawer

In a dark room, you have a drawer containing 10 red socks and 10 blue socks. How many socks must you pull out to ensure you have a matching pair?

Birthday Paradox

In a room of 23 people, what’s the probability that at least two people share the same birthday?

The Escalator

A man walks up an escalator moving downward and counts 50 steps. When he walks up the same escalator, now moving upward, he counts 75 steps. How many steps would he count if the escalator were not moving?

The Four Prisoners

Four prisoners are lined up, and each has a hat placed on their head, either black or white. They can’t speak, move, or see their hat but can see the hats in front of them. How can at least one guarantee to guess their hat color correctly?

The Dropped Egg

You have two eggs and access to a 100-story building. The eggs can survive falls from certain floors without breaking. What’s the least number of drops you need to find out the highest floor from which an egg can be dropped without breaking?

The Silent Agreement

Two people, who have never met, are placed in separate rooms and can’t communicate. They are told that if they both write down the same positive whole number, they will each win that amount in dollars. However, if one writes down a number one higher than the other, that person wins $1,000,000. What number do they choose?

Locked Box with a Key Inside

You have a locked box that is transparent enough to see a key inside. The box has a hole too small for the key to fit through. How do you open the box?

Dividing the Gold

Five pirates discover a treasure of 100 gold coins. They must divide it under the rules that the most senior pirate proposes a distribution, and all pirates, including the proposer, vote on it. If half or more of the pirates vote for it, the gold is distributed that way. Otherwise, the proposer is thrown overboard, and the process repeats. How does the gold get divided?

The Racing Horses

You have 25 horses, and you want to find out the three fastest horses. You can race up to 5 horses at a time, but you don’t have a stopwatch. What’s the minimum number of races you need to identify the top 3 horses?

Answer: There’s no missing dollar. This is a common misdirection puzzle. The $27 total includes the $25 room cost plus the $2 kept by the bellboy. The three friends effectively paid $9 each ($27 total), out of which $25 went to the room and $2 to the bellboy.

Answer: The quickest way is 17 minutes:

• The two fastest people (1 minute and 2 minutes) cross first, taking 2 minutes.
• The 1-minute person comes back with the flashlight, taking 1 more minute (3 minutes total).
• The two slowest people (5 minutes and 10 minutes) cross, taking 10 minutes (13 minutes total).
• The 2-minute person comes back with the flashlight, taking 2 more minutes (15 minutes total).
• The two fastest people (1 minute and 2 minutes) cross again, taking 2 minutes (17 minutes total).

Answer: The farmer takes the goat across first, leaves it, and returns. He then takes the wolf (or the cabbage) across, but brings the goat back with him. He leaves the goat on the original side and takes the cabbage across. Finally, he returns to pick up the goat.

Answer: Yes, you should switch. When you initially choose a door, there’s a 1/3 chance you’ve picked the car and a 2/3 chance you’ve picked a goat. After the host opens a door revealing a goat, switching gives you a 2/3 chance of winning the car, as the initial probabilities don’t change.

Answer: This puzzle’s solution depends on the specific setup and rules provided, such as the arrangement of the hats and the logic each prisoner can use based on what they see and know.

Answer: Fill the 5-liter jug and use it to fill the 3-liter jug, leaving you with 2 liters in the 5-liter jug. Empty the 3-liter jug, transfer the 2 liters into it, and fill the 5-liter jug again. Pour from the 5-liter jug into the 3-liter jug until it’s full, leaving exactly 4 liters in the 5-liter jug.

Answer: Switching doors indeed increases your chance of winning to 2/3, as initially, there’s a 1/3 chance you’ve chosen the car and a 2/3 chance the car is behind one of the other doors.

Answer: There are only three people: a grandfather, his son (who is also a father), and his grandson.

Answer: Use a binary system to label the bottles and give each prisoner a mix of wines according to the binary labels. You can identify the poisoned bottle with just one round of testing and a maximum of one death.

Answer: The probability is 1, meaning it’s certain that you will eventually flip heads ten times in a row if you flip the coin an infinite number of times.

Answer: You ask either person what the other would say is the correct road. Then you take the opposite road.

Answer: You must pull out three socks to guarantee a matching pair, as the first two could be one of each color.

Answer: The probability that at least two people share the same birthday in a room of 23 people is about 50%.

Answer: This puzzle’s solution would depend on understanding the man’s walking speed relative to the speed of the escalator, a variable not provided in the question.

Answer: Without more specifics, one strategy involves the prisoners using logical deduction based on what they see and assuming a predetermined order of guessing to ensure at least one can correctly state their hat color.

Answer: The least number of drops to find the highest safe floor can be minimized using a binary search strategy or by incrementing floors in a systematic way, but the exact number depends on the outcome of each drop.

Answer: Rational choice theory might suggest both choosing the number 1, as cooperation maximizes the reward without risking losing to greed.

Answer: The solution might involve using magnets, shaking the box until the key falls out of the lock mechanism, or other creative solutions not directly apparent from the problem statement.

Answer: The most senior pirate proposes giving one gold coin to the lowest-ranking pirate and another to one other pirate, keeping the rest. This ensures just enough votes to keep from being thrown overboard.

Answer: You need 7 races. Race the 25 horses in groups of 5, then race the winners of each group to find the fastest three.

These puzzles are sure to provide plenty of mental stimulation and spark engaging conversations, making any long car trip feel shorter.

Fun Car Games for Teens and Adults – True or False Game Ideas

True or False games are fantastic for stimulating critical thinking and can be adapted to a wide range of themes, especially during a journey where the scenery, radio, and conversations provide endless material. Here are several themes and ideas for True or False games that can be played during a car ride.

Historical Facts – True or False: Landmarks Edition

Make up or state true facts about historical landmarks you pass or discuss during the trip.

Environmental and Geographical

Ecosystems and wildlife.

Make statements about the ecosystems or animals you might see or pass through during your journey, turning it into an educational yet fun road trip game.

Geographical Features

Claim facts about rivers, mountains, or other geographical features in the areas you’re traveling through.

Cultural and Societal

Cultural practices.

Propose true or false statements about the cultural practices of the places you’re visiting or passing by.

Say something about celebrities or historical figures associated with the areas you’re traveling through.

Innovations on the Road

Discuss inventions or technological advancements and their origins or functionalities, related or not to what you see during the trip.

Astronomy Facts

Share amazing but true (or false) facts about space, planets, or constellations that might relate to the night sky if you’re traveling after dark.

Arts and Literature

Literary legends.

Make statements about authors, books, or literary characters related to the regions you’re exploring.

Music Milestones

Assert facts about music genres, artists, or songs that come up on the radio, exploring their backgrounds and truths.

Food and Cuisine – Culinary Claims

Make claims about the local cuisines, dishes, or food production methods of the places you’re visiting.

Sports and Recreation – Athletic Achievements

Propose true or false facts about sports teams, events, or athletes from the areas you’re driving through.

Business and Economy – Corporate Conundrums

Discuss companies, startups, or economic facts related to the regions you’re in, which could include visible businesses or industries along the route.

Architecture and Urban Planning – Architectural Assertions

State facts about architectural styles, famous buildings, or urban planning trends visible on your journey.

Transportation and Travel – Vehicular Varieties

Make statements about the history, evolution, or peculiar facts of different modes of transportation you see or use.

Media and Entertainment – Entertainment Enigmas

Share surprising truths or fabrications about movies, TV shows, or celebrities connected to the locations you’re passing by.

Wildlife and Nature Conservation – Conservation Facts

Propose statements about wildlife conservation efforts, endangered species, or national parks you might encounter.

Health and Wellness – Well-being Wonders

Discuss health facts, myths, or surprising truths about wellness practices seen or relevant during your trip.

Astronomy and Space Exploration – Space Speculations

Create true or false statements about astronomical discoveries, space missions, or celestial phenomena.

Myths, Legends, and Folklore – Mythical Musings

Weave in local myths, legends, or ghost stories of the areas you’re traveling through, presenting them as true or false.

Puzzles and Brain Teasers – Logical Lore

Challenge your travel companions with logical puzzles or brain teasers that seem implausible but might actually be true.

Playing these True or False games can lead to intriguing discussions, spur curiosity, and prompt participants to learn more about a variety of topics, all while keeping the travel atmosphere lively and engaging.

Fun Car Games for Teens and Adults – Pop Culture Trivia and Radio

Here are 20 Pop culture trivia games focused on what you might hear on the radio during a long car trip. These games can make the journey more entertaining and engaging for everyone.

One person hums or describes a song without saying its title, and others guess the song.

When a song plays on the radio, the first person to shout out the correct artist wins a point.

Stop a song midway and challenge passengers to correctly finish the lyrics.

Song in a Movie

Name a song that’s playing and have participants guess which movie it was featured in.

Decade Duel

When a song comes on, players guess the decade it was released. Closest guess wins.

Identify the genre of the current song on the radio. Bonus points for naming another artist from the same genre.

Cover or Original

Decide if the song playing is a cover version or the original. Extra points for naming the original artist if it’s a cover.

Artist Association

After hearing a song, the next player must name another artist who has collaborated with the performing artist.

One-Hit Wonders

When a song by a one-hit wonder artist plays, be the first to identify them as such.

Back-to-Back

After one song ends, guess the artist of the next song before it starts.

Lyric Lookup

Someone recites lyrics from a song, and others have to name the song and artist.

Musical Connections

Name a song, then players take turns naming another song that shares a word in the title.

Guess the Album

Name the song and artist that’s playing, and challenge others to guess the album it’s from.

Song Title Synonyms

Provide a synonym for a song title (e.g., “Gigantic” for “Big”), and others guess the actual title.

Artist’s First Hit

When an artist’s song plays, challenge others to name the artist’s first hit single.

Same Era Artists

Name the artist currently playing and have players list other artists who were popular in the same era.

Award-Winning Tracks

Guess whether the current song or its artist has won a Grammy (or any other major music award) and for what category.

Song Sampler

Play the first few seconds of a song from your phone, and others guess the song and artist.

Songs often mention cities, states, or countries. When a location is mentioned in a song, be the first to shout it out.

Collaboration Call-Out

When a song featuring multiple artists plays, earn points by naming all the artists involved.

These pop culture trivia games focused on radio content are sure to make any long car trip more enjoyable and engaging, offering a fun way to explore music knowledge and preferences with friends and family.

I really hope this article has been of help. My overall aim of this website is to whole heartedly help people so they stay safe on the roads. Keeping passengers entertained and also the driver (as long as it’s safe and not distracting) is important.

If you are going on a road trip why not check out my other article on Car First Aid Kits or Best Dash Cams .

If you have any questions. please feel free to leave a comment or you can contact me directly via the contact us page.

What are road trip games, and why are they so popular?

Road trip games are fun activities to play during car rides to keep passengers entertained and pass the time. They are popular because they help create a lively atmosphere and make long journeys more enjoyable.

How can I make the most of game to play on a long car ride with adults and kids?

To make the most of your road trip games, choose a variety of games that appeal to both adults and kids, take turns playing different games, and have small prizes for winners to add excitement.

What are some classic car games that everyone in the car will enjoy?

Classic car games like “I Spy,” “20 Questions,” “Alphabet Game,” and “License Plate Game” are popular choices that can entertain both adults and kids during a long car ride.

How do I keep my younger kids entertained during a family road trip?

For younger kids, consider playing games like “I Spy with My Little Eye,” “Alphabet Game,” and “Road Trip Scavenger Hunt” that are engaging and easy to understand.

What are some creative road trip games that involve road signs and landmarks?

Games like “Road Signs Bingo,” “Road Trip Scavenger Hunt,” and “Travel Games” that require players to spot specific road signs and landmarks along the journey are both educational and fun.

How can I ensure that everyone in the car participates in the road trip games?

To ensure everyone participates, establish a rotation system where each person in the car takes turns asking questions or initiating the next game, creating an inclusive and engaging experience.

What are some engaging road trip games for older kids and adults on a long car ride?

Older kids and adults may enjoy games like “Would You Rather,” “20 Questions,” “Memory Game,” and “Road Trip Bingo” that offer a mix of humor, challenge, and interaction for a memorable journey.

How can I make the alphabet game more challenging for advanced players?

