Top Car Games for Family Road Trips (Fun & Easy)

© Lyn Lomasi; Owner/Shaman/Master Creator at Brand Shamans Content Community LLC

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

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