Road trips with the family should be fun, memorable, and as stress-free as possible. Whether you’re a homeschooling family, roadschooling in a skoolie RV, or just taking an RV road trip with your roadies, these simple car games will keep everyone entertained—kids and adults alike. They require minimal supplies and guarantee maximum fun, making your journey as enjoyable as the destination.

Paper & Pencil Games for the Road

Nothing beats the classics, and paper and pencil games are the epitome of simplicity. Grab a notebook, some pencils, and get ready for hours of entertainment during your family road trip.

Tic-Tac-Toe Car Edition:

A timeless favorite that never gets old. Pass the paper around and take turns playing. The bumpy ride adds an unexpected twist, making each game unique. Perfect for keeping young roadschoolers engaged during those long stretches of highway.

Word Search Race:

Before your trip, print out identical word searches for everyone in the car. Set a timer and see who can find all the words the fastest. This is not only fun but also educational, making it a fantastic choice for traveling homeschool families looking to combine fun and learning. Enhance the experience by exploring herbs with our Homeschool Alchemy Guide to add a touch of magic to your roadschooling curriculum.

Car Drawing Contests:

Test your artistic skills on the go. Draw anything you like—but beware, the car’s movement might turn your masterpiece into a wacky doodle! This is a fantastic way to keep the creative juices flowing, especially during a long RV road trip.

Classic License Plate Games

License plate games are a staple of any family road trip, especially for those embracing the roadschooling lifestyle. They’re easy to play, require no supplies, and can be tailored to fit any age group.

Numbers to 20:

Think spotting numbers on license plates is easy? Try finding them in sequential order, all the way up to 20. This game is simple, yet it can become surprisingly challenging, especially on less-traveled roads, making it perfect for families on the road.

Spell This Word:

Challenge your family to find license plate letters in order to spell a chosen word. The letters must appear in the same sequence as the word. It’s a great way to reinforce spelling skills while on the road—ideal for homeschooling parents who want to mix learning with fun during a skoolie RV adventure.

Alphabet Challenge:

A classic game where players search for each letter of the alphabet on license plates, in order. You can play as a team or individually, and it’s a fantastic way to pass the time on a long stretch of highway, especially during a family road trip.

Engaging Puzzle Games for Road Trips

Puzzle games are perfect for long car rides, especially since they can keep the mind occupied for extended periods without requiring many pieces.

Rubik’s Cube:

A one-piece puzzle that can entertain for hours. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, a Rubik’s Cube is a fantastic companion for any journey. It’s also a subtle reminder to embrace the challenges of the road ahead, a great metaphor for families on the road who are navigating the twists and turns of roadschooling.

Slide Puzzles:

Those sliding tile puzzles that form pictures or number patterns are not just nostalgic—they’re ideal for car trips. They’re affordable, portable, and will keep everyone entertained. These puzzles are also great tools to sharpen problem-solving skills, making them an excellent addition to any traveling homeschool or roadschooling curriculum.

Road Sign Games

Road sign games are another excellent way to keep everyone in the car engaged. These games are simple but can be endlessly varied, making them perfect for all ages and any type of family road trip.

Find the Word:

Each traveler must find a specific word on road signs. The word must appear in full, which adds a level of challenge. This game is particularly great for young readers as it helps reinforce word recognition in a fun, relaxed setting, making it a great fit for homeschooling on the go.

10 of This or That:

Assign a category—like lakes, cities, or animals—and have everyone in the car find ten related words on road signs. This game encourages everyone to stay alert and engaged, making it a perfect choice for those long stretches of open road during an RV road trip or roadschooling adventure.

Final Tips for a Memorable Family Road Trip

When planning a family road trip, especially as a homeschooling or roadschooling family, it’s essential to have a variety of activities ready to keep everyone entertained. These games not only pass the time but also create opportunities for learning and bonding. For parents, it’s a great chance to incorporate fun, educational elements into the journey. The FLOW-Key Parenting Book is a great resource for adding mindfulness and emotional intelligence practices to your parenting toolkit, perfect for those family road trips.

Remember, the key to a successful road trip is flexibility and a willingness to enjoy the journey, not just the destination. So, pack these games, embrace the adventure, and create unforgettable memories with your family on the road, whether you’re roadschooling in a skoolie RV or just enjoying a simple family road trip.

*I originally published a version of this via Yahoo Contributor Network

LAST UPDATED: 8/17/2024

©Lyn Lomasi; Owner|Ordained Shaman atIntent-sive Nature &Brand Shamans Content Community LLC

Counting is a fundamental skill for preschoolers, and it can be a delightful experience! As a dedicated mom and homeschool teacher, I've discovered playful and effective ways to teach counting that go beyond traditional methods. Here are my top 5 counting games that are not only simple but also a hit with the little ones.

1. "Bring Me This Many!" - Interactive Counting Fun:

Transform everyday moments into counting adventures. Ask your preschooler to bring a specific number of items, like "10 yellow blocks." If the count is off, gently guide them to the correct number. This game can be woven into daily activities, making counting a natural and enjoyable part of your child's day.

2. Counting Words In Sentences - Merging Reading With Numbers:

For kids who have mastered object counting, try counting words in sentences. This activity enhances reading comprehension and counting skills simultaneously. By identifying the number of words from capital to period, children also learn sentence structure.