To make the alphabet game more challenging, play in alphabetical order with each player naming items starting with the next letter of the alphabet, adding a twist to the classic game.

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Top 10 Road Trip Games for a Long Drive

T he humble road trip has historically been depicted in nearly every movie genre and countless songs. To some, it may even be considered a significant American pastime and cultural activity. Although traveling has changed in innovative ways (hello, airplanes), road trips are still a popular way to get around. Whether travelers are road-tripping to save money, exploring the great outdoors or simply due to a fear of planes, there is no reason the long journey ahead has to be boring. 

Families and friends embark on road trips to tighten their bonds and explore the open road together all the time. While that may sound like a drag to some, there is always a way to liven up the crowd (in the car). Fun activities have been a part of long road trips since the first “ Are we there yet ” was ever muttered. In between rest stops and bathroom breaks, here are the best ways to keep a road trip group occupied. These games, for both traditional and modern tastes, will keep the group morale up and bored groaning down. 

Classic Games

These games will be fun for an array of age groups. With practically no props, cards, or complicated instructions, these classic games will surely excite road trippers. These games are free to play and either utilize the environment or are an opportunity to get to know other travelers better. 

I Spy 

I Spy is one of the most popular classic road trip games travelers can play. The game goes like this: one person picks a thing (person, place, animal etc.), and then the rest of the travelers try to guess the thing. Once the object is selected, the first person picking says, “I spy with my little eye…(insert vague description of the object)” and the game begins. This game is very interactive because everyone is in a moving vehicle, so they have to pay close attention since the object can be big or small. As the object can be challenging to find, some travelers prefer to set rules so the game is not never-ending. We recommend setting the rule that the object has to be in the car. 

Punch Buggy… No Punch Back!

This game is known to many and can start a bit of controversy (if travelers do not abide by the rules of the game). To play punch buggy, travelers should try to spot a Volkswagen Beetle on the roads. Once a Beetle is spotted, a traveler can turn to the person beside them (or an especially targeted victim like a sibling) and give them a light punch in the arm while they say punch buggy. But travelers should be sure to end their proclamation with “no punch back,” so their punch victim cannot use the same car to get them back. 

Since these types of cars are a bit less common after they were discontinued around 2019, this game can be fascinating and spontaneous. This game can be played constantly and is more of a long-term passer of time, but the surprising gotcha moments never get old. 

20 Questions 

20 Questions is another excellent way to pass the time while traveling in the car. To play, one player picks an object, person, place, or thing, and then the other players must guess it correctly to win. But the trick is that the other players can only ask yes or no questions. Within 20 questions, the other players try to guess the thing that has been selected successfully, and if they do not guess it correctly, the selecting player wins. This game is similar to I Spy but is a bit more complex since the object does not have to be close by, and the other players accumulate clues through their questions.

Name the Artist: Radio Edition

For music lovers, this game will be an intriguing activity. To get a fair mix of music, travelers should listen to the radio, not a specially tailored playlist that one person knows by heart. Once the jams are playing, everyone in the car should try to guess the artist or group that is playing. 

No cheating (aka secretly Shazaming the songs) is allowed. Players who guess correctly score a point. There are many different ways to play this game, so some groups may prefer to create teams or have everyone play individually. Some groups even change the radio station every few minutes or make it harder to win by setting the goal amount of points higher. Either way, those who are musically inclined will appreciate this game.

Two Truths and a Lie

Whether traveling with family or friends, Two Truths and a Lie is sure to be a fun game to play during a road trip. The game can be easy or hard to play depending on how well the fellow travelers know each other, which means this game can be a great opportunity to get to know fun facts about each other. Upon their turn, each player should think of two truths and one lie about themselves. Players can be imaginative or tell quirky facts about themselves to confuse opponents. Once they are announced, other players try to call the player’s bluff and call out the lie. Those who guess the lie correctly score points, but if the lie is never guessed, the player with the lie gets the point. 

Modern Games 

These types of games are technologically advanced and offer something for everyone. These mobile games are perfect to help pass the time and engage the whole family (or group). Travelers should be sure to charge their devices and connect them to car WiFi or cellular data to play these games. 

Trivia 

While trivia is nothing new, road trippers are playing trivia more modernly. While the concept of asking questions about niche subjects or topics stays the same, the updated version of trivia involves the game Trivia Crack. Instead of sourcing trivia questions the traditional way , by thinking of them or finding them in trivia books, travelers can instead use an app. 

Trivia Crack , one of the most popular trivia games available as an app, is a great addition to road trips. Trivia Crack 2 is an updated version that allows users to play as a team or individually. To conquer the thousands of trivia questions and categories on the app, players can take turns reading out the questions and award the team or person with the most knowledge as the winner. 

Heads Up 

This classic game has had a digital makeover. Travelers should acquire the Heads Up app to get the fun rolling. To play, one player uses their mobile phone and places it above their head. Once the game begins, a word (or person, place or thing, depending on the selected category) is shown on the screen. The person holding the phone can not see the word and tries to guess it based on the clues the other players give them. Without saying the actual word, other players try to help the person guess. Players can play the game on teams and alternate who holds the phone, but ultimately this collaborative game picks your brain.

Karaoke 

Karaoke is a fun activity for many, which traditionally is not a game. But now, singing whizzes can enjoy a family-friendly version of karaoke while in the car. Sing! Karaoke is one of the top-rated karaoke apps available. With this app, travelers can sing along to some of the most famous road trip songs or even their favorite songs. The app provides song lyrics and professional voice effects and has different karaoke settings like solo, duet, and group songs. 

The Movie Game 

This game is for long road trips with a car full of people. It technically has no end, so it often ends with the group reaching their destination. It is a mix of the alphabet game (where people search for objects by each alphabet letter) and a simple movie marathon. Going in alphabetical order, each member of the group gets to select a movie starting with a letter of the alphabet. They get to select whatever movie they want (which is age-appropriate) as long as it starts with the correct letter. This game is fun since it allows players to get out of their entertainment comfort zones.  

Switch Games 

The Nintendo Switch is a gaming system that has become popular for its portability. So, it is no surprise that many travelers take their Switches nearly everywhere they go. Since the console quickly switches between home (or traditional television use) and on-the-go gaming, it is a fun option for long car rides. Once charged, the console can be used for multiplayer gaming for a few hours. The Joy-cons, which detach from the base screen, serve as controllers and allow wireless play. A popular choice is Super Mario Party, which can be played with up to four players. 

15 Ridiculously Fun Road Trip Games for Two People

This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I (The Winding Road Tripper) earn from qualifying purchases.  Read more . 

Are you looking for a new game to play with your road trip partner? If so, we’ve got you covered.

Whether you are a couple, family, or friends, we’ve devised a list of games to make your time in the car as fun as the destination. 

These games will provide hours of entertainment and laughter between two people traveling together. And we promise once you try them out, they’ll become part of your go-to list whenever you hit the road again! 

And we even found a way to add another “person” to your road trip game fun. ChatGPT ! You can use AI to help you create and play games by allowing you to play with your travel partner. For example, you can play trivia together instead of one person asking the other the question. It’s great for more collaborative play.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into 15 road trip games for two!

21 Questions

Let’s start with the all-time classic of road trip games for two people. 

21 Questions is an iconic game that has lasted for a reason. It’s fun, the rules are easy to pick up, and you can tailor the game to match everyone’s personality. 

The game starts with one player thinking of a person, place, or thing in their mind. The other player then has 21 “yes or no” questions to guess what the first player thinks.

Every question needs to have a yes or no answer. 

If you’re trying to guess what someone else is thinking, it helps to start with broad questions that slowly narrow down to get it right. 

You win the round if you can guess the other person’s thoughts within 21 questions. If you’re feeling a little extra competitive, you can assign points based on how many remaining questions you have before getting the correct answer.

21 Questions using ChatGPT

If you and your travel companion want to play 21 Questions together, you can use ChatGPT to “think” of the object and then ask it questions. It’s fun, and I use the microphone function on my keyboard, so I don’t have to type the questions in.

Six Degrees of Separation

Here’s another road trip classic for two players.

Six Degrees of Separation got a second wind when it became an iconic meme in the early days of the internet known as Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon. 

The point of the game is straightforward. One player names two actors, and the other must connect them in six degrees of separation or less.

Here’s a classic example using Kevin Bacon.

“Kevin Bacon and William Shatner.”

William Shatner was in  Festival in Cannes  with Maximilian Schell, who starred in  Telling Lies in America  with Kevin Bacon.

This game does not have to be played with only actors. For example, you could do any person. For example, Eddie Vedder, the lead singer of Pearl Jam, and Bill Clinton, the 42nd President of the United States.

Six Degrees of Separation Using ChatGPT

Using ChatGPT for this game is fun. You can try your best to pick the most obscure pair of people and see if ChatGPT can connect them, or you can use ChatGPT to come up with the two people you need to connect. I like the later version.

If ChatGPT isn’t getting it right, try explaining the game’s rules and giving it more concrete instructions like I do in the screenshots.

Fictional Road Trip Families

One of the most fun things about a road trip is the people you will meet. 

However, some people you “meet” drive past you on the road at 60 miles an hour. While you don’t get enough time to meet them properly, that doesn’t mean you can’t tell a fun story about their lives.

The next time an interesting-looking car drives past you, you can collaborate on a fictional story about the family inside that vehicle. Take turns adding story elements and see where it will lead you.

The Movie Game

Here is another one for film buffs.

This game starts with one person naming a movie and the other person naming an actor who starred in that film. The person who picks the movie then names another actor from that movie and a different movie that the actor starred in. The second player then repeats the process, and the play continues until no one can name a new movie.

For a twist on this game, players can go back and forth naming actors, writers, directors, and production staff on movies until they cannot name anyone else involved with a given film.

Human Jukebox

Here’s a game for the musically inclined pair on a road trip.

Human Jukebox starts with one player singing a line from a song. Then, the other player uses the last line’s final word to connect the song.

Here’s an example:

Player 1 starts with a line from Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody: “So you think you can stop me and spit in my eye. So you think you can love me and leave me to die. Oh, baby, can’t do this to me,  baby .”

Player 2 connects it with Britney Spears’s classic “… Baby  One More Time.” When I’m not with you, I lose my mind. Give me a sign. Hit me, baby, one more time.”

And the song goes on!

Two Truths and a Lie

Two Truths and a Lie is more than a fun game. It’s a great way to get to know your travel companion.

Here’s how the game works:

Name two truths about yourself and one lie. For example, you could say, “I used to have blue hair, I once designed a video game, and my aunt is a world record holder for women’s rodeo.” 

Your traveling companion will then have to guess which is the truth. The fun part is that you can make your truth and lies as straightforward or as challenging to guess as you’d like. 

This game is a fun way to explore your traveling companion’s history and discover unique and fun details about their life.

Name That Song: Radio Edition

Name That Song is a classic of road trip games for two. 

The usual way of playing this has one player singing a line from a song and the other player guessing the song’s name. 

However, you can play this game another way using local radio stations.

Turn on your radio and start scanning for random stations. Once you hear some music playing, the other player has to guess the name of the song and the artist before the song ends. You can take turns playing and score points based on who can get the correct answers.

This way of playing is fun because it allows you to discover the area’s radio stations.

Fortunately Unfortunately

Fortunately Unfortunately is a game that can get weird pretty quickly. Therefore, it’s a great game if someone in the car has their crabby pants on. 

It starts with one player saying something that starts with “fortunately: that’s positive, and then the next player saying something negative about that same event starting with “unfortunately.”

“Fortunately, we got time off work for this road trip.”

“Unfortunately, your boss got replaced by a zombie.”

“Fortunately, all those George Romero movies I watch have prepared me for this day.”

Continue this back and forth until you are ready to move on to the next game. 

The Road Trip Memory Game

Here’s a fun game to test your memory skills.

The game starts with the first player saying, “I’m going on a road trip, and I’m bringing…” 

They can name any person, place, or thing they want to bring on this road trip. Let’s say they said, “My guitar.”

The next player continues the game by saying, “I’m going on a road trip, and I’m bringing my guitar and…” and adding their own item.

The game continues until someone starts forgetting items on the list. Consider this game a safe way to forget what you must bring on your next road trip!

