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Road trips can be long and tedious, but playing games in the car can make the journey fun and memorable. Car games are a great way to keep everyone entertained, engaged, and sometimes even learn something new. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or even solo, these games can add a delightful twist to your road adventure. Here are 13 entertaining car games to pass the time, each with its own unique charm.
1. I Spy
- Number of players: 2 or more
“I Spy” is a classic game where one player selects an object in sight and gives a clue by saying, “I spy with my little eye, something [color/shape/etc.].” The other players then take turns guessing what the object is. This game is especially fun for younger children who love identifying objects around them. It also helps in developing observational skills and can be customized with different categories like animals, buildings, or signs.
2. 20 Questions
- Number of players: 2 or more
In “20 Questions,” one player thinks of an object, person, or place, and the other players take turns asking yes-or-no questions to figure out what it is. The challenge is to guess correctly within 20 questions. This game is suitable for all ages, encouraging deductive reasoning and often sparking interesting conversations.
3. License Plate Game
- Number of players: 1 or more
The “License Plate Game” involves spotting license plates from different states or countries. The goal is to see how many unique plates you can find during the trip. This game is particularly enjoyable on long road trips across different states. Using a map to mark off found states can add an educational element to the fun.
4. Alphabet Game
- Number of players: 1 or more
In the “Alphabet Game,” players look for words starting with each letter of the alphabet, in order, on signs, billboards, or license plates. This game encourages keen observation and can be played individually or as a competitive challenge among players.
5. Road Trip Bingo
- Number of players: 2 or more
“Road Trip Bingo” involves players having bingo cards with items commonly seen on the road (e.g., cow, stop sign, police car). Players mark off items as they see them. Printable cards are available online, or you can create your own for a personalized touch. It’s a great game for keeping kids engaged and observant during the trip. The driver can play with the assistance of the front-seat passenger.
6. The Picnic Game
- Number of players: 2 or more
“The Picnic Game” is a memory challenge where one player starts with “I’m going on a picnic and I’m bringing [item starting with A].” The next player repeats the item and adds another item starting with B, and so on. This game tests memory and creativity and can result in some humorous and unusual item choices.
7. Would You Rather?
- Number of players: 2 or more
“Would You Rather?” is a fun game where players take turns asking “Would you rather?” questions, such as “Would you rather swim in a pool of chocolate or a pool of marshmallows?” It’s perfect for generating laughter and learning more about each other’s preferences. The questions can range from silly to thought-provoking.
8. Storytelling
- Number of players: 2 or more
In “Storytelling,” one player starts a story with a sentence. Each subsequent player adds a sentence, continuing the story. This game encourages creativity and can result in hilarious and unexpected storylines. It’s a fantastic way to pass the time and see where everyone’s imagination can take you.
9. Name That Tune
- Number of players: 2 or more
“Name That Tune” involves one player humming or singing a few lines of a song while others try to guess the tune. This game works best with people who share similar music tastes or have a wide knowledge of songs. It’s a great way to enjoy music and challenge each other’s knowledge.
10. Fortunately/Unfortunately
- Number of players: 2 or more
“Fortunately/Unfortunately” is a storytelling game where one player starts with a sentence beginning with “Fortunately…” The next player continues with “Unfortunately…” This alternates throughout the story. The game creates a humorous back-and-forth narrative, often leading to funny and unpredictable situations.
11. Counting Cows
- Number of players: 1 or more
In “Counting Cows,” players count cows on their side of the car. If a cemetery is passed, the player has to start over. The player with the most cows at the end wins. This game is best suited for rural areas. You can modify the game for other animals or objects if traveling in different regions.
12. Movie Title Mash-Up
- Number of players: 2 or more
In “Movie Title Mash-Up,” one player says the name of a movie. The next player must name another movie starting with the last letter of the first movie. This continues in sequence. It’s perfect for movie buffs and helps improve memory and knowledge of films.
13. Foodie Favorites
- Number of players: 2 or more
Foodie Favorites is a fun game that I just now made up (hehe) where players describe their favorite foods using specific characteristics, and others try to guess what the food is. The objective is to have fun discussions about different cuisines, dishes, and food experiences.
Instructions:
- Each player takes turns being the “describer” while the others are the “guessers.”
- The describer selects a favorite food but does not reveal its name. Instead, they describe it using a characteristic such as taste, texture, color, or any unique feature. For example, “This food is crunchy and often orange.”
- The guessers take turns guessing what the food is. Each player gets a set number of guesses (e.g., three guesses per round).
- If someone guesses correctly, they earn a point. If no one guesses correctly after the allotted guesses, the describer reveals the food and earns a point.
- The game continues with the next player becoming the describer.
- First one to guess correctly 5 times in a row wins!
Foodie Favorites encourages players to think creatively about how they describe food and to pay attention to details. It also sparks interesting conversations about different dishes and can lead to discovering new foods to try. This game is perfect for food lovers and makes the journey as enjoyable as the destination. It may also make you hungry and nag the driver to stop for a meal!
