Hitting the open road for a family holiday is a cherished tradition. For families traveling with kids, the journey can be just as exciting as the destination. The feeling of wind on your face, the sound of your child’s laughter while hearing a familiar holiday tune on the radio—definitely a recipe for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
From games to podcasts, here’s everything you need to know about entertaining your kids on holiday road trips.
Holiday Road Trip Games Kids Will Love
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Keeping kids entertained on a long drive can be challenging, but the right games can turn the journey into an adventure.
Classic Road Trip Games
These tried-and-true games don’t need bells and whistles to make them work for some spur-of-the-moment fun.
- I Spy: A timeless game where one player picks an object they can see and gives a clue. For example, “I spy with my little eye something blue,” then the others must guess what it is.
- 20 Questions: One player thinks of a person, place, or thing, and the others have 20 chances to ask yes-or-no questions to figure it out.
- Alphabet Hunt: Look for alphabet letters on signs, license plates, or billboards. The first person to spot all 26 letters wins.
Scenery-Based Games
Take advantage of your surroundings with these interactive games.
- License Plate Bingo: Create a list of license plates from different states or regions and check them off as you spot them.
- Spot the Sign: Challenge kids to find unique road signs, like “Yield” or “Cattle Crossing.”
- Nature Bingo: Print bingo cards featuring common roadside sights (e.g., a red barn, a horse, or a mountain). The first to get five in a row wins.
Educational Games
Put your thinking hat on with these educational games that turn any adventure into a learning opportunity.
- Country Trivia: If you’re driving through multiple countries, quiz the kids on local landmarks, food, or traditions.
- Foreign Words Challenge: Teach the kids simple phrases in the local language of the place you’re visiting. Reward points for correctly using the words during the trip.
- State or Country Capital Quiz: Take turns naming a state or country while others guess the capital.
Vocabulary and Spelling Games
Have a go at these vocabulary and spelling games to test your kids’ linguistic prowess.
- Word Builder: Start with a long word, and have kids create as many smaller words as possible using their letters.
- Spelling Bee: Each person gives a word for others to spell, gradually increasing the difficulty as the game progresses.
- Rhyme Time: Say a word, and challenge kids to think of rhyming words within a time limit.
Creativity and Imagination Games
These games won’t only entertain your little ones but also get their creativity running.
- Invent an Invention: Ask kids to think of a new invention that would improve the road trip and describe how it works.
- Build a Story: Everyone contributes a sentence to create the story, earning bonus points for including historical or cultural facts about the places you’re visiting.
- Roadside Artist: Bring sketch pads and ask kids to draw landmarks, cars, or scenery they see along the way.
Entertainment Beyond Games
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While you can never go wrong with the classics, variety is key to keeping the youngsters entertained for hours on the road.
Road Trip Playlists
Music can set the tone for a great adventure and keep spirits high.
- Family Favorites: Create a playlist of songs everyone loves, mixing upbeat tunes with calming melodies.
- Kids’ Classics: Include popular children’s songs like Baby Shark or soundtracks from animated movies (Encanto, Frozen, etc.).
- Interactive Singing: Encourage sing-alongs with songs like The Wheels on the Bus or Old MacDonald Had a Farm.
Audiobooks
Audiobooks are perfect for captivating young minds during long stretches of driving.
- Children’s Classics: Stories like Charlotte’s Web, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, or The Magic Tree House series.
- Modern Hits: Popular titles like Harry Potter or Percy Jackson and the Olympians.
- Shorter Stories: For younger kids, choose shorter tales or collections of fables and fairy tales.
Podcasts for Kids
Podcasts are an excellent screen-free option for both entertainment and education.
- Story-Based Podcasts: Shows like Circle Round or Story Pirates bring imaginative tales to life.
- Educational Podcasts: Programs like Brains On! or But Why? teach kids about science, history, and more.
- Interactive Episodes: Some podcasts, like Goodnight Stories for Rebel Girls, encourage kids to reflect on the stories.