Radio Roulette

Radio Roulette can either be an exciting way to find new music you love or a challenging endurance test.

You only need to turn on the local radio stations and randomly pick one. You have to keep this station on for an unbroken 10 minutes to complete a round of the game. After 10 minutes, you switch to the next radio station and keep playing.

You might find yourself in love with some local Polka you would have never thought to listen to. Or you might be battling through 10 minutes of local talk radio.

Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

In the mood to win $1,000,000? There might not be a stack of hundreds on the table, but you can have fun playing along.

The Who Wants To Be A Millionaire app is a great way to play a game with just two players on your next ride. One player hosts this iconic game show while the other gets to be in the hot seat with a shot at a cool million dollars.

And if you like these app-based road trip games , plenty of others are in your app store.

Who Wants To Be a Millionaire Using ChatGPT

Who Wants to Be a Millionaire is a trivia game, so it’s easily played with ChatGPT.

Did You Hear That?

No, this game isn’t about that strange noise from the engine. It’s a fun game that tests how up-to-date you and your travel companion are on current events.

This game can be about emerging events in the news, the latest updates from your favorite bands, or any other current events topic that the two of you are into.

To start this game, ask your travel companion, “Did you hear that X?” and replace the “X” with whatever current event you want to quiz them on. 

Here’s the twist: the current event you just discussed doesn’t have to be accurate.

You’re trying to trick your travel companion into thinking that whatever you’re talking about really happened.

If you trick them, you win the round.

Cuisine Quest

Traveling throughout the country, you’ll see sights that might seem strange. 

Local cuisine is one of the most exciting things that change as you move to the country.

Next time you two stop at a gas station, you must purchase an item you’ve never had. The goal is to be the one who discovers the most unique local snacks on your road trip!

Bad Film Plots

Usually, when you play a game, you want to do everything right. However, Bad Film Plots has you intentionally doing everything wrong.

The goal of this game is to explain the plot of a movie as badly but as accurately as you possibly can. The other player must guess the film you’re talking about correctly.

Let’s say you wanted to explain the plot of Terminator II: Judgement Day badly. You could say: “A down-on-her-luck working single mother makes an unlikely friendship as her son discovers a father figure.” 

That might be a little tricky, but that’s the whole point of the game. 

Local Trivia Night

One of the most significant advantages you have when taking road trips today is that you’ve got the whole internet by your side while on the road.

Use that to your advantage and do a local trivia game while traveling. 

One player gets to be the trivia master, asking questions about the state you’re driving through, and the other person is in the hot seat, attempting to come up with clever answers.

Trivia with ChatGPT

Trivia is probably the easiest road trip game for ChatGPT to help out with. Tell it what subject you want trivia questions for, and it will spit out some questions you and your travel companion can answer.

More Road Trip Fun Road Trip Activities for Adults: Fun Ideas for a Long Car Ride Road Trip Questions For Couples: 149 Fun and Deep Conversation Starters Best Audiobooks for a Road Trip Best Podcasts for a Long Car Ride Best Road Trip Game Apps

30 Fun Games for Car Journeys with Kids

April 3, 2018

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Are you planning a long car journey for the holidays? We asked our Mykidstime parents for their suggestions on entertaining the kids en route. Here are  30 games for car journeys and kids car activities to make that journey feel a bit shorter for everyone!

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A long car journey can mean a lot is needed to amuse the kids. If your child gets car-sick easily and can’t read, then some of these games might help pass some of the time.

You May Also Enjoy Top 10 tips for happy car travel with kids

Fun Games for Car Journeys

I Spy is the classic car game. Take it in turns to guess what the other person spies.

For a variation for younger kids, instead of “I Spy something beginning with T” try the colour version “I spy something coloured red”.

“The only thing with I Spy is you have to be quick or you could be gone past it. My kids love it.”

#2. Blow at the Traffic Lights

Get them to blow at the red traffic lights to turn them green, great for driving around the city.

#3. Car Years

All in car choose a year and then start counting the cars that correspond with your year and see who wins.

“Great way to kill an hour or two.”

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#4. Car Colours

Everyone in the car chooses a colour and then start counting the cars that correspond with your colour and see who wins within a specified time limit, e.g. 15 minutes.

#5. Call out the Cars

Take turns in calling out the year or make of cars.

“My little 5 year old loves playing this.”

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#6. Car Snooker

You have to spot the cars in the same order as you pot the balls for snooker:

“The pink can take a looooong time”

#7. Car Alphabet

Try to spot words on road signs in order of the alphabet as you travel. (You can skip tricky letters such as Q or X or Z)

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#8. Little Timmy

“We play a game called ‘Little Timmy thought it was a good idea when’……usually ends up in bouts of laughter……or if we are really stuck then we think up ‘Mad Titles for a book'”

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#9. The Minister’s Cat

An old Victorian game where you have to think of adjectives to describe the Minister’s Cat in alphabetical order, e.g. start with “The minister’s cat is an adorable cat”. The next person says e.g. “The minister’s cat is an adorable cat and a bouncy cat” and so on.

#10. I Went to the Shops

Memory game where each person adds to the shopping list. First person says e.g. “I went to the shops and bought a pint of milk”.  Second person says “I went to the shops and bought a pint of milk and some butter” and so on.

You May Also Enjoy Download our Free Car Journey Games Sheet

#11. Watch the Moon

At night time watch the moon – show the kids how it changes from one side of car to other as you change roads or road direction.

“At nighttime our kids love watching the moon follow us home.” 

#12. Sing Songs

Try singing a few round songs like Frere Jacques or 3 Blind Mice.  10 Green Bottles Hanging on the Wall or 10 Fat Sausages Sizzling In the Pan is another family favourite.

Or there are the classics like “Somewhere over the Rainbow” or “My Favourite Things” from The Sound of Music.

“One starts a song and they all join in when you call their name, we have a special car song they all love.”

“We like to sing along to nursery rhymes and songs with the younger ones.”

#13. Fortunately/Unfortunately

Start a story and then everyone has a turn where they have to add to the story starting their sentence with “fortunately” or “unfortunately” depending on the turn.  “The stories can get really good.”

#14. Scissors, Paper, Stone

This is a game for 2 people, on the count of 3 each person shows their hand in the shape of either scissors (snipping fingers), paper (flat hand) or stone (fist).

Scissors beats paper as they cut paper, paper beats stone as paper can wrap the stone up and stone beats scissors as the stone can blunt the scissors.

#15. Magnadoodle or Aquadoodle

Mini magnadoodles or aquadoodles are handy for the car, and good fun.

“Magnadoodles are the best to entertain even my 19 month old loves it”

#16. Invest in a Chalk Mat

Mum Sarah says, “I bought a chalk mat which rolls up with a little pocket with a piece of chalk & sponge inside.”

#17. Portable DVD Player or Tablet

A portable DVD player or tablet is great for passing time on long journeys. If you have more than 1 child, you can buy a small splitter which will allow them both to plug in headphones and watch the same movie together.

“We download a few of our child’s favourite movies before we leave the house so she can watch them while we travel.”

#18. Listen to a Story

Bring along some story CDs or download some audio books or podcasts for your phone to listen through the sound system.

“Read along books are great with the CDs, my Lil fella can’t read yet but he loves Disney stories and looking at the pictures. Nursery Rhyme CDs are good too.”

#19. Lucky Dip

Wrap small items e.g. pencils, notebooks, eraser, hair clip, stickers in tissue paper and every hour the kids get to unwrap a present.

#20. Guess Who

Take it in turns to think of a person and the others have to guess who it is asking only questions that can be answered Yes or No.

#21. Geography Game

First person starts with a geographic place name and the next person has to think of a place name that starts with the last letter of the previous place.

So e.g. BlackrocK – KilbeggaN – NicE – EdinburgH.  See how far round the world you can get!

#22. Twenty Questions

First person thinks of something that’s either Animal, Vegetable or Mineral and the others have 20 questions to guess what it is. Questions must only have a Yes or No answer.

#23. Alice the Camel

You recite a verse: “Alice the camel had ten humps, Alice the camel had ten humps, Alice the camel had ten humps, so ride Alice ride.” Repeat the verse until you reach the number zero.

“It is best fun when it is sung really fast!”

#24. Follow the Journey

Give your child the road atlas and have them trace your journey on the map as you go.

Or use your smartphone and Google Maps and have them follow the blue circle as you go.

#25. Name the Theme Tune

Take it in turns to hum a famous theme tune or sing it in a different style. The first person to guess the answer wins.

#26. Guess the Number

Take it in turns to think of a number between 1 and 1,000, keeping it to yourself. The others then take it in turns to guess at what the number is. Each time they are wrong you reply “higher” or “lower” until the correct number is guessed.

#27. Animal Spotting

Give the children a list of animals to watch out for, eg a cow, a horse, a sheep, a bird on a wire. The first person to see the entire set wins the game.

#28. Draw a Map of the Journey

Have each child draw their own version of the map of the journey as you go on a piece of paper, marking the key things you see on the way.

#29. Make up Limericks

Have a go at making up limericks, a limerick has five lines; the first, second, and fifth rhyme with each other, and the third and fourth rhyme with each other.

#30. Create a Group Story

First person starts the story e.g. “Once upon a time there was a beautiful princess” or something more unusual like “Cassie the Camel was miserable”. Each person in the car adds a line and the story builds and builds. Once you reach your destination the kids could write out and illustrate the story.

Have your say! Have you got a favourite activity or games for car journeys that the kids enjoy? Share it with us in the comments below.

About the Author: Jill Holtz

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40 Best Things to Do on a Long Car Ride

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Don’t let hours of a long car journey pass you by, and use these creative things to do on a long car ride to pass the time in fun, productive, and entertaining ways.

Things to Do on a Long Car Ride or Road Trip

Fun Things to Do

1. record the trip.

To ensure you remember the trip for a long time, record some footage of what you get up to. Then, when you get home, you can edit your footage into a video that commemorates your trip.

Then, if you’d like to share your video with the world, post it on social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok and watch the likes and comments roll in!

2. Take an Unexpected Detour

If you’re in the mood for an adventure and have the time, why not take an unexpected detour?

Take an alternative route to where you’re heading, or just go where the wind takes you. You never know where you’ll end up! 

3. Stop at a Beauty Spot and Take Photos

Regardless of your destination, you’re bound to come across a few beauty spots on your journey. So stop the car and go and take a few shots of the surrounding scenery.

It’s also a good excuse to stretch your legs for a few minutes before hitting the road again.

4. Record a Timelapse Video

Timelapse videos are a wonderful way to capture long journeys and tell an intriguing visual story of getting from A to B.

You can set up a GoPro, camera, or your smartphone on the top of the dashboard or get one of the passengers to document the journey using a timelapse app.

Road Trip Games to Play

5. number plate game.

A popular car journey game is the number plate game. It can be played in various ways. The easiest way is to find number plates from different countries and award points based on the amount each participant finds.

However, if you’d like to mix it up a little, you could also try to make words out of number plates and vote on which you like best!

6. ‘I Spy’

‘I Spy’ is a classic road trip game that many of us will have played at some point in our lives. It’s easy enough for younger travelers to understand and allows everyone in the car to get involved.

Just make sure that you pick something that can be seen at all times, such as the sky, trees, road, and other similar options.

7. ’20 Questions’

The game ’20 Questions’ is as straightforward as it sounds. Simply think of a person, a place, or an object and get other participants to ask “yes” or “no” questions until they reach the correct answer. 

8. Name the World’s Capital Cities

Another popular game is to name the world’s capital cities. Pick a continent and ask others in the car to name the capital cities.

You’ll be surprised at how fun the game is, especially if you’re interested in geography!

9. ‘Guess the Tune’

Warm up your vocal cords with a game of ‘guess the tune!’ Participants simply have to hum a famous tune, and others have to guess which tune they’re humming.

You can spend hours playing this fun game that all passengers can get involved in.

10. ‘Would You Rather?’

Get everyone in the car involved in a game of ‘Would You Rather?’ Ask questions such as “would you rather have the ability to fly or be invisible?” and “would you rather have a pause or a rewind button?”.

This game gives you a chance to come up with some really creative questions and learn more about everyone playing!

If you need a little inspiration, take a look at our 100+ “would you rather?” questions to give you plenty of ideas.

