Sure, you’ve already loaded up your phone with games (for you or your little ones) and downloaded all those episodes you missed of your favorite show for your annual 12-hour summer road trip, but, fact is, someone is going to get bored. Eliminate the “…Are we there yet”s and prevent bouts of restlessness with these fun games that will keep passengers of all ages smiling.
- License Plate Game
This is a classic, but the competition will keep everyone in the car entertained. Try to find a license plate for each of the 50 states. On the fly, write them in a notebook, but if you plan ahead, bring a map of the US and mark off each state as you go. This is perfect for kids who need to improve their geography skills or adults who need a refresher!
- Alphabet I Spy
A step up from simple I Spy. Start with A and try to find three things outside the car that begin with that letter. For example: apple, auto, and arch. The first person to get all three chooses the next letter and their challenger.
- Counting Cows
How many cows do you think there are between Redding and Red Bluff? Here’s your chance to find out. Play individually or divide the car in half for two teams. First, make a guess. Then, start counting! See how many cows (or sheep, tractors, etc.) you see before you reach a chosen destination. The team with the most cows or the best guess chooses the next playlist.
- City, Country, River
This one can be tough, but after counting all those cows, you might need something a little more intellectual. Agree on three categories such as city, country and river, and then choose any letter of the alphabet. Challenge your co-pilot to find one of each. For example: Sacramento, Sweden and the Salmon River.
- Recess break!
Instead of filling up on caffeine and sugar on your next bathroom break at the gas station, take a KEEN recess break! Do ten jumping jacks, play catch with anything you can find in the car, or take a moment to gaze up at the clouds, stretch your arms out, and breathe in that fresh air. Whew.
Where are you headed this summer? And which games help you pass the time in the car? We can’t wait to try out your suggestions on the road.
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- Targhee II Hiking Boots – Ready for Your Off-Road Challenges
- KEEN Now Accepting Applicants for 2012 Summer Internship Program
- Outside Magazine Summer Buyer’s Guide Features KEEN Turia Sandal and Timmons Slip-On
Tags: adventure, counting cows, country city river, family, family trip, I spy, keen recess, license plate, license plate game, recess, recess break, road trip, road trip games, summer, travel games
Keen,
We use to play the Counting Cows game on long car rides through the country, however our rules were slightly different from above. You were only allowed to count the cows on your side of the road (so pick your side of the car wisely) and if a graveyard was on your side of the road all the cows you counted “died” and you had to start over…rest of the rules are the same: Person with most cows when you got to destination wins.
Just thought I would share. This game may be easier now with smart phones, kids can Google search graveyard locations and not pick that side of the car, we didn’t have that “luxury” when I was a kid.
Thank you for making awesome shoes!!!
Sara, that’s a great twist to the game. Worrying about passing a graveyard would definitely add some extra stress to playing!
We’re heading to northern, Northern California for a family road trip later this summer. In addition to all of your great tips, we like to play car nature bingo. Players are inspired to look for birds, butterflies, bridges, flowers and more. It’s fun to pay attention to things you might otherwise not even notice.
road trips are the best.
but then so are little hour away escapes.
i featured your sandals on my new blog post.
i am more fashion oriented but i am also outdoor active.
i have been wearing my keens a lot this summer.
would love for you guys to check it out.
http://fashionbater.blogspot.com/2012/06/summer-hike.html
Debi, thanks for the fun suggestion! Are you heading up to the Redwoods? Alexys, thank you for sharing you blog post. KEENs can functional and fashionable.
Oh, I loved the license plate game when I was a kid. Can’t wait for J-Man to play along when he gets old enough. We just got back from the Tetons last night and are hoping to head back in the fall along with some other shorter road trips and adventures this summer. I am currently putting together a road trip game for toddlers and I will share when it is finished. This past trip with J-Man inspired it.
Melissa, hope you had a great time in the Tetons! Looking forward to hearing about the road trip game for toddlers.
We’ll be on the road—for a month this summer! Taking in half of America and the wonders along the way. We stick to the old-fashioned car entertainment on our road trips (no videos, or electronic games). So, we love your classic car games you shared here. City, Country, River is a new one for us! Thank you!
Heather, we’d love to hear about your trip when you’re back. I’m sure you’ll come up with a few more creative car games along the way. Safe travels!
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First of all I would like to say awesome blog! I had a quick question that I’d like to ask if you don’t mind. I was curious to find out how you center yourself and clear your mind before writing. I’ve had a hard time clearing my thoughts in getting my thoughts out there. I truly do take pleasure in writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are usually wasted just trying to figure out how to begin. Any recommendations or tips? Cheers!