Quiet Time Activities
Sometimes kids need a bit of calm during a busy day of travel.
- Coloring and Activity Books: Bring books with crayons, colored pencils, or markers. Magnetic drawing boards are a mess-free alternative.
- Sticker Books: These are great for younger children, with themes ranging from animals to space.
- Puzzles and Mazes: Compact puzzle books or mini magnetic puzzles can keep kids focused.
DIY Creativity Kits
Encourage hands-on activities that spark creativity and unleash inner Picassos.
- Road Trip Scrapbook: Provide kids with blank notebooks to draw or write about what they see. Add postcards, tickets, or leaves from stops along the way.
- Mini Craft Kits: Pack supplies like pipe cleaners, beads, or yarn for simple crafts they can do on their lap.
- Postcard Writing: Have kids write postcards to friends or family about the trip so far.
Planning the Perfect Holiday Road Trip
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A well-planned holiday on the road is one for the books. Here are some key steps to ensure the ultimate family road trip .
Focus on Family Interests
Start by considering what your family enjoys—beaches, adventure parks, or cultural experiences. Choose locations with family-friendly amenities like kid-friendly accommodations, dining options, and easy transportation.
Knowing Your Transportation Options
Whether taking the bus or renting a car, it’s important to figure out how you’re going to navigate your dream country. Let’s say you’re thinking of driving in the United States with a rental vehicle. Not only knowing the rules of the local road is beneficial but also learning the process of leasing a car from some of the top US rental car providers .
Consider the Season and Budget
Plan your trip around favorable weather and seasonal activities. Going back to our USA example, the best time to visit the country depends on the region you’re visiting. If you’re thinking of venturing to the northern part then head there from May to June, while the southern USA is ideal in spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November).
Furthermore, setting a realistic budget can help you and your family enjoy the trip without breaking the bank. Explore family travel deals or packages to make the most of your money.
Do Your Research Together
Research is important when finding the perfect country to visit, especially when it has specific required documents like an International Driving Permit (IDP) . Also, involving the family doubles the excitement. Reading reviews and watching travel videos together can help make everyone get pumped for the trip.
Enjoy Every Moment
A chance to spend time with your loved ones should never be wasted. Keeping the kids entertained with games during long drives is just one way to connect during the holidays.
Frequently-Asked-Questions (FAQs)
How do I prepare for a road trip with kids?
Preparation is key to a smooth road trip with kids. Pack plenty of snacks, water, and entertainment like games, books, and digital devices. Make frequent stops for bathroom breaks and let kids stretch their legs. Plan your route and have a backup plan for delays.
What are the best types of games for road trips?
The best games depend on your kids’ ages and interests. For younger children, classics like I Spy or Alphabet Hunt are simple and engaging. Older kids might enjoy trivia games, storytelling, or educational apps. Choose games that don’t require a lot of materials and can be played safely in the car.
How do I keep road trip games organized?
Use a small travel bag or organizer to keep everything in one place. Include printed game instructions, pens, paper, and small items like bingo cards or flashcards. For digital games, download apps in advance to avoid relying on mobile data.
What’s the best way to ensure kids stay entertained on longer drives?
Mix up activities to keep kids engaged. Alternate between games, snacks, and rest stops. Include a mix of quiet activities like drawing or reading and interactive games. You could also let the kids take turns choosing games or music to keep them involved in the journey.
How do I make my road trip safe?
Road trip safety is crucial. Make sure everyone’s buckled up, always keep an emergency car kit in your vehicle, and have roadside assistance on dial when things go north.
Ready, Set, Drive: Make Your Family Road Trip Unforgettable
With thoughtful planning and preparation, a family road trip can be a fun and memorable adventure. Pack smart, keep kids entertained, and ensure you’re prepared for the journey ahead. If you’re driving abroad, don’t forget to obtain an IDP to ensure you’re road-ready.
