Keep Kids Entertained While Traveling: 25 Games for the Car, Train or Plane
If you don't have a little bookworm at home who can spend hours flipping through encyclopedias, you're probably wondering how to keep your child entertained during long journeys. Fortunately, there are plenty of simple games and activities that can keep children busy for a long time – and you won't need a phone, tablet, or internet connection.
Before you set off, download our STORY CARDS from our website. This simple activity guarantees lots of fun and laughter! Here are a few ways to use them:
1. Each storyteller draws a certain number of cards. Using the pictures they have drawn, they tell a story, following the order in which the cards were picked.
2. Divide the cards among everyone who wants to play. Take turns telling the story. Each player must include the picture on their card in the next part of the story.
3. Before you start telling the story, arrange the cards together so they create the story you want to tell. Planning the storyline will keep everyone entertained for quite a while. You'll use your imagination, think creatively, and work together as a team.
The cards can also be used as coloring pages.
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More Games for Travel and Beyond
4. I'm Thinking of…
A timeless classic that never gets old.
One player thinks of an object. The others try to guess what it is by asking questions that can only be answered with YES or NO.
"Is it alive? Is it here in the car? Can I pick it up?..."
5. Who Am I?
Another fun variation of the previous game is guessing a specific person. It could be a family member, a fairy-tale character, a movie hero, or a famous person from the present or the past.
6. Word Chain
The first player starts with any word. Each following word must begin with the last letter of the previous one.
Tip: Agree on the rules before you start. Should the next word begin with the last letter or the last two letters? Are foreign words allowed? Can words be repeated with slight variations? Will you only use nouns or other parts of speech as well?
7. Word Association
The first player says any word. Without thinking too long, the next player immediately says the first word that comes to mind. Once you've collected ten words, reverse the order and try to recall them backwards. Can everyone remember them all?
8. One Letter
Choose one letter and one category of words. For example, name animals beginning with the letter P, or think of first names starting with Z. Who will be the first to run out of ideas?
9. Story Chain
Take turns creating a story, with each player adding just one sentence. For example: "Once upon a time, there was a dragon who was afraid of heights."
10. Color Hunt
Watch what's happening outside the window, choose a color, and race to see who spots it first. Maybe it'll be a red car, a yellow road sign, or a blue house…
11. Counting Cars
Each player chooses a car color.
The winner is the one who counts the most cars of their chosen color within the agreed time limit.
12. Alphabet Hunt
Find all the letters of the alphabet in order on billboards, road signs, or license plates.
13. Travel Bingo
Before you leave, make a list of things to spot along the way. For example: a bridge, a tractor, a tunnel, a cow, a motorcycle, a police car…
Children tick off each item as they see it.
14. Truth or Lie?
Each player tells two true facts and one made-up one.
The others have to guess which statement is false.
15. Guess the Sound
Choose an object nearby and make different sounds with it—run your hand over it, tap it against something hard, squeeze it, toss it… The other players close their eyes and try to guess what object you're holding.
16. Commercial Break
Each player chooses any object nearby and comes up with an advertising slogan for it. Who can create the most convincing commercial?
17. Plane Magazine Challenge
On a plane, everyone has an in-flight magazine in the seat pocket. Race to see who can find a specific picture or word first.
18. Charades
Guess objects, people, or animals—but without speaking. Use only gestures and actions.
19. Twenty!
The goal is to count together from one to twenty. Sounds easy? Not quite! Players say the numbers one after another, but no one decides who speaks next. It's very easy for two players to say the same number at the same time. If that happens, you have to start over from one. The same applies if everyone stays silent for a few seconds.
20. Name That Song
One player chooses any word. The next player has to think of a song containing that word. Then everyone sings it together.
21. Karaoke Challenge
This game does require a phone and internet connection. Search YouTube for karaoke versions of songs and guess which song is playing. If it's too easy, speed up the playback.
22. Forbidden Words
Choose three words that nobody is allowed to say during the entire journey. Pick common words that are difficult to avoid. Every time someone says one of the forbidden words, they receive a penalty point. Count up the points at the end of the trip.
23. Who Just Overtook Us?
Look at the car that has just passed you and invent a story about the people inside. Who are they? Where are they coming from? Where are they going? Why are they in such a hurry? You'll come up with plenty of funny stories.
24. Travel Rules
Before the journey begins, make up a few rules about what everyone has to do when something happens.
For example:
- If a blue car overtakes us, everyone claps.
- When we enter a town, we sing a song.
- If we overtake a bus, everyone barks like a dog.
25. Travel Journal
Start writing a travel journal. Everyone can keep their own diary, or you can create one family journal together. It's a fun activity to enjoy every day, and long journeys are the perfect time for writing.
Still worried about boredom? On our website you'll find plenty of printable coloring pages and fun activity sheets. Just print them before you leave and don't forget to pack plenty of crayons. ;-)
We wish you lots of fun on your travels!
The Mama Labels Team