The Best Road Trip Games (That Aren't Screens)

Juanita Firs 76 • July 2, 2026

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There's nothing wrong with a movie on the iPad—sometimes it's exactly what everyone needs.

But some of the best road trip memories happen when everyone is looking out the window instead of down at a screen.

Whether you're driving for an hour or for the whole day, here are a few of our favorite ways to make the miles fly by (or at least buy you a little extra time before you pull the screens out).


Road Trip Bingo

Create a simple bingo card with things like:

  • Red barn
  • Motorcycle
  • Water tower
  • Horse
  • Tunnel
  • Bald eagle
  • Police car
  • RV
  • Tractor
  • Yellow truck

First one to get Bingo picks the next snack stop.


"Would You Rather?"

Simple, funny questions keep everyone talking.

  • Would you rather live on a boat or in a treehouse?
  • Would you rather explore space or the ocean?
  • Would you rather never eat pizza again or never eat ice cream again?

You'll probably learn something new about each other.


Build the Ultimate Vacation

One person starts with a destination. The next person adds one thing you'll do there. The next person adds one thing you'll eat.

Keep building the vacation until someone comes up with something completely ridiculous.


Alphabet Hunt

Starting with A, find each letter on road signs, business names, or license plates.

It sounds easy...

...until you're looking for Q.


Two Truths and a Lie

A classic that works surprisingly well in the car.

Each person shares three "facts" about themselves. Two are true, one is a lie.

The rest of the group guesses which one is made up. See how well you really know each other!


Family Playlist DJ

Before the trip, let everyone choose three songs. No skipping allowed.

You might discover your kids have surprisingly good taste—or you'll find yourself singing along to songs you never expected.


The Story Game

One person starts a story with one sentence. Each person takes turns adding the next sentence.

By the end of the drive, you'll probably have a tale involving pirates, dinosaurs, talking squirrels, and someone's missing sandwich.


Spot the Weirdest Thing

Everyone keeps an eye out for the strangest thing they see along the road.

  • A giant coffee pot
  • An unusual mailbox
  • A roadside dinosaur
  • A tow truck with a Minion on top

At the end of the day, everyone votes on the winner.


Wherever You're Headed...

We hope your summer is full of adventures with good conversations, great scenery, and memories that last long after the trip is over.

Safe travels—and enjoy the ride!

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