CAR TRIPS WITH KIDS:

THE BEST ROAD TRIP TOYS AND GAMES

Taking a road trip can be a fun adventure, however, keeping the kids entertained can be challenging. I have put together some of my favorite games, toys, and activities to help you stay sane while in the automobile. Many people don’t even attempt car trips with kids because they have heard horror stories from other parents, but these have been some of our favorite adventures. When you have been in the car for long periods of time, you talk, sing, laugh, and sometimes even cry together. Getting lost, exploring out-of-the-way places that weren’t on your itinerary, and just having the time of your life happen during a long vacation.

I make sure to purchase a few new toys or games and keep them hidden so they aren’t seen before our trips. In our 30+ years of traveling with children, we have driven to through 40+ states and to Canada. We have also traveled with children of all ages, and we have traveled extensively with our autistic son. Some of our favorite vacations have included the following games and toys that can be played with most children.

Toys for Car Trips with Kids:

Writing toys: 

We have purchased some awesome toys writing toys during our years of driving. One of my favorites for little kids was the Fisher-Price Play Desk. It had a chalkboard writing surface, magnetic letters, and it opened up to store chalk and letters. Fisher-Price came out with a new one a few years ago, but it has since been discontinued. This is an item you may be able to purchase used on Ebay.

I have purchased smaller whiteboards and colored markers for each child. They can play games on them, practice letters, doodle and more.

Travel Writing Magnetic Boards (MagnaDoodles): We have owned several of these through the years. Kids love to write in the car.

Another fun and exciting writing toy is the Boogie Board. There are sizes and options for all ages. These boards “erase” with the touch of a button. They can be used over and over, and they have the feel of writing with a real pen or pencil.

Don’t forget the trustworthy clipboard and pens and pencils. Children love to have “adult things,” and clipboards are one of those things that are such a novelty. Don’t forget to bring plenty of paper along. They can draw what they see or write letters to people back home. 

Magnetic Toys:

Tangrams: Building Shapes is always fun, and these travel editions make learning fun!

Magnetic Travel Chess Set

Magnetic Tin Sets: Open the tin and these sets have a board and magnets for hours of play.

Magic Marker Books:

I am not going to lie. These marker books are awesome. I never used these as a kid, and so it shouldn’t surprise anyone that I have purchased some of these for myself while traveling. They are marketed under the names of “magic color,” “magic ink,” “invisible ink,” and “surprise ink.” While the page appears to have no color or nothing on it, with the use of the magic marker, color and words appear.

Games for Car Trips with Kids:

Make Your Own:

Car License Plates: Find every state license plate. Make a list of all states and check off the plates as they are found. See how many you can find each day while driving.  

I see something (alphabet): Player A: I see something that begins with the letter A. Everyone tries to guess. This game can be played with colors and shapes. Make sure to play with the rule that it has to be inside the car. If you pick something outside the car, it will be gone before anyone finds it.

Car counting: Take turns picking numbers. If I pick a 12, I will then count cars coming toward us. My car is the 12th one that goes by us. Rules: Numbers 1-10 or 1-20. You don’t want someone to pick 12,000. Even small children enjoy this game. They might not be able to count, but they love picking numbers and having “their car” pointed out to them.

Card Games: 

There are so many unique and fun card games, but I have selected a couple of our favorites. Rubber Neckers: We have played this game numerous times. It is fun and exciting each time we play it. Each card has several options for you to find with point values assigned to them. Some cards have activities that you have to perform. This card game is fun for young and old.

Scavenger Hunt (Travel Edition): In this card game, you find items that are normally associated with travel.

Board Games for Car Trips with Kids: Special Edition of Board Games

Hangman: Who doesn’t love playing Hangman? It certainly can be played with paper and a clipboard (see above), or with the special Boogie Boards (see above), but there are special travel editions available.

Travel Bingo Boards: I remember searching high and low for these years before you could easily buy them on the internet. I finally found them at our local AAA office. We have had several sets since our original ones, and we have loved using them. Our entire family has played along for hours.

Battleship: I love the classic version and this travel size is great for keeping kids entertained.

Other travel editions include Monopoly, Clue, Chutes and Ladders, Connect 4, Yahtzee, Snakes & Ladders, Checkers and more!

Disposable cameras:

Disposable cameras are awesome if you can get your hands on them. I don’t know of any manufacturer right now. But we gave each child kid a camera on one of our first cross-country trips. They had an awesome time taking pictures. This kept them busy for a little while! If you can’t find disposable cameras, you can try a Polaroid or a FujiFilm instant camera.

FOODS for Car Trips with Kids:

Choose a selection of snacks and drinks that are reserved for road trips only. This helps the kids to look forward to the drive. For our family, this can be chips or root beer we can only find while on the road. Be prepared for your car to need a good cleaning when you arrive home. 

Essential Equipment for the Traveling Mom