How to Keep Kids Entertained on a Road Trip (Without Screens)
Planning a road trip with kids this summer? You're probably excited about the adventure—but maybe a little nervous about keeping everyone happy during the drive.
While screens can help in a pinch, sometimes you just want a break from the constant videos and apps. If you’re looking for fun, screen-free ways to keep kids entertained in the car, you’re in the right place.
Here are some tried-and-true road trip activities that make the miles fly by—without anyone asking “Are we there yet?” five minutes in.
1. Pack a Travel Music Playlist
Nothing sets the tone for a great road trip like the right soundtrack.
Before you hit the road, create a family playlist with a mix of upbeat songs, sing-along classics, and everyone’s personal favorites. Let each family member pick a handful of songs so there’s something for everyone—and rotate who gets to be “DJ” for the hour.
Need ideas? Here are some classic family-friendly road trip songs to get you started:
Life is a Highway – Tom Cochrane / Rascal Flatts
I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) – The Proclaimers
ABC – The Jackson 5
Can’t Stop the Feeling! – Justin Timberlake
Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey
Happy – Pharrell Williams
On the Road Again – Willie Nelson
For younger kids, mix in some Disney hits or soundtracks from animated movies.
You could even turn it into a game: guess the song or name the artist.
2. Play Classic Verbal Games
Sometimes the best games require zero supplies—just imagination and a bit of creativity. These verbal games are perfect for all ages and help pass the time in a fun, interactive way:
20 Questions
One person thinks of something (an animal, place, or object), and the others take turns asking yes-or-no questions to figure out what it is.
Example: “Is it something you can eat?” “Is it bigger than a microwave?” You only get 20 questions to guess!
Would You Rather
Take turns asking fun or silly “Would you rather…” questions.
Example: “Would you rather only eat chips for a year or never eat chips again?” It’s a fun way to learn what your kids think—and get them laughing.
The Alphabet Game
Start at the letter A and look for words outside the car that begin with each letter of the alphabet, in order.
Example: You might see an “Airport” sign, then look for “Bus,” then “Carwash.” First person to get to Z wins!
These classics work well with groups of all ages—and since everyone can play at once, they keep the whole car engaged.
3. Bring Printable Scavenger Hunts
This one’s a game-changer.
The Road Trip Scavenger Hunt Bundle is a collection of printable activities designed specifically for travel. It includes themed hunts for:
Road signs
Restaurant chains
Car types
License plates
And more!
Just print the pages before you leave, hand them out in the backseat, and let the kids compete to see who can find everything on the list.
Check out the Road Trip Scavenger Hunt Bundle here
It’s a simple way to add fun, focus, and friendly competition to your drive - without pulling out a single device.
4. Pack Surprise Snacks
Snack time is always a hit - but you can make it even more fun (and structured) by turning it into a game itself.
Before your trip, pack a few individually wrapped surprise snacks in paper bags, envelopes, or small containers. Label each one with a mile marker (e.g., “Open at 100 miles”) or a time (“Open at 10:30 AM”).
You can get creative with the rewards:
New flavors of chips or crackers
Dried fruit or trail mix with M&Ms
Mini muffins or bite-sized cookies
A drink pouch or reusable water bottle with a twist
A joke or riddle card tucked inside
It’s a simple system, but it builds anticipation, keeps energy up, and helps pace the trip without relying on a drive-thru every hour.
5. Play Road Trip Bingo
Want a game that’s part observation, part competition, and all fun? Try Road Trip Bingo!
Each player gets a different board, and the goal is to mark off images as they spot them through the windows. First one to complete a row, column, or diagonal wins!
It’s easy for even young kids to play, and the picture-based format makes it great for non-readers too.
This printable set includes 8 different bingo sheets with colorful images.
Grab the Road Trip Bingo Printable Set here
Print before you pack, and you’ve got hours of screen-free fun waiting in the backseat.
Bonus Tip: Let the Kids Help Navigate
If your kids are a bit older, let them follow along on a printed map and mark progress toward your destination. It gives them a sense of control and makes geography fun.
Ready to Hit the Road?
A little preparation can go a long way toward making your road trip smoother, quieter, and way more fun. And if you need an easy win, don’t forget to grab the printable scavenger hunt bundle before you pack the car.
Here’s to great tunes, fun games, and zero backseat meltdowns. Safe travels!