Productive Things to Do

11. take a nap if not driving.

If you’re not driving, why not have a little snooze to help the time pass quicker? If you’re finding it hard to sleep in the car, put in your headphones and listen to relaxing instrumental music or a calming audiobook to help you drift off to sleep.

12. Write a To-Do List

Kill some time on a long journey by writing a to-do list for when you get home. It’ll help you feel more organized and get important tasks done.

Additionally, by writing tasks down, you can forget about them until you get home, meaning you can fully concentrate on the road trip.

13. Take Exercise Breaks

Long stints of driving can make you feel tired. Stopping for regular breaks to stretch your legs will help you stay alert and feel good in yourself.

It’s best to take a break every 3-4 hours to get your blood flowing and joints moving before hitting the road again. 

14. Listen to Audiobooks

Platforms such as Audible offer a wide variety of exciting audiobooks. If you’re bored in the car, put on an entertaining audiobook that everyone else in the car will enjoy.

15. Learn a New Language

If you’re not driving, why not install language apps such as Duolingo on your phone and start learning a new language?

After a couple of hours of using the app, you’ll be surprised at how much you learn in such a short period of time.

16. Write a Meal Plan

Get yourself prepared for a new week by writing a delicious meal plan to pass the time on a long journey. To ensure the meal plan is varied, research some new recipes that you haven’t tried before.

17. Stop at a Car Wash

Stopping to go through a car wash is a productive way to take a well-deserved driving break. If you want a more comfortable journey, you might choose to pay for your car to be cleaned on the inside, too.

A trip in a clean, clutter-free vehicle will help reduce your stress levels as well as those of your passengers.

By Yourself

18. call a family member or loved one via a handsfree set.

How many times do we let time slip us by when meaning to call and catch up with an old friend or a dear family member?

Use your time in the car to call some friends and family who you haven’t spoken to in a while. Use Bluetooth and a hands-free set or your car’s Bluetooth to make sure you’re calling in a safe way.

19. Sing Your Favorite Songs

A solo car journey is an ideal time to belt out a few of your favorite songs with no one around to judge your singing voice!

20. Listen to a Podcast

Apps such as Spotify have a wide variety of podcasts to choose from. So whether you’re into history, science, entertainment, nature, or anything else, someone out there will have created a podcast that interests you.

21. Go for a Drive-thru Coffee Break

You must take regular driving breaks to rest and refresh yourself before hitting the road again. So why not grab a coffee and relax for 30 minutes before you get back behind the wheel? The caffeine will help keep you awake and alert. 

With Friends

22. tell each other jokes.

If you’re on a road trip with friends, pass the time by telling each other your best jokes. You’ll have each other laughing in no time.

Laughter reduces stress and can boost your well-being due to the release of the ‘feel-good hormone’ endorphins. 

23. Discuss Past Adventures

Reminisce about old times by discussing your past adventures as a group. You can recount all the exciting, funny memories created with your closest friends.

Nothing feels nicer than remembering all the wonderful times you’ve had with the people you love.

24. Camp for a Night

If you’re not on a strict schedule, camping for a night can turn a good trip into a great one.

Find a local campsite, pitch your tents, light a bonfire and spend the evening discussing the trip so far and planning your next steps.

25. Have a Heart-to-Heart

A car journey is a perfect time to bond with your friends by having a good heart-to-heart. By sharing your hopes, dreams, and aspirations, you’ll feel much more connected as a group.

26. Plan a Future Trip

If you’re avid travelers, you might want to plan a future trip while you’re all together in person.

27. Find a Unique Roadside Attraction to Visit

Wherever you’re traveling, you’re bound to find some unique places to visit while you’re on the road. Pull up a map, and see if there’s a one-of-a-kind landmark or place of interest you can stop by.

For Couples

28. watch a sunrise or sunset.

One of the most romantic things you can do as a couple is watch a sunrise or sunset. If you’re on a road trip, set some time aside to watch either a sunrise or sunset with your loved one. You won’t regret it!

29. Have a Picnic

Food and drink outlets at service stations are expensive. Instead, save money and enjoy some time outdoors by having a picnic with your partner.

Some service stations have green areas with benches where you can enjoy a peaceful picnic before you resume your journey.

Or, you can simply find a beautiful place to stop and have your picnic in the great outdoors.

30. Stop for a Romantic Dinner

If you’ve got time, why not stop for a romantic dinner in a nearby town? Out on the road, you’re likely to pass plenty of nearby towns you can stop at for a quiet, intimate meal together.

31. Take Driving Shifts 

For a more comfortable journey, take shifts driving if you’ve both got a driving license. It gives each of you some time to relax before you start your next shift.

32. Play the Quiet Game

If the kids are getting loud and overexcited, playing the quiet game can give you a few moments of peace.

Simply ask your kids, “who can stay quiet the longest?” to buy yourself a few minutes of quiet. 

33. Give them a Sticker Book

Kids love sticker books! You’ll be surprised at how long little ones can spend decorating a sticker book.

You can even purchase sticker books based on your children’s favorite movies. They’ll be occupied for hours, giving you some much-needed peace and quiet. 

34. Coloring Books

If your child isn’t interested in stickers, they may get hours of fun out of a coloring book. Again, you can purchase themed coloring books based on your child’s favorite movies and TV series, which will make them love the book even more!

35. Play Some Music for them to Sing Along to

Children love a good singsong. So put on a few nursery rhymes or tunes from their favorite shows, and have a sing-along with them.

It’ll make them feel happy, help them use up energy, and help them nod off to sleep easier afterward.

With Teenagers

36. play car games.

Games such as ’20 Questions’ and ‘Would You Rather’ are a great way to get teenagers involved on car journeys.

These games are easy to tailor to any age group, meaning you can get adolescents interested with questions they’d find entertaining. 

37. Document the Journey on Social Media Together

Most teenagers are avid social media users. To pass the time on a long journey, they’ll want to interact with friends and post updates such as photos and videos.

If they’re feeling up to it, they might also create entertaining TikTok videos to share with their followers.

38. Pack Snacks

If you don’t want to stop regularly, pack the car with accessible snacks that your teens can reach for whenever they feel hungry.

Good snack options include popcorn, cereal bars, fruit, and if you’re craving sugar, chocolate bars. You’ll thank us later!

39. Have Honest Conversations About Their Futures, Hopes, and Dreams

Sometimes, it can be hard to get a teenager to open up. By asking the right questions and using the time in the car to listen, you can start deep and meaningful conversations about their futures, what they like doing, and where they see themselves in the future.

Such conversations will help you bond as a family and let them know you’re listening to them and taking their futures seriously.

40. Play Video Games

Today, thousands of games are available on phones and portable consoles such as the Nintendo Switch and tablets such as the iPad. The beauty of these consoles is that they can be taken anywhere and are easy to use on the go.

Hours of tedium and boredom when you’re hitting the road for hours at a time can be a thing of the past with these fun and simple ideas.

Be you traveling alone, with friends, or with the whole family, a little intuition and planning can go a long way to making sure the trip is fun for everyone involved.

You Might Also Like to Read

• Best Things to Do When Bored
• Best Topics to Talk About
• Would You Rather Questions

Go a long journey on the horizon. Keep these things to do on a long road trip in a safe place, by saving them to one of your Pinterest boards.

Printable Road Trip Games

We can all remember those long boring drives as a child, can’t we?  Hours of nothing but the same car interior over and over.  Now most of us are from an era where iPhone, tablets and high-speed mobile internet didn’t exist – But what of the fun we had on those car journeys to our favourite holiday destination?  The family bonding over hours of I Spy and other printable road trip games we used to play as our excitement built whenever we would see another landmark that we knew meant we were ever closer to our destination.  Can you remember the excitement, the buzz, and the energy we all used to feel?  Sometimes that boring car journey became something much more special …

If you want to excite your kids with something more than a mobile or tablet screen and replicate the family fun that you had as a child bounding towards your favourite holiday destination, then Things to do on a Car Journey has everything that you’re looking for.  From I Spy (but bigger and better) to word searches, scavenger hunts, and much more!  Simply read on for the list of car journey games with free printable worksheets for all the family to enjoy!

I Spy Activity Sheets

Now, I Spy should be top of the list for every long car journey game – after all, it is one of the best car journey games there is.  Our free printable I Spy worksheets give you three options to enjoy with all the family!  We have our I Spy traffic sheet – providing a fun and exciting new I Spy experience for children to enjoy – you may even get a few teenagers excited too! The kids can be occupied in the back seat with all three I Spy sheets while they use them to count in the number of farm animals, road traffic items, and beach items that you can find and come as a part of our free printable worksheets.

I Spy is a fantastic educational tool for children.  It sparks an imaginative and creative part within them and can be absolutely captivating for young children.  There are many proven mental health benefits of playing I Spy with your kids, from building a working memory by helping your younger children remember animals using our Farm Animals sheet to enhancing visual stimulation, crucial for younger children. ( More ispy worksheets can be found here )

DOWNLOADS ISPY TRAFFIC ISPY BEACH ISPY FARM ANIMALS

Road Trip Scavenger Hunt’s

What is better than a scavenger hunt? Two of course!  Our first scavenger hunt includes plenty of objects you will pass on your road trip, with tractors, animals, and plenty of different objects for the kids to look out for! Next up is one for the future car fanatics we have amongst us!  What better way to get our enthusiastic youngsters learning about the road than with our Road Sign Scavenger hunt!  The Scavenger hunts are really easy to play and are absolutely perfect for use on long car journeys.  Simply print the sheets off and hand them out to all the family – they’ll be on the lookout for all the signs and objects, checking each one off as you pass by from our free printable worksheets.  This is a fantastic tool to engage your children and promote visual learning through recognising different objects and road signs on your journey.  What better way to turn something relatively normal into competitive fun for all of the family to enjoy! ( More Scavenger hunts can be found  here .

DOWNLOADS SCAVENGER HUNT ROAD SIGN SCAVENGER HUNT

Car Colour & Supermarket Lorry Game

The car colour game is another one of our amazing free printable road trip games that can be used for family enjoyment on long car journeys.  The Car Colour game consists of six colour cars and a checklist alongside each car.  Each person is to pick a colour and the first person to spot 20 cars of their chosen colour wins the game.  This game can be played over and over with the whole family, picking a different colour each time. The fun can last as long as you want it!  The Car Colour Road Trip game is an easy and fun competitive game to play with children of all ages.  But the fun doesn’t stop there, make sure you don’t miss out on the supermarket lorry game.  The same rules apply, simply print off our free printable worksheets and get each family member to pick out a type of supermarket lorry, checking off each type of lorry on your journey, and the first one to get them all wins!

DOWNLOADS CAR COLOUR GAME SUPERMARKET LORRY GAME

Fun Car Mazes

If you haven’t already got enough fun and exciting games to play on car journeys, we also have three mazes for your children to complete.  The mazes consist of a drive to the petrol station where you will be guiding the family through a series of twists and turns to get to the pumps!  Make this even more enjoyable for your children by adding a time limit – we wouldn’t want to run out of fuel now, would we!  Next up is ‘Find the path to the key’ a game with three options; A, B, and C – which is the right path to follow to the key?  Simply follow the lines to the correct answer!  Finally, another maze! A little trickier than the first one but the same rules apply.  All you have to do is guide the family home by choosing the correct path!  Mazes are a great way to keep the kids entertained all by themselves and may even give you a bit of peace and quiet … for a short time!

DOWNLOADS FIND THE WAY HOM E DRIVE TO THE PETROL STATION FIND YOUR KEYS

Wordsearches

Who doesn’t love a good wordsearch?  Well with our free printable worksheets we have two for you!  The first wordsearch consists of different car makes – what better way to get those young car fanatics learning about their favourite cars!  Also included is the vehicle wordsearch covering vehicles from gondola’s to oil tankers!  The wordsearches are child friendly but may even give some of you adults a run for your money! ( Check out our other printable word searches here )

DOWNLOADS CAR WORD SEARCH VEHICLE WORD SEARCH

Car Journey Bingo

Gone are the days of boring car journeys with the car travel bingo game .  This family car journey game will transform that long drive into family fun for all to enjoy.

