Creative Ways to Keep Your Kids Entertained During Car Rides
Bored and restless kids asking, “Are we there yet?” before you’ve even left your neighborhood? Road trips can quickly turn stressful if passengers aren’t entertained. The good news? With some planning and creativity, keeping kids of all ages happy and engaged in the car is easier than you think.
Here’s a guide filled with practical, parent-tested tips that turn those “long, boring rides” into fun-filled adventures.
What to Pack for Stress-Free Road Trips
Packing the right entertainment essentials is key to a peaceful, tantrum-free drive. Here are some basics that cater to different age groups.
This post contains affiliate links, which means I earn a commission when anything is bought. This is at no additional cost to you.
Shop My Homeschool Room:
The following homeschool picks of mine can be found on Etsy. Simply click the image that interests you – yes, they do contain affiliate links.
Coloring Kits and Activity Books
Give younger children coloring books, activity pads, and washable crayons. You can even choose themed books based on your destination. Older kids might enjoy advanced coloring books like mandalas or doodle pads for creative brainstorming.
Pro Tip: Invest in travel-friendly options like mess-free markers or magnetic doodle boards to avoid cleanup on the go.
Portable Audiobooks and Playlists
For all ages, audiobooks are a fantastic way to pass the time. Younger children may enjoy short stories, while older kids might love series like “Harry Potter” or “Percy Jackson.” Alternatively, create a family-friendly playlist with classics everyone can sing along to.
Pro Tip: Many libraries offer free audiobook rentals through apps like Libby, so you can access fresh content before each trip.
Travel Games and Cards
Classic games like travel-size Guess Who, Connect Four, or magnetic chess work wonders. For older kids, trivia cards, road sign bingo, or “I Spy” provide endless fun. Don’t forget a deck of standard playing cards for games like Go Fish or Solitaire.
DIY Crafts or Sensory Toys
Pack pipe cleaners, beads for bracelet-making, or sensory toys like fidget spinners and stress balls. These items can keep hands busy while imaginations run wild.
Bonus Tip: If car sickness is a concern, opt for less visually intense activities like manipulating sensory toys.
Snacks Are Life Savers
Hungry kids = cranky kids. Keep hunger at bay with pre-portioned, easy-to-eat snacks like granola bars, trail mix, and fruit pouches. Avoid sticky or crumbly foods, and hydrate with spill-proof water bottles or juice boxes.
Pro Tip: Make snack time fun by offering bite-sized pieces and letting kids assemble mini snack “lunchables.”
Stickers and Sticker Books
This low-mess activity is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers. Reusable sticker sets are a great choice, allowing kids to build scenes over and over.
Would you like to save this?
We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later! You'll also get regular recipes & printables to your inbox!
This post contains affiliate links, which means I earn a commission when anything is bought. This is at no additional cost to you.
Shop My Homeschool Room:
The following homeschool picks of mine can be found on Etsy. Simply click the image that interests you – yes, they do contain affiliate links.
Entertainment Ideas for Different Age Groups
Babies and Toddlers
Keeping the littlest passengers happy requires a mix of sensory stimulation and comfort. Here’s what works for the younger crowd:
- Soft cloth books or baby-safe photo albums (add pictures of family members for extra fun).
- Musical toys or teethers with gentle, soothing sounds.
- Hanging car seat mobiles or brightly colored window clings to grab their attention.
Preschoolers
Children aged 3-5 thrive on interactive and hands-on activities like:
- Guessing games—“What’s in my bag?” lets them reach into a mystery bag to guess what’s inside.
- Storytelling—a parent starts a story, and the child adds their own twists.
- DIY kits—pre-assembled kits for crafts like pipe cleaner animals or paper puppets.
Grade-Schoolers
Bigger kids want more independence, so offer activities like these to match their growing sense of responsibility and curiosity:
- Disposable cameras for road trip photo challenges.
- Podcasts for kids, such as “Brains On!” or “Wow in the World.”
- Puzzle books filled with crosswords, word searches, or Sudoku.
Preteens and Teens
Older kids prefer options that give them space and autonomy but still engage. Try these ideas for tweens and teens.
- Create a road trip journal to document the trip.
- Offer headphones so they can curate their own playlists or binge-listen to podcasts.
- Introduce strategic apps or games that don’t require Wi-Fi.
Stay Screen-Smart
When all else fails, tablets, smartphones, and portable DVD players can help maintain sanity—just set limits! Download favorite movies or shows, choose educational apps, or schedule short “screen time breaks” rather than free-for-all device use.
Summer Learning Printable Activities
Check out these fun summer worksheets for the kids! Excellent to combat the summer slide!
FAQs About Road Trip Entertainment
Pack separate activity kits for each child to minimize competition. Consider rotation-based games or challenges that require teamwork, like scavenger hunts, to promote cooperation.
Stick to low-impact activities like listening to audiobooks or playing with sensory toys. Keep car windows open slightly for airflow, and take breaks when needed. Always carry plastic bags, wet wipes, and a change of clothing, just in case.
Yes, travel-sized trivia games, journals, or even creative challenges (like writing poetry about what they see on the road) can engage preteens and teenagers without screens.
Pack individual portions in resealable bags and ensure every child has access to a trash bag near their seat. Hand out snacks during rest stops to minimize crumbs and mess.
By planning and stocking your car with age-appropriate activities, even the longest road trips can become exciting adventures.
With everything from creative games to mess-free crafts and family audiobooks, you can say goodbye to the dreaded “Are we there yet?” and hello to a peaceful, memory-making drive.
Safe travels—and don’t forget to enjoy the ride!
Heya i’m for the first time here. I came across this board and I to find It really
helpful & it helped me out a lot. I am hoping to present one thing
back and aid others such as you aided me.
Hey there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this website before but after browsing through some of the post I realized it’s new
to me. Anyhow, I’m definitely glad I found it and I’ll be bookmarking and checking back frequently!
Kelli – these are great ideas I remember being a nanny in a large city (way back when) and I would have to keep the kids entertained everyday for 40 minutes to and from school, mind you we had no portable dvd players back then:-)
Great tips. I just bought a magnetic paper doll kit for my granddaughter to play with in the car. We always bring books along too.
These are great ideas Kelli, thanks. My granddaughter will love them as she is the mom to my two great granddaughter.
gourdsrmylife(at)yahoo(dot)com