Beat the Boredom- Road Trip Activities that Won't Get an Eye Roll from Your Teen

Road trip entertainment can be challenging. Of course, in this modern age, teens and tweens are easily entertained by electronic media. My girls enjoy reading digital books, watching downloaded movies and, of course, "scrolling" during car trips. But, after several hours in the car, everyone is ready for some new activities. I have included some tried and true options that are great for the car. I have also included some games that are hits once we arrive. We have been on trips where a quick card game has been useful for a low-key evening activity or when our prior plans have been rained out.

You can find the entire list of recommended items here.

First off, I think it is useful to consider a small lap pad. My girls each have one like this. This offers them space to draw or write without taking up too much space.

Quiet/ Individual Activities:

My family loves puzzle books. Sometimes, we will take a crossword puzzle book with us (you can find great ones at Dollar Tree!) and do them in the car as a family with one person reading off the clue. Here are some other examples of fun puzzle books.

Individual puzzle games can also keep kids busy. Try these cool finds that my girls have loved for years. Phantom Rubik's cube is super fun and Kanoodle is good for hours of entertainment.

Here is a head to head Kanoodle for two players!

Car Games for the Entire Family:

Blank Slate is a more recent game that has quickly become one of our favorites. Basically, a word is given and everyone has to think of the word that they associate with it. The goal is to match with someone else. Small whiteboards are included with dry erase markers. This can be modified so that the driver does not write their answer, but always gives their answer out loud first. It is a quick, easy game that is great for the car!

Five Second Rule is another great car game. The card prompts are simple such as "Name three pizza toppings." The key is to do it under the five second timer. This could easily be played allowing the driver a turn to chime in.

Guess the Gibberish is another fun game that could be informally played allowing the driver to call out answers. In this game, there are common phrases that are written "in gibberish." The reader reads the card and the other players attempt to guess what is being said. This game makes for a lot of laughs!

Tapple is so fun! This is another category game. A card will list a category and players take turns providing an item in that category that starts with each letter of the alphabet. Once the letter is utilized, it is "tapped" out. This game could again be played with the driver providing options for particular letters. It is also easily played in the backseat among teens and tweens.

If you love trivia, check this out! You can buy mini packs of just the Trivial Pursuit trivia cards. No need to play the boardgame, but answering questions about random facts can definitely pass the time!

Games We Love to Play on the Trip:

The below games are not easily played in the car. However, they are smaller, easily-packed games that keep the entire family engaged. They all involve quick play so a short game can be played after a long day of sightseeing or driving. Note- many of these require tracking of scores so either have paper and pencil handy or be prepared to have a way to tally digitally on your phone.

First off, a waterproof set of cards is a must. We have used these by the lake, on the beach and they have even survived some spilled drinks.

If you like Yahtzee, you will LOVE Qwixx. Super fun dice game with components of both luck and strategy. Everyone loves it! Super compact and so easy to pack.

SkyJo is a tried and true card game that my kids have loved for years. Younger kids can play as well with only a little help.

The game, Piles, sounds so simple- create groups of four. However, it is harder than it sounds and so engaging. This game does require some space so make sure you have a floor or table that has room to spread out.

Flip 7 is so addictive. You have to decide if you want to play it safe or be a little risky. We bought this game for my nephew for Christmas, and my girls loved it so much that we bought our own. Give it a try! Super quick game that is easy to pack.

What other games or activities do you include on a road trip with teens and tweens?

Read about road trip activity suggestions for toddlers and kids here.

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