The car travel bingo game can be printed off and used with ease for maximum enjoyment.

How to use;

• Print off the bingo sheets
• Simply keep your eyes peeled and check off each grid when you see one of the objects on your journey
• You can add in as many games as you like (First to get to a row/line or 4 corners, all the way to the big win of the full house!)
• Shout BINGO when completed! Car bingo is just one of the many games to play on car journeys you’ll find here.  Just read on, print the games out, and let the fun begin.  Before you know it, you and your whole family will be wanting that journey to last just a little while longer.         

DOWNLOADS BINGO CARDS

Design Truck & Van

Included with our free printable worksheets is a design your own trailer and van template, which should keep those budding artists occupied for a while!  There will be plenty of inspiration on your journey for the kids to design their own trailer or van, or maybe they’ll fancy a go at drawing mommy or daddies’ work vans!  Remember to print a few copies so they can design as many as they like!

DOWNLOADS TRAILER VAN

Family Quiz

Finally, we come to our family quiz, an incredible car journey game to pass the time. The general knowledge quiz includes 100 questions that will test all the family.  The quiz includes questions from – General knowledge, film, TV trivia, and plenty more to get all the family thinking!

All of these things to do on a car journey Include free printable worksheets – so before you set off on that summer holiday road trip with all of the kids make sure you check out all of our printable road trip games –  you will be surprised just how much fun you can have on that long car journey! 

DOWNLOAD QUIZ QUESTIONS

The Number Plate Game

The number plate game is an incredibly fun activity to play, not only this it stimulates learning behaviours in your children in a fun and engaging way.  The game is simple to play, take the letters from a number plate on the road and try to make a word with it.  The longer the word the more points you receive.  For example, points can be based on this;

1-3 Letter word – 1 Point

4-6 Letter words – 3 Points

6-10 Letter words – 5 Points

DOWNLOAD PLAYERS SHEET SCORECARD

The Alphabet Game

Starting with the letter ‘A” as you pass each road sign you must find the next letter in the alphabet.  For example, you would look for ‘A’ on the first road sign, then the letter ‘B’ on the next!  This is a great road trip game to play and is a brilliant way to get your younger children to learn the alphabet too!

DOWNLOAD ALPHABET GAME

Other road trip games Ideas

What about some more games to play on long car journeys?  Here are some classics;

Simon Say’s

I’m sure most of you amongst us will remember this old classic, but here is a recap for those who don’t;

One of you starts as the leader – this is the person who will be giving out the commands

The leader will give out commands such as ‘Simon Says put your right hand on your head’

The aim of the game is for the leader to get someone – or everyone to do a command without saying ‘Simon Say’s ‘ for example if the leader says ‘Put your right hand on your head’ without saying Simon Say’s then whoever completes that action is out of the game!

Pick up the speed of the game to make it more difficult!

Brilliant and engaging to play with all of the family – but maybe leave the driver out of the game!

Twenty Questions

Twenty questions is exactly as easy as it sounds, 20 questions of the chosen question masters choice, and everyone must answer.  This game can be really useful in getting to know your kids and teenagers better in a safe and fun environment.

Name the Song

Name the Song or Name the artist (those music fanatics out there can play both) is a really fun game to play along with the radio.  Simply keep score of who can guess the song, artist, or both as each song comes on the radio.  You can also create your own playlist to make this more suitable for all age ranges and can be hours of fun!

What Colour Is it?

Before your journey, create a list of items that are all the same colour.  The list can be as long or short as you like.  Cycle through this list of items of same colour until the kids shout out the correct colour.  For example; Sky, the sea, blueberries until the kids shout the word blue!

Would you rather?

This old classic game has been used on car journeys, meeting icebreakers, and parties for years.  But just to refresh, one person asks the question ‘Would you rather’ then adds their own twist, such as;

‘Would you rather be able to hold your breath underwater and swim for as long as you want or have wings and be able to fly like a bird’

‘Would you rather be an astronaut or a pilot’

Then all of the other players must answer.  Then take it in turns to be the chosen one to ask the questions!

Top 10’s can be applied to pretty much anything!  10 movies, car makes and models, songs, artists, holiday destinations and so many more.  So, pick the genre of your Top 10 and get all the family to list their favourites!  This game is such a fun car journey game and can go on for hours!

Count the ……

Count the sheep, count the road signs or count the car make!  Whatever takes yours and the kid’s fancy is up to you!  The aim of the game is that by the end of the road trip whoever has the highest tally of whatever object you have all decided wins, just get someone to keep count along the way, and you are guaranteed hours of competitive fun!

Finish the ….

Whether it’s finish the statement, finish the movie line or finish the song – you can guarantee loads of fun with this car journey game!  It is as easy as it sounds, simply choose one person to start the sentence, and the first person in the car to finish the sentence wins the round.  Either have the kids shouting out their answers or take it in turns for a challenging points finale!

Name the Most ….

Another game that you and the family can mix up to suit your own preferences is ‘name the most’.  A simple game where you choose the category, for example; Name the most Disney films or name the most songs by a certain artist.  To make it even more competitive add time limits to make this next game to play on a car journey even more fun-filled!

The Shopping Game

The chosen player thinks about an item they can get at a supermarket and the rest of the players have to guess the item by asking questions about it.  For example, they would ask;

‘Can we find it in the fruit and veg aisle’

Keep asking questions and guessing items until finally there is a winner!

The Category Game

First off choose the category, it can be anything you like from food, to songs to films.  Then, after you have chosen the category each player must take it in turns to name an item from that category in alphabetical order.  For example; If you had chosen children’s songs you could start with – Alphabet song, Baby Shark and so on and so forth.  This game can get really challenging dependant on the category and is sure to bring lots of fun!

In my Suitcase

This really fun memory game is such an enjoyable way to pass the time.  The chosen person must start the game by saying; ‘In my suitcase I have packed’ and then the following players must start with something beginning with the letter ‘A” and work their way down the alphabet!  It’s great to see how many letters of the alphabet you can get through before someone gives up or forgets!

Truth or lie

Taking it in turns to say different statements, one passenger must make a statement such as ‘Charlie Chaplin once entered a Charlie Chaplin lookalike competition and came third’ and the rest of the passengers must decide whether the statement is the truth or a lie.  The statements can be as bold or outrageous as you like and is definitely a great car journey game for adults and children alike!

Did year hear that ….

‘Did you hear that ….’ Is another fun car journey game that is a little bit of a twist on ‘Truth or Lie’.  One passenger makes a statement such as; ‘Did you hear that my teacher used to be a pilot’ and the other passengers have to guess whether the statement is true or false.  It can be as silly or authentic as you like!

The Name Game

To play the name game you must start with the name of someone famous and continue naming names based on the first letter of the last name until someone gives up or gets it wrong!  For example; Harry Potter, Peter Rabbit, Buzz Lightyear and so on!  This is a great game for kids, naming their favourite characters and also is great for teenagers and adults.

Battle of the Bands

To play, two people must pick a category, such as; ‘Children’s songs’ and the two people must battle within a time limit to name as many Children’s songs as they can!  The other passengers can judge the choices and ensure that they keep a tally to decide the winner!

The Word Association Game

First off, one person begins with a word and then the following person must come up with a word associated with that word, then the next player a word associated with the previous word.  Keep on playing until someone gives up or the rest of the car decides that their word is not associated!  For example; Computer, Keyboard, Mouse, Rats and so on! This car journey game is sure to bring endless fun to your trip!

A really fun and interactive game to keep the kids entertained is ‘On my Side’.  Simple choose a number of objects, like sheep, McDonalds or even types of vehicles and get shouting when one of the objects is on your side!  ‘Sheep on my side!’ 

The Counting Game

One of the passengers begins with the number 1, then randomly another passenger must follow with the number 2 and so on.  The game ends when you get to the number 20, or if you and your family are really good why not try to get to 50.  Here is the twist, if two passengers say the same number at the same time you must restart the game again, or if longer than 5 seconds passes without someone shouting a number out, the game must restart again!

The Movie Game

The game must start with an actor or actress and another passenger must state a movie that they were in, the next passenger must name another actor or actress from that movie and the game carries on until someone gets it wrong or can’t think of a movie or actor / actress to go next.  This game can sometimes be a little tricky for younger children but is guaranteed to make car rides fun for teenagers and adults!

While you were asleep

You are almost guaranteed to get some tired eyes during your car journey, and this car journey game is perfect for that situation.  Wait until one of the passengers falls to sleep and when the sleepy passenger wakes up, someone must start telling the story, then the next passenger must add to the story, followed by the next passenger and so on. The aim of the game is to get the sleepy passenger to believe what happened whilst they were sleeping!  To make it even more fun, you can add a points system to the story telling.  Any person telling a believable part gains points and anyone who gets a bit too outrageous loses points!

The Rhyme Game

The first passenger must start with a lyric or rhyme, of their own choosing (this must be completely self-made) then the next passenger must add the next lyric or rhyme and continue around the car until someone doesn’t rhyme it with the previous lyric!

The Rule Game

Passengers must take it in turns to make rules throughout the car journey.  The rules can be anything you like, within reason of being in the car, but you might want to try things like ‘Every time that we pass a yellow car all passengers must clap three times.’  Keep going with the rules until someone forgets to follow one of them and then they are out of the game!  This is one sure fire car journey game for all of the family to have fun with, no matter the age!

Whether it be a fictional character, a celebrity or someone from history – passengers must take it in turns to pick a character and answer questions as that person.  The rest of the passengers then must take it in turns asking questions about the character until one of the passengers guesses correct!

The Quiet Game

This may be your favourite game of all to play with the kids and probably best to play when you need a little quiet time.  Simply challenge everyone in the car to be quiet for as long as they possibly can, the winner is the one who stays quiet the longest!

The Story Game

On your journey you are sure to pass hundreds of different cars, full of families all likely heading to their holiday destination.  Passengers must take it in turns to pick out a car and create the most interesting story they can based on that car.  The stories can be as funny and outrageous as you like and to determine the winner all of the passengers in the car must vote and decide!

Can you spell ….

This is a fun and educational game to play with your kids and can become a great learning tool as well as a competitive game to play on your car journey.  Simply choose words, starting with the easier to spell words and then progressively getting more difficult and get the kids to answer.  You may need to help of google with this one, but this game is highly recommended if you want to add an educational opportunity that feels like fun to your trip!

Rock, Paper, Scissors

Rock, paper, Scissors is definitely up there with I Spy with one of the old classics!  If you don’t already know the rules then here is a reminder;  Two players must count to three, on three each player must make the shape of either a rock (closed fist), paper (flat hand) or scissors (Index and Middle finger in the shape of a pair of scissors), the winner is then determined by these rules – Rock beats scissors, Paper beats rock and Scissors beats paper.  Play in rounds of three to determine the overall winner!

Never have I ever

Never have I ever is another one of the classics and can be enjoyed by all age ranges.  The game is simple, one of the passengers says the statement ‘Never have I ever ….’  Then a statement of their choice, such as ‘Never have I ever been to the seaside’ and the rest of the car has to determine whether the passenger is telling the truth or not!

Health Benefits From Our printable road trip games

Although technology has certainly came a long way in recent years, which is absolutely fantastic, our children now have access to all of the information in the world at their fingertips.  There are, in some circumstances the argument that as we have been able to communicate more freely, we have lost touch with the way we would bond, as families – together.  The purpose of the car journey games you find here are to help pull your kids from those tablets and engage in fun activities with all of the family.  That way, those potentially boring and silent hours on that long car journey can be filled with bonding, understanding and fun – what better way to start and finish your holiday.  Games such as the ones mentioned in this post are brilliant ways to combine fun interaction between adults and children alike, as well as promote healthy learning through visual and cognitive awareness.  Not only this these games touch upon an understanding of words and sentences as well as challenging your child with fun and creative games.

Closing Statements

One of the most special things about holidays is putting work away and really enjoying quality time with your family.  It’s easy to get lost in the daily routine of working life, but these are the moments you’re working so hard for – so make sure you check out all of our free printable road trip games worksheets for your long car journey and make the most of those hours spent in the car with your family.  Not only that, check out www.justfamilyfun.com for more activities, we guarantee we have everything covered with hours upon hours of fun for you and all of the family!

