Road trips are fun until you start getting the churning feeling at the pit of your stomach.
But that shouldn’t stop you from backpacking.
Whether you are planning a trip with your friends or your family, it is imperative that you keep a few game ideas up your sleeve to avoid the monotony and boredom.
Keeping everybody in mind, we bring to you a collection of 11 road trip games to keep you up and about.
1. Alphabet Categories
A fun mix of letters and quick thinking that’s perfect for family members of all ages.
Requirements:
-
Just your voice and creativity
How to Play:
Pick a category like animals, countries, or food. Starting with A, each player must name something in that category. For example, “A for Apple,” “B for Banana,” and so on. Keep going through the alphabet. If someone gets stuck, they’re out—or give them a lifeline if you’re feeling generous.
2. Car Color Count
A super simple and competitive game ideal for young kids or sleepy travelers.
Requirements:
-
Eyes on the road
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Pen and paper (optional)
How to Play:
Each player chooses a car color at the start of the trip. As you drive, everyone counts the cars in their color. The player with the highest count by the time you stop for a break or reach your destination wins.
3. Never Have I Ever (Roadtrip Edition)
A great game for couples or families with teens to learn quirky facts about each other.
Requirements:
-
Just your voice
-
Honesty and humor
How to Play:
Players take turns saying, “Never have I ever…” followed by something they’ve never done. Anyone who has done it must raise a hand or say “I have.” It leads to fun stories, laughs, and a few surprises along the way.
4. Travel Trivia
Test your brainpower with trivia that keeps everyone learning and entertained.
Requirements:
-
A list of trivia questions (or use an app)
How to Play:
One person acts as the quizmaster and asks random trivia questions. The rest of the group answers, keeping score as you go. You can play individually or in teams, and switch quizmasters after each round to keep it fair and fresh.
5. Who Am I?
A guessing game that’s perfect for families and couples to challenge each other.
Requirements:
-
Pen and paper or just your memory
How to Play:
Think of a famous person or character and give the others clues without saying their name. They try to guess who you are. If they struggle, offer more hints. Whoever guesses correctly gets to go next, and the game continues.
6. Road Trip Story Builder
A collaborative storytelling game that’s all about creativity and surprise.
Requirements:
-
Just your imagination
How to Play:
One person starts a story with a sentence like, “Once upon a time, a llama got into a taxi…” Each player adds a sentence, building on what the last person said. The wilder the story, the better the laughs. Keep going until someone finishes the tale or you reach your stop.
7. Song Connection
A musical game for couples or families who love a good playlist challenge.
Requirements:
-
A phone with music access or memory of lyrics
How to Play:
Someone sings or plays a line from a song. The next person must respond with a different song that connects by a word, artist, or theme. The game keeps looping until someone runs out of ideas. It’s fun, spontaneous, and great for music lovers.
8. License Plate Phrases
Turn random license plates into silly or clever phrases—perfect for older kids and adults.
Requirements:
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License plates on the road
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Imagination
How to Play:
Spot a license plate and make up a phrase using its letters. For example, “BRB 291” could become “Bananas Really Bounce.” The funnier or more creative, the better! Everyone takes turns and votes on the best phrase for each plate.
9. The Compliment Game
A feel-good bonding game, especially fun for couples or close families.
Requirements:
-
Just your words
How to Play:
Take turns giving genuine, thoughtful compliments to each person in the car. Try to make them specific rather than general. It’s a lovely way to pass time, build connection, and fill the car with good vibes.
10. Guess the Animal Sound
Great for younger kids, this game is educational and giggle-inducing.
Requirements:
-
Phone or tablet with animal sound clips
How to Play:
Play a sound clip of an animal and let others guess what it is. You can take turns being the one who plays the sound, or use an app that does it for you. Kids especially love this one—and often surprise adults with their animal knowledge!
11. This or That
A quick and easy game perfect for any age group, from couples to kids.
Requirements:
-
Just your voice
How to Play:
One player offers two choices—like “Beach or Mountains?” or “Pizza or Tacos?” Everyone in the car gives their answer and explains why. It’s simple, sparks fun debates, and helps you learn more about each other with every round.
See Also:
Keep the motion sickness and leg cramps away.
Pick your favorite game and you are all set.
Have a safe road trip ya’ll!!