Long car journeys can be exciting — but keeping children entertained for hours on the road is often the real challenge.
Whether you’re heading off on a family holiday or visiting relatives, having a few simple activities prepared can make road trips far less stressful for everyone involved.
Here are 10 easy ways to keep kids entertained during a car journey.
For more practical motoring advice, visit our car maintenance guidance hub.
1. Play “I Spy”
A road trip classic.
One person chooses something they can see and says:
“I spy with my little eye…”
The others then guess what it is using clues.
It’s simple, free, and works surprisingly well for younger children.
2. Try “20 Questions”
One person thinks of a person, place, or object.
Everyone else gets up to 20 yes-or-no questions to guess correctly.
This is ideal for older children and helps pass time quickly on longer journeys.
3. Listen to Audiobooks Together
Audiobooks are one of the easiest ways to keep the whole car entertained.
Choose:
- Family-friendly adventures
- Comedy stories
- Mystery or fantasy books
They help reduce screen time while keeping everyone engaged.
4. Create a Family Road Trip Playlist
Let everyone choose a few songs before setting off.
A shared playlist:
- Keeps kids involved
- Makes the journey feel more interactive
- Helps avoid boredom
Singalongs also tend to improve the mood during long motorway drives.
5. Bring Travel Games
Compact travel games can be lifesavers on longer trips.
Popular options include:
- Card games
- Magnetic board games
- Puzzle books
- Travel bingo
Choose activities that don’t involve lots of loose pieces.
6. Pack Books and Comics
Quiet reading time can be surprisingly effective.
Books, magazines, and comics give children a break from screens while helping time pass naturally.
7. Drawing and Colouring
A small activity pack with:
- Colouring books
- Stickers
- Crayons
- Sketchpads
can keep younger children occupied for long stretches.
Reusable drawing tablets are also useful for minimising mess.
8. Play the Number Plate Game
See who can spot:
- Different UK regions
- Special registrations
- Number plates from other countries
You can also challenge children to spot specific letters or numbers first.
If you’re planning a family adventure, our list of the top UK road trips can help you choose a route that keeps the journey exciting from start to finish.
9. Try Mad Libs or Story Games
Word games and silly storytelling activities work especially well when energy levels start dipping.
Children take turns filling in random words to create funny stories and sentences.
10. Create a Road Trip Scavenger Hunt
Before setting off, make a checklist of things to spot, such as:
- A red bus
- A tunnel
- A motorbike
- A wind turbine
- A police car
This keeps children actively looking outside instead of focusing on “Are we there yet?”
Don’t Forget the Basics
Even the best activities won’t help much without:
- Regular breaks
- Snacks and drinks
- Charging cables
- Comfortable seating
- Planned stop-offs
A little preparation can make long journeys much smoother.
And for parents travelling with younger children, our booster seat guide it easier to stay safe and comfortable on long drives.
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Key Takeaway
Keeping kids entertained on a road trip doesn’t need to be complicated.
Simple games, music, books, and interactive activities can make journeys feel shorter, calmer, and much more enjoyable for the whole family.