You’ve packed the snacks, cranked up the tunes, and hit the highway. But how do you and your crew make it through those long, winding stretches of road? Enter: road trip games!
Whether dodging traffic or cruising scenic routes, these games will keep the entire car laughing, competing, and guessing along the journey. From classic favorites to hilarious new ones, we’ve rounded up 13.5 of the best road trip games on the planet.
Dig in below and pick a few favorites for the next time you roll out.
Why Road Trip Games Are Essential for Long Drives
Long road trips can become tedious without entertainment. Games like the ones listed below not only pass the time but also foster engagement, creativity, and connection among travelers.
With a variety of options, from simple observation-based games to interactive storytelling, there’s something for everyone. Plus, many of these games can be tailored to fit the group’s age, interests, and sense of humor, ensuring the road trip is memorable for all the right reasons.
1. Cows on My Side
Who knew spotting cows could be so competitive? Cows on My Side is the ultimate game for anyone driving through rural areas.
The rules are simple: whenever you see cows on your side of the car, yell, “Cows on my side!” before your road trip buddies can spot them.
Bonus rule: If you see a cemetery on the other side, shout, “Ghost cows!” to steal all points from the person with the most points. The winner is the one with the most cows at the end of the trip (or at a predetermined stop time).
Why we love it: It’s hilarious, especially when things get serious over a cow sighting. It adds a fun twist to those sometimes boring, cow-filled country stretches.
2. 20 Questions
This crowd favorite is a staple of road trips everywhere. One person thinks of something—an object, person, or place—and the rest of the car has 20 yes-or-no questions to guess what it is.
Top tip: Think like others won’t think. For example, no one ever expects someone to pick something like “dust bunny.”
Why it’s great: It’s great for all ages and really makes you think. Plus, it can turn into a fun debate when someone picks a bizarre or obscure answer.
3. License Plate Game
The License Plate Game is a classic for cross-country road trips. Each player tries to spot as many different state license plates as possible. You can even add a little twist — whoever finds the most plates from states they’ve never visited wins.
Why we dig it: It keeps everyone on the lookout and can lead to snap geography lessons when someone asks, “Wait, where’s Wyoming?”
4. The Alphabet Game
In this game, players race to spot the letters of the alphabet in order by looking at road signs, billboards, or even those tacky bumper stickers. The first person to find all the letters, from A to Z, wins.
The word has to start with the letter for that letter to count. That way, the game lasts much longer and is easier to track.
Why it’s on this ‘best of’ list: It keeps everyone focused on the scenery instead of their phones, plus it can get surprisingly intense toward the end when the car is hunting for a Q or Z.
5. Would You Rather?
Would You Rather? is a classic game that can get hilariously ridiculous, like:
“Would you rather have the ability to teleport anywhere in the world instantly, but only once per day, or be able to fly at a slow speed (5 mph) for as long as you want?”
The questions can be silly or serious, but they’re always bound to spark lively conversation.
Why we’d rather have it on our road trip: Because this road trip game can be adapted to any group and mood, from deep philosophical debates to outright absurdity.
6. Pit Stop Foodie Frenzy
If your road-trippin’ crew loves food, Pit Stop Foodie Frenzy is a must.
The rules are simple: you must find a regional dish or snack at every pit stop and try it.
Everyone joins in whether it’s clam chowder in New England, gumbo in the Bayou, BBQ in Texas, or some Navajo frybread in the Southwest.
Whoever picks the best dish (judged by the group) gets a point. Bonus points for weird or unexpected finds!
Why this one’s up our alley: Because food-ventures and road trips go hand in hand.
The ultimate road trip to Guy Fieri’s best ‘Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives’ locations
7. Name That Tune
Name That Tune is a tried-and-true road trip game where one person hums or sings a song, and the others guess the song title.
You can also switch it up by playing snippets from your playlist and seeing who can guess it first.
Why we dig it: It’s an instant party vibe in the car and, besides, who doesn’t love a good sing-along?
8. I Spy
This one’s perfect for younger kids (or anyone else who loves a good challenge). I Spy is a game where one player picks an object in sight and utters that classic phrase:
“I spy with my little eye, something that is [insert color or shape].”
The others have to guess what it is. Be sneaky and pick something hard to spot like a tiny sticker in the corner of the window.
Why it works so well: It’s simple, can be played by anyone, and keeps everyone’s eyes on the road ahead.
9. The Movie Game
A movie buff’s must-play! One person names a movie, and the next player has to name an actor in that movie.
Then, the next person names another movie that actor was in, and so on. If someone gets stumped, they’re out for that round. This game can go on for hours, keeping the whole family entertained for those long empty stretches.
Why we play this one: It’s the perfect way to flex your movie knowledge, plus it’s hilarious when someone busts out an obscure B-list actor.
10. I’m Going on a Picnic
This memory game starts with one person saying something like:
“I’m going on a picnic, and I’m bringing [something that starts with A].”
The next person repeats the sentence and adds an item that starts with B, and so on. Each player has to repeat everything that’s been said before and then keep building on the list through the alphabet. The longer the list gets, the harder it becomes to remember, and laughter is guaranteed.
Why it’s a fun one: It tests memory and creativity, and it’s especially fun with goofy or random items like, “I’m bringing a giraffe.”
11. Two Truths and a Lie
This road trip game is perfect for traveling friends who want to get to know each other better. Each person takes turns sharing two true facts and one lie about themselves. The other players have to guess which statement is the lie.
It’s a great way to learn something surprising or silly about your road trip companions, and it can get pretty competitive!
Why we’re fans: It stretches our creative muscles and can lead to some hilarious and unexpected revelations.
12. Road Trip Bingo
Road Trip Bingo is a perennial favorite that involves spotting specific landmarks or objects, like water towers, cows, or fast-food chains.
Road trip bingo cards feature these roadside attractions in place of the standard bingo numbers so you can mark your way toward the usual Bingo patterns.
Find printable bingo cards online, or make your own before you hit the road.
Why it works so well: It’s great for kids and adults alike, and it adds a competitive edge to the drive.
13. Never Have I Ever
Perfect for older groups, Never Have I Ever is a game where each person takes turns saying something they’ve never done.
If anyone else in the car has done that thing, they admit it. The best (or worst) part? You’ll learn some weird facts about your friends.
Why it’s cool: Who doesn’t want to learn the sometimes scandalous secrets about their travel companions?
13 and ½ = The Silent Game (a.k.a. “The Parents’ Favorite”)
And for the finale, we have a road trip game that’s sort of half of a game because it’s the game you play when the other games get out of control.
It’s simple: Everyone in the car must stay completely silent. The first person to talk or make a sound loses. This game is not a fan favorite among kids but an absolute hit with parents or anyone just craving some peace and quiet.
Why it’s great: Because, silence. Enough said.
Tips for Making Road Trip Games Even More Fun
- Customize the games to suit your group’s interests—whether it’s movie quotes, geography, or even personal trivia.
- Bring prizes. Small rewards, like snacks or choosing the next playlist, can up the ante and encourage participation.
- Switch it up. Rotate through several games to keep the car ride fresh and entertaining.
Road trips are about more than just getting to your destination. They’re also about the memories you make on the journey itself.
These 13 and ½ road trip games will keep everyone entertained, laughing, and bonding, no matter how long your trip is. So, next time you hit the road, make sure you’ve got these games in your back pocket to turn a long drive into a fun adventure!
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