The Best Road Trip Games and Entertainment for Kids

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I love taking a road trip. It’s often more affordable than flying with a family of 5, and it allows us to see more along the way. But let’s be honest—when you’re on a long road trip with kids, the key to survival (and sanity) is keeping them entertained. After the snacks have been devoured and the “Are we there yet?” chorus kicks in, you’ll want a few tricks up your sleeve to keep things fun and meltdown-free. That’s where my favorite road trip games for kids come into play.

I’ve compiled a list of my favorite road trip games plus a list of go-to entertainment ideas that’ll keep the whole car a little happier. One pro tip for you is to really keep these games sacred for long drives, not just a trip to the grocery store. You want them to be something that the kids look forward to and aren’t tired of playing before your 5-hour drive.

A second pro tip – if your kids tend to get car sick from looking down, you can purchase a tablet holder for the car that keeps their tablets at eye level. These help my kids a lot.

🚗 Classic Road Trip Games for Kids

You can find a ton of road trip games for kids on Amazon. Activity books, scavenger hunts, etc. But these tried-and-true games don’t require any supplies, just a little imagination (and maybe some sibling cooperation).

1. I Spy – One of the classic road trip games for kids

“I spy with my little eye… something green!” It’s simple, classic, and even your youngest travelers can play. Pro tip: use colors, shapes, or letters for younger kids who can’t read yet.

2. 20 Questions

One person thinks of a person, place, or thing. Everyone else takes turns asking yes or no questions to figure it out. It’s a great one for older kids who love a challenge!

3. License Plate Game

Print a U.S. map ahead of time or keep a list on your phone and try to spot all 50 state license plates. It’s surprisingly fun—and turns into a friendly family competition!

Here’s a checklist that I created for you to download and print ahead of time.

4. Would You Rather?

Would you rather eat a worm or lick a frog? Gross-out factor = high, which means kids will love it. Keep it silly and age-appropriate and watch the giggles roll in.

5. The Alphabet Game – My personal favorite road trip games; Fun for kids & and adults!

Look for letters of the alphabet (in order!) on road signs, license plates, and buildings. First one to get from A to Z wins. Q is always the hardest, but it will keep them busy for awhile! Bonus: it sneaks in a little literacy.

Another fun twist on this game–we’ll do a collective search but for things that start with each letter, rather than letters on signs. And they have to be outside of the car. For example, “airplane” for A, “bus” for B, etc. My husband is usually the judge and will veto the silly things the kids come up with, which is half the fun for them (“mad person in that car” or “cross-eyed bird”). I like to start this when we’re about an hour from our destination so that the challenge can be to finish before we get there.

6. Name That Tune (Kids’ Edition)

Hum or sing a few seconds of a popular song (from a playlist or favorite movie) and see who can name it first. Disney songs are a solid place to start.

7. Scavenger Hunt

Make a checklist of things to spot: a red barn, a school bus, a cow, a fast-food sign, etc. You can prep this before your trip or download a printable version online.

8. Song Selection – A different type of road trip game for kids

As my kids have gotten older, then each have their own favorite songs. We’ll take turns choosing a song that we all listen to (I usually have to find in on YouTube and play it from my phone through the speaker).

🎧 Best Road Trip Entertainment for Kids – An Alternative to Road Trip Games

When the games lose their charm and the car gets quiet (or a little too loud), it’s time to turn to some screen-free and screen-friendly entertainment options.

🎧 Audiobooks & Podcasts

Audiobooks are road trip gold. Try kid-friendly series like:

• Magic Tree House
• Harry Potter
• Ivy + Bean
• The Boxcar Children

Or try some fun podcasts like:

• Brains On! (science fun)
• Wow in the World (quirky and educational)
• Story Pirates (hilarious and creative)

We’ve listened to some random, fun podcasts that my kids still talk about!

🎥 Movies & Shows

If you allow screens in the car, download a few movies or shows in advance on tablets or devices. Pro tip: invest in some kid-size headphones with volume limits. See below for my favorite headphone options.

🎮 Interactive Road Trip Apps and Games For Kids

Educational games, drawing apps, and puzzle apps can pass the time. My older kids love certain card games (solitaire, hearts, etc). Just be sure to download them before you hit the road in case you lose service.

🎨 Activity Books and Sticker Sets – One of the Quieter Road Trip Games for Kids

Sticker books, dry erase boards, coloring books, or even simple notepads can go a long way. Pick up a lap tray to make drawing or writing easier.

🎵 Kid-Friendly Playlists

Create a custom playlist with family favorites—think Disney hits, singalongs, and upbeat tunes. Let each kid pick a few songs to add.

🎧 Best Headphones for Kids (Comfortable + Volume-Limiting)

1. Puro Sound Labs BT2200s

• Why we love them: Studio-quality sound and built-in volume limiting (max 85 dB).
• Perks: Bluetooth (no cords to tangle), comfy ear padding, durable build.
• Great for: Ages 3+ and up.

2. LilGadgets Untangled Pro

• Why we love them: Great sound + budget-friendly + Bluetooth.
• Perks: SharePort technology (lets siblings share audio with no splitter!), padded headband.
• Great for: Elementary age kids.

3. Snuggly Rascals Headband Headphones

• Why we love them: Flat speakers wrapped in a cozy fleece headband.
• Perks: Ultra comfy for nappers and toddlers who hate bulky headphones.
• Great for: Toddlers and preschoolers.

🍱 Best Kids’ Lap Trays for the Car

1. Kenley Kids Travel Tray

• Why we love it: Sturdy, foldable tray with a solid surface for drawing, snacking, or playing.
• Perks: Zippered pockets, cupholder, tablet holder, and side storage.
• Great for: Road trips, flights, or camping.

2. Lusso Gear Kids Travel Tray

• Why we love it: Reinforced walls and wipe-clean surface.
• Perks: Fits over booster seats, comes in multiple fun colors.
• Great for: Ages 3–10, especially kids who like to color or snack in the car.

📀 Best Portable Headrest DVD Players

1. FANGOR Dual Screen DVD Player

• Why we love it: Two screens! Play the same movie on both (great for siblings).
• Perks: Mounting kits included, rechargeable, USB/SD card compatible.
• Screen size: 7.5”

2. NAVISKAUTO 10.5″ Portable DVD Player with Mount

• Why we love it: High-res screen with great sound + supports HDMI input (can connect to a Fire Stick or gaming system).
• Perks: Long battery life (5 hours), headphones jack, remote included.
• Screen size: 10.5”

3. DBPOWER 12″ Portable DVD Player

• Why we love it: Swivel screen (can also be used outside the car).
• Perks: Affordable, SD card/USB input, great screen quality for the price.
• Bonus: Easy to use for grandparents or tech-averse travelers too.

Final Thoughts on Road Trip Games for Kids

Road trips with kids don’t have to be stressful—you just need the right combo of games, gadgets, and snacks (always the snacks!). Having a few go-to activities ready to roll can turn a long drive into part of the adventure itself.

Whether you’re chasing license plates or singing at the top of your lungs, these road trip games and entertainment ideas will help the miles fly by—and create some sweet memories along the way.

For more ideas, check out these road trip must-haves. Then start planning your next road trip! I have some fun itineraries if you’re looking for inspiration:

• California Pacific Coast Highway Road Trip
• Las Vegas to Grand Canyon Road Trip

Note: As an Amazon affiliate, I get paid on qualified purchases.