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Long Car Journey - A road trip game

7 Fun Mobile Game Apps Made for Long Road Trips

Road trips are becoming increasingly popular with American travelers, with 46 percent  now hitting the open road for their vacation. 

With 3,000 miles coast-to-coast and plenty of unique regions to explore, road trips offer endless possibilities for adventure without the hassle of airport security and finding pet-sitters . 

Although, while you might set off with excitement, hours in a cramped car can soon get boring. 

Luckily, games to play on car rides have come a long way since all we had was ‘I Spy’ to pass the time. Keep reading to discover the best game apps made for long road trips!

The Best Road Trip Game Apps

For anyone who remembers pre-smartphone life, it can still seem incredible how the answer to almost anything we want to know is right there in our pocket. 

But your phone isn’t just for checking  USPS postal rates , weather forecasts, and train times. It’s for having fun with too, as you’ll find out if you download these apps for long car rides: 

1. Plates Free Family Travel Game

If there’s one thing you’ll see plenty of on a long car journey, it’s license plates. Which is why this game is perfect for your next family road trip. 

The game includes all the plates you’ll see from the US, Canada, and Mexico and has one simple aim – to find plates from as many regions and states as possible. The winner is whoever has the highest score by the end of the trip.

A big advantage of this game is that each player’s phone tracks their score, so you don’t need a network connection. This means there’s no danger of using up all your data before you arrive. 

Similar to the bluffing game ‘Fibbage’, the idea behind ‘Psych!’ is to answer trivia questions, but with an added twist. Among the multiple-choice answers, you’ll find incorrect (and often ridiculous) suggestions provided by other players, as well as the actual right answer. 

If your fake answer is convincing enough, you get a point if the guesser chooses it. Which, as you can imagine, allows for plenty of jokes and laughs in the car, ensuring that even the most tedious of car journeys fly by. 

3. Don’t Starve

Long car rides can be really dull if everyone else is asleep or doing their own thing. But with ‘Don’t Starve’ loaded up on your phone, you’ll have plenty to keep you occupied during a dull road trip. 

The idea of this wilderness survival game is to stay alive. While that might sound straight-forward, this game doesn’t come with a tutorial. As such, you have to figure out how to play it as you go along. 

And, to make things even more difficult, if you die, the next world your character finds themselves in is often different, with new enemies and methods to learn. 

It is a paid game and at $4.99, it’s a little more expensive than most, but it’s worth every cent and works well even without an internet connection. 

4. Heads Up

Based on the popular Post-it Note party game, ‘Heads Up’ requires one person to hold their phone up to their forehead while the rest of the car try to act out or describe the word on the screen. 

Once they get the answer right, the player tilts the phone to change the word. You can then take it in turns to see how many guesses you get right within a certain time. Or, you can play in teams and work together to give each other clues and make guesses. 

5. What If..

This free road trip game is perfect for getting the whole family involved. And, the beauty of it is that only one person needs to run it on their phone for everyone to play. 

The game poses inventive and often strange questions that ask you to consider what you’d do in a certain situation. To play as a group, you can either take it in turns to answer or take a majority poll to decide on your collective answer. 

Of course, the real fun is seeing whether other players using the app agreed with your answer or not. Sometimes the results can be very surprising!

6. Trivia Crack

For an educational way to pass the time on long car rides, ‘Trivia Crack’ allows you to test your general knowledge against each other. 

The game includes questions on topics like geography, history, sports, art, science, and pop culture. 

It’s also adjustable for different levels and you can team up with other family members or battle it out as individuals. But however you play, things are sure to get competitive! 

7. Family’s Game Travel Pack Lite

If you prefer the idea of playing a networked game with other passengers, this is a great option. 

The app includes 50 traditional games like Chess, Crazy Eights, Sudoku, and more. All you need to do to link up your phones is to both install the app and enable either WiFi or Bluetooth. 

And, if no one else in the car wants to play, you can also play solo offline against the game’s AI. 

Fun Game Apps Made for Long Road Trips

With so many great game apps made for long road trips, spending hours in the car whenever you head off on vacation just got a whole lot more fun. 

And, as an added bonus, most of these apps are completely free. All you need to do is remember to charge all your phones before you set off and you’re good to go! 

For more ways to get more out of your smartphone, check out our latest posts on apps and games. 

7 games to play on a long car journey

Sponsored Post¦  Long car journeys can be boring enough for adults, let alone children. The universal moans of “Are we nearly there yet?” are something every parent dreads. Unfortunately, they even happen on a 20 minute journey with Autumn. I can only imagine how much it would grate on us if we were going on holiday, driving hundreds of miles. We’ve not been on holiday since just over a year before the pandemic began and I am desperate to get away.

Before going for a trip it’s so important to prepare. For instance, you may need day insurance for your car and to go to the shop to stock up on snacks and drinks! Other than snacks, I have a few other tricks up my sleeve to keep Autumn occupied when we do go on holiday again! We’ll kill some time by playing these 7 games.

Scavenger Hunt

Autumn loves a scavenger hunt! Whenever she’s bored and I want to give her an activity to do that’s low-effort for me, I arrange a scavenger hunt. We usually do these in the house or go out for a short work to look. I think of some things that will be easy to find and tick off and some things that will be a bit more challenging! As Autumn has only just begun to read, I tend to print out pictures alongside words on a piece of paper for her to mark off.

I usually get her to look for 9 things, but would add more for a car trip to make it last longer. Things such as the QEII bridge , pylons, cows and motorbikes are things I can think of off the top of my head to list.

Surely “I Spy” must be  the  classic game to play on a car journey? Everyone knows how to play it too, simply spot something and say what letter it begins with. Everyone else then tries to guess what you’re thinking of. For younger children, you can do it with colours instead of letters!

The rhyming game

Autumn really enjoys rhyming at the moment, so this is one of her favourite games. Simply start with a word and take it in turns to think of a word that rhymes until you can’t think of any more!

Would you rather?

This game can be really silly, which is all part of the fun! Questions such as “Would you rather have fish fingers for toes, or burgers for fingers?” get everyone giggling at the thought and thinking too. Some of the reasons behind the answers can be funnier than the question itself!

Fill the gap

I’m our household’s champion of this game. Every good road trip needs a great soundtrack, so why not involve yours in your family’s games? While you’re listening to music, stop it at random intervals and see who gets the next lyrics right! You can play it with any genre of music. Even younger children can join in if you play nursery rhymes!

Spot the car

Before you set off, decide on a car that you’re going to look out for on your journey. For example, a red Land Rover Defender. The first person to spot it wins and gets to choose the next vehicle you look out for!

20 questions

This game is a classic too. Choose someone to go first (perhaps the youngest?) They then pick a person, place or thing and everyone else takes turns to ask a “yes or no” question. This continues until 20 questions have been asked or someone guesses what the person was thinking of!

Hopefully these games will help you to ease the boredom on your next car journey and stave off the “Are we nearly there yet”s for a bit longer.

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post with Day Insure. As always, all views and opinions are honest and my own.

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The Long Drive- Road Trip Game 4+

Explore dessert in full speed, faraz anwar, designed for ipad.

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The Crackdown on Student Protesters

Columbia university is at the center of a growing showdown over the war in gaza and the limits of free speech..

This transcript was created using speech recognition software. While it has been reviewed by human transcribers, it may contain errors. Please review the episode audio before quoting from this transcript and email [email protected] with any questions.

[TRAIN SCREECHING]

Well, you can hear the helicopter circling. This is Asthaa Chaturvedi. I’m a producer with “The Daily.” Just walked out of the 116 Street Station. It’s the main station for Columbia’s Morningside Heights campus. And it’s day seven of the Gaza solidarity encampment, where a hundred students were arrested last Thursday.

So on one side of Broadway, you see camera crews. You see NYPD officers all lined up. There’s barricades, steel barricades, caution tape. This is normally a completely open campus. And I’m able to — all members of the public, you’re able to walk through.

[NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]

Looks like international media is here.

Have your IDs out. Have your IDs out.

Students lining up to swipe in to get access to the University. ID required for entry.

Swipe your ID, please.

Hi, how are you, officer? We’re journalists with “The New York Times.”

You’re not going to get in, all right? I’m sorry.

Hi. Can I help please?

Yeah, it’s total lockdown here at Columbia.

Please have your IDs out ready to swipe.

From “The New York Times,” I’m Michael Barbaro. This is “The Daily.” Today, the story of how Columbia University has become the epicenter of a growing showdown between student protesters, college administrators, and Congress over the war in Gaza and the limits of free speech. I spoke with my colleague, Nick Fandos.

[UPBEAT MUSIC]

It’s Thursday, April 25.

Nick, if we rewind the clock a few months, we end up at a moment where students at several of the country’s best known universities are protesting Israel’s response to the October 7 attacks, its approach to a war in Gaza. At times, those protests are happening peacefully, at times with rhetoric that is inflammatory. And the result is that the leaders of those universities land before Congress. But the president of Columbia University, which is the subject we’re going to be talking about today, is not one of the leaders who shows up for that testimony.

That’s right. So the House Education Committee has been watching all these protests on campus. And the Republican Chairwoman decides, I’m going to open an investigation, look at how these administrations are handling it, because it doesn’t look good from where I sit. And the House last winter invites the leaders of several of these elite schools, Harvard, Penn, MIT, and Columbia, to come and testify in Washington on Capitol Hill before Congress.

Now, the President of Columbia has what turns out to be a very well-timed, pre-planned trip to go overseas and speak at an international climate conference. So Minouche Shafik isn’t going to be there. So instead, the presidents of Harvard, and Penn, and MIT show up. And it turned out to be a disaster for these universities.

They were asked very pointed questions about the kind of speech taking place on their campuses, and they gave really convoluted academic answers back that just baffled the committee. But there was one question that really embodied the kind of disconnect between the Committee — And it wasn’t just Republicans, Republicans and Democrats on the Committee — and these college presidents. And that’s when they were asked a hypothetical.

Does calling for the genocide of Jews violate Penn’s rules or code of conduct? Yes or no?

If the speech turns into conduct, it can be harassment.

And two of the presidents, Claudine Gay of Harvard and Elizabeth Magill of the University of Pennsylvania, they’re unwilling to say in this really kind of intense back and forth that this speech would constitute a violation of their rules.

It can be, depending on the context.

What’s the context?

Targeted at an individual. Is it pervasive?

It’s targeted at Jewish students, Jewish individuals. Do you understand your testimony is dehumanizing them?

And it sets off a firestorm.

It does not depend on the context. The answer is yes. And this is why you should resign. These are unacceptable answers across the board.

Members of Congress start calling for their resignations. Alumni are really, really ticked off. Trustees of the University start to wonder, I don’t know that these leaders really have got this under control. And eventually, both of them lose their jobs in a really high profile way.

Right. And as you’ve hinted at, for somewhat peculiar scheduling reasons, Columbia’s President escapes this disaster of a hearing in what has to be regarded as the best timing in the history of the American Academy.

Yeah, exactly. And Columbia is watching all this play out. And I think their first response was relief that she was not in that chair, but also a recognition that, sooner or later, their turn was going to come back around and they were going to have to sit before Congress.

Why were they so certain that they would probably end up before Congress and that this wasn’t a case of completely dodging a bullet?

Well, they remain under investigation by the committee. But also, as the winter wears on, all the same intense protests just continue unabated. So in many ways, Columbia’s like these other campuses. But in some ways, it’s even more intense. This is a university that has both one of the largest Jewish student populations of any of its peers. But it also has a large Arab and Muslim student population, a big Middle Eastern studies program. It has a dual degree program in Tel Aviv.

And it’s a university on top of all that that has a real history of activism dating back to the 1960s. So when students are recruited or choose to come to Columbia, they’re actively opting into a campus that prides itself on being an activist community. It’s in the middle of New York City. It’s a global place. They consider the city and the world, really, like a classroom to Columbia.

In other words, if any campus was going to be a hotbed of protest and debate over this conflict, it was going to be Columbia University.

Exactly. And when this spring rolls around, the stars finally align. And the same congressional committee issues another invitation to Minouche Shafik, Columbia’s President, to come and testify. And this time, she has no excuse to say no.

But presumably, she is well aware of exactly what testifying before this committee entails and is highly prepared.