3. "Tap To My Beat" - Rhythm And Counting Combined:

Use music to teach counting. With a pencil or drumstick, have your child tap along to a song, counting the beats. This not only introduces rhythm and music but also embeds counting skills in an exciting and dynamic way.

4. "Penny Toss" - Coordination and Counting:

Repurpose an old egg carton for this engaging game. Number the slots and have your child toss pennies into them, counting as they go. This game enhances hand-eye coordination, number recognition, and counting skills, all while having a blast.

5. "Red Cars Speed On By!" - Observational Counting Game:

Turn car-watching into a fun counting activity. Ask questions like "How many blue cars pass before the light turns red?" This game is versatile, perfect for homeschool settings or as a playful activity during commutes.

Conclusion: These 5 simple and engaging counting games for preschoolers are perfect for making learning numbers a fun and integral part of everyday life. With these activities, counting becomes an adventure, not a chore.

Try these games with your little ones and share your fun counting moments with us!

LAST UPDATED:  10/27/2023

Having trouble teaching your kids vital skills? Try going on an adventure. When homeschooling my kids, I use many methods for getting them inspired to learn. One very useful one is to turn learning into an adventure.

When kids are struggling in certain subjects -- or just learning new concepts -- their confidence can be low in those areas. Sometimes traditional forms of teaching those skills can be downright frustrating and defeating.

Build your child's confidence by finding things to do around your neighborhood that are related to the lesson at hand. Child struggling with counting? Go see a juggler and help him count the tossed items. No juggler in your area? Visit the local pond and count the ducks.

When two of my kids were having trouble counting money, I took them on several fun adventures where they could practice using it. There were normal locations, such as the grocery store. But I also threw in things like area festivals. I let the kids purchase souvenirs and treats. They considered this to be fun. Therefore, they were inspired to learn the lesson over and over.

Sometimes just getting out and doing things without a paper and pencil can help your child connect the dots. On top of that, it doesn't seem like work. In fact, you should be letting your child have fun during the adventure as well. Don't make it all about the lesson. Just fit it in during the right moments.

Once your child realizes that he is doing the lesson he thought wasn't possible, he will likely be inspired to do more and more.

Furthermore, these adventures provide an excellent opportunity for experiential learning. For instance, a visit to a local museum can bring history to life, making it far more engaging than reading about it in a textbook. Similarly, a trip to a science center can spark interest in physics or biology through interactive exhibits. These experiences help children understand that learning isn't confined to books or classrooms – it's all around them.

Encourage your child to ask questions and explore their surroundings. This curiosity will lead them to discover new interests and passions. It's not just about memorizing facts; it's about understanding the world and their place in it.

Lastly, remember that each child learns differently. What works for one might not work for another. Be patient, and don’t hesitate to try different approaches until you find what resonates with your child. By making learning an adventure, you're not only teaching them valuable lessons but also instilling a lifelong love for learning. And that is the greatest adventure of all.

LAST UPDATED 11/29/2023

Welcome to a world of numbers made fun! If you're a parent looking to introduce your toddler or preschooler to the joy of counting, you're in the right place. We've crafted a delightful journey filled with free, engaging, and easy-to-follow counting activities. Let's make those early learning moments count!

Why Counting is Crucial in Early Education:

Before diving into activities, let's explore why counting is so essential. It's not just about numbers; it's about building a foundation for problem-solving, understanding quantity, and developing early math skills. These counting activities are designed to be more than just learning; they’re about creating joyful memories with your little ones.

1. Counting with Everyday Objects:

Start with what you have at home! Whether it's fruits, toys, or spoons, use everyday items to teach counting. This activity enhances number recognition and makes learning relatable. Ask your child to count aloud as they touch each item – it's simple yet effective.

2. Nature's Counting Lesson:

Take learning outdoors with a nature counting adventure. Go on a walk and count the trees, flowers, or even birds. This not only teaches counting but also nurtures a love for nature and the environment.

3. Fun with Number Rhymes and Songs:

Songs and rhymes are fantastic tools for learning. Sing classics like "Five Little Ducks" or "Ten in the Bed." These catchy tunes help children remember numbers and enjoy the rhythm of counting.

4. Crafty Counting:

Get creative with arts and crafts that involve numbers. Make a counting collage with stickers or draw numbers with colorful chalk. These activities enhance fine motor skills and make learning tactile and visually stimulating.

5. Interactive Online Resources:

Utilize free online counting games and apps. These interactive tools offer a digital way to learn numbers and are great for tech-savvy toddlers.

Use all of the activities daily, rotating between them as needed until your child is ready to advance to another level in math.

5 Simple Free Counting Games For Preschoolers
Counting and Number Recognition Worksheets for Kids
Color & Write Numbers 1-20
5 Little Monkeys
Fishy Count Game
Bob the Builder Counting Game
Birthday Candle Counting
Starfall.com Counting From 1-20 Game

(Read more below the video)

Conclusion: Counting doesn't have to be mundane. With these free and fun activities, you can turn learning into an exciting adventure for your toddler or preschooler. Embrace each moment of discovery and watch as your child's counting skills grow!

Ready to start the counting adventure? Dive into these activities and share your fun learning experiences with us in a comment below!

Happy counting!

(Remember to bookmark this page for easy access to the video and links each day.)