Long drives with kiddos—how fun! 😬 But let’s be real: it’s not always smooth sailing. There’s bound to be moments when your kids get antsy, ask “are we there yet?” for the fifteenth time, or hit a full-on grumpy phase. For our son, he loves to ask, “how many more minutes?”, every 10 minutes give or take… 😅
But guess what? We’ve got you covered! This post is packed with screen-free activities for kids that will help keep them happy, entertained, and grumpy-free for those long stretches of the journey. Get ready to turn your RV trip into an adventure full of fun memories and laughter, even before you get to your campsite!
Road Trip Games that Never Get Old
First, let’s start with the basics. There’s a reason some road trip games have been around forever…because they work! With these games, you’ll keep everyone engaged, focused, and—most importantly—present with each other. Plus, they’re perfect for all ages, so everyone can get in on the fun.These games require zero packing and turn those miles into fun family bonding time.
I Spy: A classic for a reason! Each player takes turns picking something they can see and giving hints: “I spy something…green!” You can try new twists, like “I spy something that starts with T” or “I spy something that’s a type of vehicle.” It’s simple, fun, and keeps everyone’s eyes peeled and focused.
20 Questions: The classic guessing game where one player thinks of something, and everyone else asks yes-or-no questions to figure out what it is. This one’s great for kids who love to think strategically, and it helps time fly by!
License Plate Hunt: Challenge your family to spot license plates from as many states as possible. You can keep it going throughout the trip and celebrate every time you spot a new one. Even if you don’t complete all 50 states, it’s an entertaining way to keep everyone on the lookout.
The Alphabet Game: For this one, you all take turns spotting words outside the car that start with each letter of the alphabet, in order. “A for apple tree,” “B for billboard…” you get the idea! It’s easy to play with varying age levels, and it turns highway signs into entertainment.
Creative Play for Imaginations on the Go
Next, when games just aren’t enough, it’s time to get creative. These activities aren’t just fun—they encourage kids to use their imaginations, get curious, and interact with the world around them. They will keep your kids’ minds busy, and you might even discover a budding artist!
Travel Journal or Sketchbook
Give each kid their own notebook to draw or write about the journey. They can sketch things they see out the window, jot down funny moments, or draw or write about what they are excited to do at the campsite. It’s a special way to record memories, and they’ll (and you’ll) love looking back on it later.
Nature Bingo
Make or print a simple bingo card with nature-themed items like “cloud shaped like an animal” or “bird on a wire.” Every time someone finds an item, they mark it off. It’s fun, interactive, and keeps everyone looking out the windows. The best part? The “bingo winner” can win a little prize like picking the next snack or song!
Create a Road Trip Playlist Together
What’s a road trip without a playlist?! Have each family member add a few favorite songs to a shared playlist. You’ll end up with a mix that everyone loves, and your kids feel part of the planning, too.
Nature-Focused Stops to Recharge and Refresh
Sometimes, the best way to beat boredom is to just get out of the car for a bit. These breaks don’t have to be long—just a few minutes of exploring is enough to bring a little adventure back to the journey and keep everyone’s spirits high. It’s amazing how a quick pit stop can refresh everyone’s spirits, especially when it includes nature.
Mini Nature Walks
Stop somewhere safe and green, and take a little stroll. Your kids can collect leaves, stones, or flowers along the way. It’s a great opportunity for them to explore, stretch their legs, and get a little energy out before piling back into the car. We’ve amassed quite the stone and rock collection in each state we’ve visited. So much so, we’ve got a rock tumbler sitting in our Amazon cart, waiting for the right moment to click ‘buy’.
Roadside Scavenger Hunt
Give each child a list of things to look for, like a pinecone, feather, or specific type of flower. It turns a quick stop into an adventure, and they’ll love checking each item off the list.
Outdoor Picnic with Activities
Bring along a blanket or find a picnic table and enjoy a quick meal outdoors. Pack simple outdoor games like a frisbee or ball for a bit of playtime after eating. Even just 15 minutes can help reset everyone’s mood and break up the trip.
Pack Ahead for Calm, Happy Kids
Lastly, a little prep can go a long way in making your drive smoother. By packing these essentials, you’re helping prevent boredom, hunger, and those inevitable mid-drive meltdowns. It’s all about keeping things simple, fun, and accessible! Here are a few essentials to keep kids entertained and (hopefully) happy in the back seat!
Busy Bags with Quiet Toys and Games
Create a small bag for each kid with items like puzzles, small toys, or craft supplies. You can even rotate items every hour or so to keep things fresh and interesting.
Coloring Books and Crayons
For those quieter moments, a coloring book is a fantastic way to let kids get creative. You could even have themed pages that match your trip!
Snack Packs for Each Kid
Snacks are essential for any road trip, and giving each child their own pack of goodies can prevent snack squabbles. Choose a mix of healthy options and treats to keep everyone satisfied. Note: Snack packs for the grown-ups don’t hurt either…😎
Comfort Items
A cozy blanket, stuffie, or pillow can make a long drive feel more comfortable. Kids might even be more likely to nap, giving everyone a little break. If you’re able to schedule your departure close to your kids’ nap times, your kids could also nap along the way, giving them energy and good moods for when you arrive at your campground.
If you’d like an idea for more things to pack, check out our Family Packing List Post.
Final Tips for Keeping Kids Engaged and Happy
Keeping it real–even with the best plans, kids (and grown-ups) can still get cranky on the road. But don’t stress; it’s all part of the journey. Here are a few final tips to keep things smooth:
- Expect Some Grumpy Moments: Road trips are long, and you all might need extra breaks. Kids might not know exactly where they’re going or what experiences they’ll have when they get there. Extra breaks are okay! Switching to a new activity or stopping to stretch can work wonders.
- Encourage Flexibility: Not every moment will go as planned, and sometimes the best memories come from unexpected detours.
- Stay Positive & Be Encouraging: Your excitement will rub off on the kids, making the adventure that much more special.
Ready, Set, Adventure
Keeping kids entertained on a road trip doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little planning, these screen-free activities for kids will help you create unforgettable memories. So go ahead—try a few games, take those nature breaks, and enjoy every mile together!
💬 Now it’s your turn! What’s your favorite way to keep kids happy on a long drive?
Let us know in the comments, and here’s to joyful, adventure-filled travels! 🚐💛
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