Road Trip Activities for Kids
With Summer coming, many of us are planning to go places with the kids. That means many hours in a car, right? These Road Trip Activities for Kids will keep them entertained for a while.
Instead of having the kids ask “Are we there yet?” a hundred times, keep them occupied, happy, and having fun with these great options! The whole family can join in the fun!
Stop worrying about how to pass the time on a road trip, and let these games and activities help. You’re sure to find something here for all ages!
How can I make road trips fun for kids?
Keeping kids entertained on a long road trip doesn’t have to mean hours of screen time (although a well-timed movie can work wonders). The secret? Variety, interaction, and a little creativity.
Start by packing a “fun bag” filled with surprises—think coloring pages, travel-friendly games, sticker books, and a few dollar store toys wrapped like presents for kids to “earn” every hour or so.
This adds a sense of excitement and gives them something to look forward to along the way.
You can also build a family playlist together before the trip and take turns being DJ in the car. Podcasts for kids are another win—there are tons of silly, educational, and adventure-filled options that hold attention without screens.
And don’t underestimate the power of snack breaks: let the kids pack their own “snack tackle box” with mini compartments of treats for a little independence and surprise. When the kids are having fun, everyone wins—even the driver!
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Want more learning without printing more pages?
If your little one is between 2 and 8, ABCmouse is a full online curriculum of learning games, books and puzzles, so the practice keeps going on the days you are out of ink. Take a look at ABCmouse
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What are some road trip songs to sing with the kids?
Pass the hours with some of these fun songs for kids!
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“Wheels on the Bus”
A classic that even toddlers can sing along to—and you can make up your own verses as you roll down the highway!
“Old MacDonald Had a Farm”
Let each kid pick the animal and sound. Bonus: great for getting younger ones involved and giggling.
“If You’re Happy and You Know It”
Perfect for movement in car seats (clapping, stomping, snapping), and a great way to burn a little energy without leaving the car.
“Bingo”
Catchy, repetitive, and a great one for teaching spelling while you sing.
“A Ram Sam Sam”
Silly, fast-paced, and gets kids laughing—especially if parents try to keep up!
“Baby Shark”
Love it or hate it, it gets stuck in your head and kids can’t resist the motions.
“Down by the Bay”
Encourages kids to make up their own funny rhymes—“Have you ever seen a goat sailing a boat?” gets a big laugh every time.
“This Land is Your Land”
A calm, feel-good sing-along that’s perfect for those longer scenic stretches.
“Boom Chicka Boom”
A call-and-response favorite that kids love repeating in silly voices—robot, whisper, cowboy, etc.
“I’ve Been Working on the Railroad”
Another road trip classic with lots of sing-along potential and chances for silly sound effects.
Road Trip Must-Haves for Kids
Fun Stuff for the kids. Mine is a teen now & road trips are so much easier. Thanks for sharing at the Inspiration Spotlight Pinned & sharing. I now this will help parents with little ones.
You sure have this subject covered. So wonderful for families. Where were you when we travelled with little ones? 🙂 You have so many great ideas.
Kathleen
Blogger’ Pit Stop
My oldest son has been a competitive dancer for many years. We travel almost every summer to his national competitions – we go to Disney every other summer and that is a 10+hour trip just one way. We have also been to Texas and South Carolina.
These are some wonderful ideas. Maybe I will keep my sanity this road trip season after all!
Sanity? What sanity? I think that left back in 2002 when child number 2 came along 😉
Fabulous ideas! I keep a travel binder for our long trips and these will be perfect to include! One tip – if you keep them in page protectors you can use dry-erase markers. Instant reuseability!
What a fun collection. Thanks for putting them together.
Thanks hon! We are gearing up for fun in the car this summer. 🙂 Can you tell?
A great resource. Busy printing as we speak. Also, thank you for including our Are We There Yet Maps.
I love them!! Is it just me? Or is ink and paper two of your highest expenses? LOL!
Great round-up! Thanks for linking up to the Thoughtful Spot Weekly Bloghop!
Thanks, Ashley for providing a place for us to promote our stuff 🙂