The 7 Best Car Games for Kids

Discover the 7 best car games that will keep your kids entertained during your next family road trip.

“Can I play games on your cellphone?”

Most parents despise this question, but it’s inevitable, especially when on a family road trip. These days in-car entertainment is all but mandatory for extended stays in the car. The good news is there are a ton of kid-friendly car apps and games you can take along with you, like PBS Kids Games and supervised Pokemon Go!

7 Car Games & Apps for Family Road Trips

Whether you’ve got a cellphone, tablet, or just pencil and paper, here are some easy ways to keep your kids from constantly asking, “Are we there yet?” on your next family road trip.

1. Hangman
   If unplugging is on your summer to do list, an old school game of Hangman likely qualifies. Challenge your kids’ spelling skills with this guessing game. Pick a subject, and then a word.
   
   Players get two hints: the number of words and the category. Then they must guess letters to the word while you draw one part of the hangman with each letter they get wrong. The first person to guess the phrase or words before the hangman drawing is finished wins.
   
   This unplugged game can be played on teams or every man for himself. If you don’t mind plugging in during this family road trip, both Google Play and iTunes app stores have a number of Hangman apps to choose from.
    
2. Road Trip Scavenger Hunt
   If you plan on making stops in local towns, at rest stops or even at gas stations, a road trip scavenger hunt will be tons of fun for the entire family. Beforehand, make a list of items to be found and distribute to each family member.
   
   Your list can include everything from a roll of toilet paper to a map of Idaho. A road trip scavenger hunt is sure to provide lots of fun memories and some great selfie opportunities to remember your family vacation by.
    
3. Heads Up
   Make the classic Taboo game mobile by using the family-friendly gaming app Heads Up! When playing Heads Up! you must pick one traveler (not the driver) to draw digital cards. The player will place their cellphone on their forehead and a word will appear.
   
   All other players will give the cardholder clues as to what the word is without actually saying the word. Once the player guesses the word they will bow their forehead to reveal the next word. Each game is timed and has a theme.
    
4. Karaoke Anywhere
   There’s no reason to argue over whose music plays in the car if everyone is engaged in a game of karaoke. Karaoke Anywhere is an easy way to pass the time while on your road trip and give everyone a chance to sing their favorite songs.
   
   This app even lets users playback their hilariously, soulful song skills. This app is great whether you’re in the car or just enjoying some down time on your next family vacation.
   
   Not a fan of karaoke but still want to listen to some good tunes? Make a family playlist on Spotify and play it whenever you want to hear songs the whole family will enjoy.
    
5. Car Bingo
   The car game possibilities are endless with Car Bingo. This takes a little preparation because you have to print out the bingo cards prior to your trip, but it’s well worth it considering the variety of ways you can play. Your car bingo cards can challenge kids to find different color cars, stop signs, livestock, welcome signs or even restaurants.
   
   A search for ‘car bingo’ will turn up a ton of websites with printable car bingo cards with many unique game boards. Parents might also want to have some prizes on hand for this unplugged game.
    
6. Cows on Your Side
   If your family road trip includes long distances through places like Nebraska, Colorado or Wisconsin a game of Cows on Your Side will keep everyone busy. Each time a player sees a cow they yell, “COWS ON MY SIDE,” and they get a point.
   
   The trick is that they can also yell “COWS ON YOUR SIDE” if they happen to see cows on the other side of the car before no one notices. Your opponent then claims a point for your cows.
    
7. The Memory Test
   Kids will remember that “A is for apple” after the road trip game Memory Test. The first person will say “A is for ___.” The second person will then come up with a word for the letter B and must also repeat the “A” word.
   
   This will go on until you get to the letter Z. The person who messes up the sequence or forgets a word is out. If you want a digital way to train your brain, try Elevate - Brain Training Games for some fun!

These car games should stop the whining and complaining during your next family road trip. And remember, if your trip is going to include some gaming, make sure your digital devices are uploaded with a parental control app to keep your family’s digital surfing fun and safe.