Columbia knew this moment was coming. They spent months preparing for this hearing. They brought in outside consultants, crisis communicators, experts on anti-Semitism. The weekend before the hearing, she actually travels down to Washington to hole up in a war room, where she starts preparing her testimony with mock questioners and testy exchanges to prep her for this. And she’s very clear on what she wants to try to do.

Where her counterparts had gone before the committee a few months before and looked aloof, she wanted to project humility and competence, to say, I know that there’s an issue on my campus right now with some of these protests veering off into anti-Semitic incidents. But I’m getting that under control. I’m taking steps in good faith to make sure that we restore order to this campus, while allowing people to express themselves freely as well.

So then the day of her actual testimony arrives. And just walk us through how it goes.

The Committee on Education and Workforce will come to order. I note that —

So Wednesday morning rolls around. And President Shafik sits at the witness stand with two of her trustees and the head of Columbia’s new anti-Semitism task force.

Columbia stands guilty of gross negligence at best and at worst has become a platform for those supporting terrorism and violence against the Jewish people.

And right off the bat, they’re put through a pretty humbling litany of some of the worst hits of what’s been happening on campus.

For example, just four days after the harrowing October 7 attack, a former Columbia undergraduate beat an Israeli student with a stick.

The Republican Chairwoman of the Committee, Virginia Foxx, starts reminding her that there was a student who was actually hit with a stick on campus. There was another gathering more recently glorifying Hamas and other terrorist organizations, and the kind of chants that have become an everyday chorus on campus, which many Jewish students see as threatening. But when the questioning starts, President Shafik is ready. One of the first ones she gets is the one that tripped up her colleagues.

Does calling for the genocide of Jews violate Columbia’s code of conduct, Mr. Greenwald?

And she answers unequivocally.

Dr. Shafik?

Yes, it does.

And, Professor —

That would be a violation of Columbia’s rules. They would be punished.

As President of Columbia, what is it like when you hear chants like, by any means necessary or Intifada Revolution?

I find those chants incredibly distressing. And I wish profoundly that people would not use them on our campus.

And in some of the most interesting exchanges of the hearing, President Shafik actually opens Columbia’s disciplinary books.

We have already suspended 15 students from Columbia. We have six on disciplinary probation. These are more disciplinary actions that have been taken probably in the last decade at Columbia. And —

She talks about the number of students that have been suspended, but also the number of faculty that she’s had removed from the classroom that are being investigated for comments that either violate some of Columbia’s rules or make students uncomfortable. One case in particular really underscores this.

And that’s of a Middle Eastern studies professor named Joseph Massad. He wrote an essay not long after Hamas invaded Israel and killed 1,200 people, according to the Israeli government, where he described that attack with adjectives like awesome. Now, he said they’ve been misinterpreted, but a lot of people have taken offense to those comments.

Ms. Stefanik, you’re recognized for five minutes.

Thank you, Chairwoman. I want to follow up on my colleague, Rep Walberg’s question regarding Professor Joseph Massad. So let me be clear, President —

And so Representative Elise Stefanik, the same Republican who had tripped up Claudine Gay of Harvard and others in the last hearing, really starts digging in to President Shafik about these things at Columbia.

He is still Chair on the website. So has he been terminated as Chair?

Congresswoman, I —

And Shafik’s answers are maybe a little surprising.

— before getting back to you. I can confirm —

I know you confirmed that he was under investigation.

Yes, I can confirm that. But I —

Did you confirm he was still the Chair?

He says that Columbia is taking his case seriously. In fact, he’s under investigation right now.

Well, let me ask you this.

I need to check.

Will you make the commitment to remove him as Chair?

And when Stefanik presses her to commit to removing him from a campus leadership position —

I think that would be — I think — I would — yes. Let me come back with yes. But I think I — I just want to confirm his current status before I write —

We’ll take that as a yes, that you will confirm that he will no longer be chair.

Shafik seems to pause and think and then agree to it on the spot, almost like she is making administrative decisions with or in front of Congress.

Now, we did some reporting after the fact. And it turns out the Professor didn’t even realize he was under investigation. So he’s learning about this from the hearing too. So what this all adds up to, I think, is a performance so in line with what the lawmakers themselves wanted to hear, that at certain points, these Republicans didn’t quite know what to do with it. They were like the dog that caught the car.

Columbia beats Harvard and UPenn.

One of them, a Republican from Florida, I think at one point even marvelled, well, you beat Harvard and Penn.

Y’all all have done something that they weren’t able to do. You’ve been able to condemn anti-Semitism without using the phrase, it depends on the context. But the —

So Columbia’s president has passed this test before this committee.

Yeah, this big moment that tripped up her predecessors and cost them their jobs, it seems like she has cleared that hurdle and dispatched with the Congressional committee that could have been one of the biggest threats to her presidency.

Without objection, there being no further business, the committee stands adjourned. [BANGS GAVEL]

But back on campus, some of the students and faculty who had been watching the hearing came away with a very different set of conclusions. They saw a president who was so eager to please Republicans in Congress that she was willing to sell out some of the University’s students and faculty and trample on cherished ideas like academic freedom and freedom of expression that have been a bedrock of American higher education for a really long time.

And there was no clearer embodiment of that than what had happened that morning just as President Shafik was going to testify before Congress. A group of students before dawn set up tents in the middle of Columbia’s campus and declared themselves a pro-Palestinian encampment in open defiance of the very rules that Dr. Shafik had put in place to try and get these protests under control.

So these students in real-time are beginning to test some of the things that Columbia’s president has just said before Congress.

Exactly. And so instead of going to celebrate her successful appearance before Congress, Shafik walks out of the hearing room and gets in a black SUV to go right back to that war room, where she’s immediately confronted with a major dilemma. It basically boils down to this, she had just gone before Congress and told them, I’m going to get tough on these protests. And here they were. So either she gets tough and risks inflaming tension on campus or she holds back and does nothing and her words before Congress immediately look hollow.

And what does she decide?

So for the next 24 hours, she tries to negotiate off ramps. She consults with her Deans and the New York Police Department. And it all builds towards an incredibly consequential decision. And that is, for the first time in decades, to call the New York City Police Department onto campus in riot gear and break this thing up, suspend the students involved, and then arrest them.

To essentially eliminate this encampment.

Eliminate the encampment and send a message, this is not going to be tolerated. But in trying to quell the unrest, Shafik actually feeds it. She ends up leaving student protesters and the faculty who support them feeling betrayed and pushes a campus that was already on edge into a full blown crisis.

[SLOW TEMPO MUSIC]

After the break, what all of this has looked like to a student on Columbia’s campus. We’ll be right back.

[PHONE RINGS]

Is this Isabella?

Yes, this is she.

Hi, Isabella. It’s Michael Barbaro from “The Daily.”

Hi. Nice to meet you.

Earlier this week, we called Isabella Ramírez, the Editor in Chief of Columbia’s undergraduate newspaper, “The Columbia Daily Spectator,” which has been closely tracking both the protests and the University’s response to them since October 7.

So, I mean, in your mind, how do we get to this point? I wonder if you can just briefly describe the key moments that bring us to where we are right now.

Sure. Since October 7, there has certainly been constant escalation in terms of tension on campus. And there have been a variety of moves that I believe have distanced the student body, the faculty, from the University and its administration, specifically the suspension of Columbia’s chapters of Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace. And that became a huge moment in what was characterized as suppression of pro-Palestinian activism on campus, effectively rendering those groups, quote, unquote, unauthorized.

What was the college’s explanation for that?

They had cited in that suspension a policy which states that a demonstration must be approved within a certain window, and that there must be an advance notice, and that there’s a process for getting an authorized demonstration. But the primary point was this policy that they were referring to, which we later reported, was changed before the suspension.

So it felt a little ad hoc to people?

Yes, it certainly came as a surprise, especially at “Spectator.” We’re nerds of the University in the sense that we are familiar with faculty and University governance. But even to us, we had no idea where this policy was coming from. And this suspension was really the first time that it entered most students’ sphere.

Columbia’s campus is so known for its activism. And so in my time of being a reporter, of being an editor, I’ve overseen several protests. And I’ve never seen Columbia penalize a group for, quote, unquote, not authorizing a protest. So that was certainly, in our minds, unprecedented.

And I believe part of the justification there was, well, this is a different time. And I think that is a reasonable thing to say. But I think a lot of students, they felt it was particularly one-sided, that it was targeting a specific type of speech or a specific type of viewpoint. Although, the University, of course, in its explicit policies, did not outline, and was actually very explicit about not targeting specific viewpoints —

So just to be super clear, it felt to students — and it sounds like, journalistically, it felt to you — that the University was coming down in a uniquely one-sided way against students who were supporting Palestinian rights and may have expressed some frustrations with Israel in that moment.

Yes. Certainly —

Isabella says that this was just the beginning of a really tense period between student protesters and the University. After those two student groups were suspended, campus protests continued. Students made a variety of demands. They asked that the University divest from businesses that profit from Israel’s military operations in Gaza. But instead of making any progress, the protests are met with further crackdown by the University.

And so as Isabella and her colleagues at the college newspaper see it, there’s this overall chilling effect that occurs. Some students become fearful that if they participate in any demonstrations, they’re going to face disciplinary action. So fast forward now to April, when these student protesters learned that President Shafik is headed to Washington for her congressional testimony. It’s at this moment that they set out to build their encampment.

I think there was obviously a lot of intention in timing those two things. I think it’s inherently a critique on a political pressure and this congressional pressure that we saw build up against, of course, Claudine Gay at Harvard and Magill at UPenn. So I think a lot of students and faculty have been frustrated at this idea that there are not only powers at the University that are dictating what’s happening, but there are perhaps external powers that are also guiding the way here in terms of what the University feels like it must do or has to do.

And I think that timing was super crucial. Having the encampment happen on the Wednesday morning of the hearing was an incredible, in some senses, interesting strategy to direct eyes to different places.

All eyes were going to be on Shafik in DC. But now a lot of eyes are on New York. The encampment is set up in the middle of the night slash morning, prior to the hearing. And so what effectively happens is they caught Shafik when she wasn’t on campus, when a lot of senior administration had their resources dedicated to supporting Shafik in DC.

And you have all of those people not necessarily out of commission, but with their focus elsewhere. So the encampment is met with very little resistance at the beginning. There were public safety officers floating around and watching. But at the very beginning hours, I think there was a sense of, we did it.

[CHANTING]: Disclose! Divest! We will not stop! We will not rest. Disclose! Divest! We will not stop!

It would be quite surprising to anybody and an administrator to now suddenly see dozens of tents on this lawn in a way that I think very purposely puts an imagery of, we’re here to stay. As the morning evolved and congressional hearings continued —

Minouche Shafik, open your eyes! Use of force, genocide!

Then we started seeing University delegates that were coming to the encampment saying, you may face disciplinary action for continuing to be here. I think that started around almost — like 9:00 or 10:00 AM, they started handing out these code of conduct violation notices.

Hell no! Hell no! Hell no!

Then there started to be more public safety action and presence. So they started barricading the entrances. The day progressed, there was more threat of discipline. The students became informed that if they continue to stay, they will face potential academic sanctions, potential suspension.

The more they try to silence us, the louder we will be! The more they —

I think a lot of people were like, OK, you’re threatening us with suspension. But so what?

This is about these systems that Minouche Shafik, that the Board of Trustees, that Columbia University is complicit in.

What are you going to do to try to get us out of here? And that was, obviously, promptly answered.

This is the New York State Police Department.

We will not stop!

You are attempting participate in an unauthorized encampment. You will be arrested and charged with trespassing.

My phone blew up, obviously, from the reporters, from the editors, of saying, oh my god, the NYPD is on our campus. And as soon as I saw that, I came out. And I saw a huge crowd of students and affiliates on campus watching the lawns. And as I circled around that crowd, I saw the last end of the New York Police Department pulling away protesters and clearing out the last of the encampment.

[CHANTING]: We love you! We will get justice for you! We see you! We love you! We will get justice for you! We see you! We love you! We will get justice for you! We see you! We love you! We will get justice for you!

