How to Have Fun During a Long Car Ride (Kids)

Last Updated: November 16, 2021

Dreading that long, family car ride? Boredom isn't inevitable; in fact, a long car ride is an opportunity to do lots of fun things all from the comfort of your car seat!

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Activities

1
Read a book. This can work for some, as long as you don't get too carsick. If you feel carsick, stop reading. Get an active book that is full of action -- this should keep you occupied!
2
Take advantage of your technology. If you have an iPhone, iPad, or iPod, play games that don't require the Internet! Some good ones are Paintsparkle, talking friends apps, (some talking friends apps require money) including Tom Heart Angela, Talking Larry, (Talking Larry might require money, too), Talking Rex, Talking Lila, and Talking Hippo require money, other recommendations are the Garfield diner app, Pet Puppy, Angry Birds, Hungry Hippo, Zoom, Math Puppy.
- Watch a movie or two on your digital tablet or portable DVD player.
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3
Play with some toys. If you brought along some stuffed animals, play a game of show them around the outside of the car. You can also play with anything else you may have brought from home, such as dolls, barbies, etc.
4
Listen to some music. Calming music will help you be Calm in the car rather than listening to rock music. Try classical, hymns, acapella, and more! Play around with different genres.
5
Take photos of the view out the window.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Interacting with Others

1
Talk to your family. Share stories, remember funny events or memories, or discuss what you're going to do when you arrive at your destination. It will be nice to chat to family on phone so you can catch up what you missed.
2
Play some car games. Some great ones are I Spy, naming things you see that starts with each letter of the alphabet, making acronyms for license plates, playing hangman if you have some paper and a pencil or pen. Or anything else you can think of!
3
Sing songs together. Put music on through the car stereo and sing along. Or, just sing songs that all of you know. You might even teach your family some new ones. Bring a piece of paper and write down made up song lyrics. Let the kids try to write their own song and sing it to the beat of songs they know.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Refreshing Yourself

1
Get some rest. If you're on a long car ride, make sure you take some time to catch up on sleep!
2
Have a snack. Make sure you're eating enough, but if it's a super long trip and you're family is stopping for a meal, don't overeat. Also make sure to stay hydrated unless you want a pounding headache.
3
Drink water when you feel thirsty.

Community Q&A

Question

I will be going on a road trip with an older sibling who ignores me and makes me angry. How do I get him to talk and play games during the trip?

Community Answer

Try choosing a game you know he likes. He'll be much more likely to say yes. You could also try bribing him, for example tell him if he plays a game with you for an hour, you'll totally leave him alone for an hour after that. Keep in mind, older siblings have their own thing going on and they often need some space. This can be frustrating, but you should try to be understanding.
Question

How do I stop getting car sick?

Community Answer

When you start feeling nauseous, look somewhere with the least pattern/texture possible (like a solid color), breathe deeply, and don't close your eyes. If this doesn't work, drink water or stop at somewhere alongside the road to take a short walk and use the bathroom.
Question

What are some car games?

Community Answer

A good game is the alphabet game. Look for signs starting with each letter of the alphabet in order. You might also play "I Spy with My Little Eye..." where you call out an object you've sighted in a particular color and the other passengers have to figure out what is is.

Warnings

Don't make any loud sounds or sudden movements. This could distract the driver and possibly put you and the other passengers in danger of an accident.

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Things You'll Need

Some books (optional)
iPad, iPhone, or iPod (optional)
Pillows
Blankets
Toys (optional)
Clothing, both pajama, and daytime clothing
Tooth brushes
Pictures to remind you of home (if you get homesick easily)
Medicine, but be sure to ask your parents first, (just in case you get sick, being sick is no fun)