Public School Success

by Miriam Carey Brown

Long road trips can sometimes lead to restlessness, especially for younger passengers. Car games can keep your kids entertained while also engaging their minds. These days it is easy to let your child use a device to entertain themselves on car rides, but these games are even more fun and interactive.

1. I Spy

“I Spy” is simple to play. One player picks an object they can see outside or inside the car, and then says, “I spy with my little eye, something [color or description].” The other passengers take turns guessing what the object is. It’s an easy game for younger kids, and it helps sharpen observation skills. It can also build their language skills. My second child Quincy once gave us the clue “I spy with my little eye, something branchy.” Can you guess what it was?

2. The License Plate Game

The License Plate Game can be played several ways. The first, challenges players to spot license plates from different states or countries. Keep track on a map or with a checklist to see how many you can find during the trip. Another way to play is to look for try to find the letters in order from different license plates. You can also play it with numbers. It’s educational and encourages kids to be more aware of their surroundings.

3. 20 Questions

In this game, one player thinks of an object, and the others have up to 20 yes-or-no questions to figure out what it is. It can be anything from an animal to an item you might find in a house or at a park. It’s a perfect game for stimulating critical thinking and problem-solving. We often play a specific category such as 20 questions geography or 20 questions animals. Playing this way can help your child learn how information is organized. For example, in 20 Questions geography we use questions such as “Is it on the North American continent?” or “Is it west of the Mississipi River?” The animal version has helped our kids learn about what a mammal is or what the word domesticated means. It can be a great way to help them develop background knowledge.

4. Guess the Gas Number

This one is simple but fun. When you stop for gas everyone guesses how much money it will cost to fill the tank. They can watch with baited breath while the numbers on the pump flip on towards their guess. It can be a great way to teach kids about numbers and estimation skills while offering a fun little challenge along the way.

5. Find the Color

This game is as simple as it sounds: pick a color, and the first person to spot an object of that color wins a point. Continue with different colors as you pass landmarks, cars, or nature. It helps develop quick thinking and is a great game to play with younger children.

6. Rhyme Time

This is a creative way to build language skills! One person says a word aloud, and the others have to think of as many words as they can that rhyme with it. We like to trade off. The littlest kids are allowed to make up words that rhyme or repeat a word that has already been said. The first player to fail to think of a rhyming word is out, and the last one standing wins.

7. A-Z Road Signs

This game focuses on spotting road signs that start with every letter of the alphabet. Begin with “A” and search for an “A” on a sign, then “B,” and so on until you reach “Z.” It’s an interactive way to familiarize kids with road signs and practice letter recognition, while keeping them engaged on a long trip.

8. Alphabet Categories

In this game, one player selects a category (e.g., animals, foods, cities), and players must go through the alphabet, naming an item from the category that starts with each letter. The first to mess up or repeat an answer is out. This game stimulates memory and reinforces alphabet knowledge.

9. Would You Rather

A fun conversation starter, “Would You Rather” presents a series of tricky choices. For example: “Would you rather have a pet dragon or a pet unicorn?” The quirky questions keep everyone laughing and spark some interesting debates. It’s a great game for kids of all ages, encouraging creativity and reasoning.

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With these simple yet entertaining games, your next car trip can be filled with laughter and learning. Whether it’s spotting license plates, guessing objects, or creating rhymes, these activities will keep your kids busy and engaged, making the journey just as enjoyable as the destination!