It was something truly unimaginable, over 100 students slash other individuals are arrested from our campus, forcefully removed. And although they were suspended, there was a feeling of traumatic event that has just happened to these students, but also this sense of like, OK, the worst of the worst that could have happened to us just happened.

And for those students who maybe couldn’t go back to — into campus, now all of their peers, who were supporters or are in solidarity, are — in some sense, it’s further emboldened. They’re now not just sitting on the lawns for a pro-Palestinian cause, but also for the students, who have endured quite a lot.

So the crackdown, sought by the president and enforced by the NYPD, ends up, you’re saying, becoming a galvanizing force for a broader group of Columbia students than were originally drawn to the idea of ever showing up on the center of campus and protesting?

Yeah, I can certainly speak to the fact that I’ve seen my own peers, friends, or even acquaintances, who weren’t necessarily previously very involved in activism and organizing efforts, suddenly finding themselves involved.

Can I — I just have a question for you, which is all journalism, student journalism or not student journalism, is a first draft of history. And I wonder if we think of this as a historic moment for Columbia, how you imagine it’s going to be remembered.

Yeah, there is no doubt in my mind that this will be a historic moment for Colombia.

I think that this will be remembered as a moment in which the fractures were laid bare. Really, we got to see some of the disunity of the community in ways that I have never really seen it before. And what we’ll be looking to is, where do we go from here? How does Colombia repair? How do we heal from all of this? so That is the big question in terms of what will happen.

Nick, Isabella Ramírez just walked us through what this has all looked like from the perspective of a Columbia student. And from what she could tell, the crackdown ordered by President Shafik did not quell much of anything. It seemed, instead, to really intensify everything on campus. I’m curious what this has looked like for Shafik.

It’s not just the students who are upset. You have faculty, including professors, who are not necessarily sympathetic to the protesters’ view of the war, who are really outraged about what Shafik has done here. They feel that she’s crossed a boundary that hasn’t been crossed on Columbia’s campus in a really long time.

And so you start to hear things by the end of last week like censure, no confidence votes, questions from her own professors about whether or not she can stay in power. So this creates a whole new front for her. And on top of it all, as this is going on, the encampment itself starts to reform tent-by-tent —

— almost in the same place that it was. And Shafik decides that the most important thing she could do is to try and take the temperature down, which means letting the encampment stand. Or in other words, leaning in the other direction. This time, we’re going to let the protesters have their say for a little while longer.

The problem with that is that, over the weekend, a series of images start to emerge from on campus and just off of it of some really troubling anti-Semitic episodes. In one case, a guy holds up a poster in the middle of campus and points it towards a group of Jewish students who are counter protesting. And it says, I’m paraphrasing here, Hamas’ next targets.

I saw an image of that. What it seemed to evoke was the message that Hamas should murder those Jewish students. That’s the way the Jewish students interpreted it.

It’s a pretty straightforward and jarring statement. At the same time, just outside of Columbia’s closed gates —

Stop killing children!

— protestors are showing up from across New York City. It’s hard to tell who’s affiliated with Columbia, who’s not.

Go back to Poland! Go back to Poland!

There’s a video that goes viral of one of them shouting at Jewish students, go back to Poland, go back to Europe.

In other words, a clear message, you’re not welcome here.

Right. In fact, go back to the places where the Holocaust was committed.

Exactly. And this is not representative of the vast majority of the protesters in the encampment, who mostly had been peaceful. They would later hold a Seder, actually, with some of the pro-Palestinian Jewish protesters in their ranks. But those videos are reaching members of Congress, the very same Republicans that Shafik had testified in front of just a few days before. And now they’re looking and saying, you have lost control of your campus, you’ve turned back on your word to us, and you need to resign.

They call for her outright resignation over this.

That’s right. Republicans in New York and across the country began to call for her to step down from her position as president of Columbia.

So Shafik’s dilemma here is pretty extraordinary. She has set up this dynamic where pleasing these members of Congress would probably mean calling in the NYPD all over again to sweep out this encampment, which would mean further alienating and inflaming students and faculty, who are still very upset over the first crackdown. And now both ends of this spectrum, lawmakers in Washington, folks on the Columbia campus, are saying she can’t lead the University over this situation before she’s even made any fateful decision about what to do with this second encampment. Not a good situation.

No. She’s besieged on all sides. For a while, the only thing that she can come up with to offer is for classes to go hybrid for the remainder of the semester.

So students who aren’t feeling safe in this protest environment don’t necessarily have to go to class.

Right. And I think if we zoom out for a second, it’s worth bearing in mind that she tried to choose a different path here than her counterparts at Harvard or Penn. And after all of this, she’s kind of ended up in the exact same thicket, with people calling for her job with the White House, the Mayor of New York City, and others. These are Democrats. Maybe not calling on her to resign quite yet, but saying, I don’t know what’s going on your campus. This does not look good.

That reality, that taking a different tack that was supposed to be full of learnings and lessons from the stumbles of her peers, the fact that didn’t really work suggests that there’s something really intractable going on here. And I wonder how you’re thinking about this intractable situation that’s now arrived on these college campuses.

Well, I don’t think it’s just limited to college campuses. We have seen intense feelings about this conflict play out in Hollywood. We’ve seen them in our politics in all kinds of interesting ways.

In our media.

We’ve seen it in the media. But college campuses, at least in their most idealized form, are something special. They’re a place where students get to go for four years to think in big ways about moral questions, and political questions, and ideas that help shape the world they’re going to spend the rest of their lives in.

And so when you have a question that feels as urgent as this war does for a lot of people, I think it reverberates in an incredibly intense way on those campuses. And there’s something like — I don’t know if it’s quite a contradiction of terms, but there’s a collision of different values at stake. So universities thrive on the ability of students to follow their minds and their voices where they go, to maybe even experiment a little bit and find those things.

But there are also communities that rely on people being able to trust each other and being able to carry out their classes and their academic endeavors as a collective so they can learn from one another. So in this case, that’s all getting scrambled. Students who feel strongly about the Palestinian cause feel like the point is disruption, that something so big, and immediate, and urgent is happening that they need to get in the faces of their professors, and their administrators, and their fellow students.

Right. And set up an encampment in the middle of campus, no matter what the rules say.

Right. And from the administration’s perspective, they say, well, yeah, you can say that and you can think that. And that’s an important process. But maybe there’s some bad apples in your ranks. Or though you may have good intentions, you’re saying things that you don’t realize the implications of. And they’re making this environment unsafe for others. Or they’re grinding our classes to a halt and we’re not able to function as a University.

So the only way we’re going to be able to move forward is if you will respect our rules and we’ll respect your point of view. The problem is that’s just not happening. Something is not connecting with those two points of view. And as if that’s not hard enough, you then have Congress and the political system with its own agenda coming in and putting its thumb on a scale of an already very difficult situation.

Right. And at this very moment, what we know is that the forces that you just outlined have created a dilemma, an uncertainty of how to proceed, not just for President Shafik and the students and faculty at Columbia, but for a growing number of colleges and universities across the country. And by that, I mean, this thing that seemed to start at Columbia is literally spreading.

Absolutely. We’re talking on a Wednesday afternoon. And these encampments have now started cropping up at universities from coast-to-coast, at Harvard and Yale, but also at University of California, at the University of Texas, at smaller campuses in between. And at each of these institutions, there’s presidents and deans, just like President Shafik at Columbia, who are facing a really difficult set of choices. Do they call in the police? The University of Texas in Austin this afternoon, we saw protesters physically clashing with police.

Do they hold back, like at Harvard, where there were dramatic videos of students literally running into Harvard yard with tents. They were popping up in real-time. And so Columbia, really, I think, at the end of the day, may have kicked off some of this. But they are now in league with a whole bunch of other universities that are struggling with the same set of questions. And it’s a set of questions that they’ve had since this war broke out.

And now these schools only have a week or two left of classes. But we don’t know when these standoffs are going to end. We don’t know if students are going to leave campus for the summer. We don’t know if they’re going to come back in the fall and start protesting right away, or if this year is going to turn out to have been an aberration that was a response to a really awful, bloody war, or if we’re at the beginning of a bigger shift on college campuses that will long outlast this war in the Middle East.

Well, Nick, thank you very much. Thanks for having me, Michael.

We’ll be right back.

Here’s what else you need to know today. The United Nations is calling for an independent investigation into two mass graves found after Israeli forces withdrew from hospitals in Gaza. Officials in Gaza said that some of the bodies found in the graves were Palestinians who had been handcuffed or shot in the head and accused Israel of killing and burying them. In response, Israel said that its soldiers had exhumed bodies in one of the graves as part of an effort to locate Israeli hostages.

And on Wednesday, Hamas released a video of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an Israeli-American dual citizen, whom Hamas has held hostage since October 7. It was the first time that he has been shown alive since his captivity began. His kidnapping was the subject of a “Daily” episode in October that featured his mother, Rachel. In response to Hamas’s video, Rachel issued a video of her own, in which she spoke directly to her son.

And, Hersh, if you can hear this, we heard your voice today for the first time in 201 days. And if you can hear us, I am telling you, we are telling you, we love you. Stay strong. Survive.

Today’s episode was produced by Sydney Harper, Asthaa Chaturvedi, Olivia Natt, Nina Feldman, and Summer Thomad, with help from Michael Simon Johnson. It was edited by Devon Taylor and Lisa Chow, contains research help by Susan Lee, original music by Marion Lozano and Dan Powell, and was engineered by Chris Wood. Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly. That’s it for “The Daily.” I’m Michael Barbaro. See you tomorrow.

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• April 14, 2024   •   46:17 The Sunday Read: ‘What I Saw Working at The National Enquirer During Donald Trump’s Rise’
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Hosted by Michael Barbaro

Featuring Nicholas Fandos

Produced by Sydney Harper ,  Asthaa Chaturvedi ,  Olivia Natt ,  Nina Feldman and Summer Thomad

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Engineered by Chris Wood

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Columbia University has become the epicenter of a growing showdown between student protesters, college administrators and Congress over the war in Gaza and the limits of free speech.

Nicholas Fandos, who covers New York politics and government for The Times, walks us through the intense week at the university. And Isabella Ramírez, the editor in chief of Columbia’s undergraduate newspaper, explains what it has all looked like to a student on campus.

On today’s episode

Nicholas Fandos , who covers New York politics and government for The New York Times

Isabella Ramírez , editor in chief of The Columbia Daily Spectator

Background reading

Inside the week that shook Columbia University .

The protests at the university continued after more than 100 arrests.

There are a lot of ways to listen to The Daily. Here’s how.

We aim to make transcripts available the next workday after an episode’s publication. You can find them at the top of the page.

Research help by Susan Lee .

The Daily is made by Rachel Quester, Lynsea Garrison, Clare Toeniskoetter, Paige Cowett, Michael Simon Johnson, Brad Fisher, Chris Wood, Jessica Cheung, Stella Tan, Alexandra Leigh Young, Lisa Chow, Eric Krupke, Marc Georges, Luke Vander Ploeg, M.J. Davis Lin, Dan Powell, Sydney Harper, Mike Benoist, Liz O. Baylen, Asthaa Chaturvedi, Rachelle Bonja, Diana Nguyen, Marion Lozano, Corey Schreppel, Rob Szypko, Elisheba Ittoop, Mooj Zadie, Patricia Willens, Rowan Niemisto, Jody Becker, Rikki Novetsky, John Ketchum, Nina Feldman, Will Reid, Carlos Prieto, Ben Calhoun, Susan Lee, Lexie Diao, Mary Wilson, Alex Stern, Dan Farrell, Sophia Lanman, Shannon Lin, Diane Wong, Devon Taylor, Alyssa Moxley, Summer Thomad, Olivia Natt, Daniel Ramirez and Brendan Klinkenberg.

Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly. Special thanks to Sam Dolnick, Paula Szuchman, Lisa Tobin, Larissa Anderson, Julia Simon, Sofia Milan, Mahima Chablani, Elizabeth Davis-Moorer, Jeffrey Miranda, Renan Borelli, Maddy Masiello, Isabella Anderson and Nina Lassam.

Nicholas Fandos is a Times reporter covering New York politics and government. More about Nicholas Fandos

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The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time. The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time. The life and music of Amy Winehouse, through the journey of adolescence to adulthood and the creation of one of the best-selling albums of our time.

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