We do a lot of driving as a family. Living on Long Island means that even a simple weekend adventure usually involves a decent amount of time in the car (traffic getting on/off LI is dreadful)! One of our most common trips is heading from Long Island to Connecticut, and we make that drive at least once a month.
With two little kids in the backseat, I’ve learned that having a few simple activities ready can make the difference between a peaceful drive and a very long one. The good news is that road trip entertainment for kids doesn’t have to be complicated. A few small things packed ahead of time can keep little hands busy for quite a while.
A note about screen time from someone with strong opinions on it…
On long drives, I will occasionally let my kids watch a show on my phone if everyone is melting down and we still have a while to go. It happens. But in our house we don’t do iPads or tablets for kids.
For us, road trips are a good opportunity for kids to look out the window, notice things along the way, talk with each other, and entertain themselves a little.
Most importantly: we let them be bored!
Sometimes that means a few quiet minutes watching a show on my phone, but most of the time we try to stick with simple activities that keep them engaged without handing over a tablet for the whole ride.
Here are some easy road trip activities for kids that we use all the time.
Road Trip Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt is one of the easiest ways to keep kids looking out the window and engaged with the trip. You can make a simple list of things to spot along the drive like trucks, bridges, cows, rivers, or construction vehicles. Kids love checking things off as they see them.
I make my own in Canva or you can buy your own! My 5-year-old is super into license plate scavenger hunts. We’re trying to find all 50 states!
Sticker Books
Sticker books are perfect for car rides because they’re lightweight and easy to use in a car seat. Look for reusable sticker books so kids can move the stickers around and create new scenes. Colorforms are great for this reason!
Travel Coloring Kit
A small pouch with crayons and a coloring book goes a long way. Triangle crayons or twistable crayons are great because they don’t roll all over the car.
Audiobooks/Tonies for Kids
Audiobooks can transform a road trip. Even younger kids enjoy listening to simple stories, and it gives everyone a break from constant conversation.
Magnetic Travel Games
Magnetic puzzles and travel games are designed for car rides. The pieces stay in place and the boards are usually small enough for kids to hold comfortably.
Window Clings
Reusable window clings can keep toddlers entertained for a surprisingly long time. They can decorate the window, move the shapes around, and make little scenes.
Road Trip Bingo
Road trip bingo cards are another fun way to encourage kids to look outside. You can include pictures of things they might see along the road like gas stations, barns, or traffic lights.
Small Toy Rotation
Before a trip, gather a few small toys your kids haven’t played with in a while. Rotate them out during the drive so each one feels new and exciting.
Drawing Pad
A simple drawing pad or small notebook lets kids doodle, draw the scenery, or play simple drawing games.
Snack Boxes
Snacks are honestly half the road trip strategy. A small snack box with a variety of options can keep kids happy for quite a while.
“I Spy”
This classic game works especially well with younger kids. You can keep it simple by choosing colors or easy-to-spot objects.
Storytelling Game
Take turns making up a story together. One person starts the story, and everyone adds a sentence. Kids usually come up with the funniest ideas. We are also just getting into MadLibs now that my kindergartener knows what a noun/verb/adverb is.
Busy Bags
Busy bags are small zip pouches filled with a simple activity. You might include things like small figurines, mini puzzles, or matching games.
Magnetic Drawing Board
A magnetic drawing board lets kids draw and erase over and over again without needing paper or crayons.
Travel Puzzle Books
Older toddlers and preschoolers may enjoy simple puzzle books with mazes, matching games, or dot-to-dots.
How do you keep your kids entertained on the road?
Let me know below!
O.
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