Jeanne KrehLong family trips can either be a bonding dream—or a backseat nightmare. Kids get restless, parents get tired, and boredom creeps in like a backseat fog. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! If you’re hitting the road or taking to the skies, these 9 family travel games are about to be your new best friend.
From silly questions to scavenger hunts, we’ll help you turn long miles into laugh-filled memories. Whether you’re into adventure or just trying to keep everyone sane between snack breaks, let’s dive in.
Why Family Travel Games Are a Lifesaver on the Road
Let’s be honest—family travel isn’t always sunshine and selfies. Long drives and flights can stretch patience to its limits. That’s where travel games come in. They keep the energy light, spark conversations, and—best of all—cut down on those dreaded “Are we there yet?” moments.
Plus, with the right games, you’re not just entertaining the kids—you’re creating memories that stick. And isn’t that what travel’s all about?
What Makes a Great Family Travel Game?
Before we get into the list, let’s talk basics. Not all games are made for the road (we’re looking at you, board games with 50 tiny pieces). So, what does make a travel game great?
Portability and Simplicity
You want games that don’t take up space, are easy to explain, and can start or stop at any time.
Age Appropriateness
Make sure your game fits the youngest and oldest in your crew. A good travel game keeps everyone from preschool to parent engaged.
Minimal Pieces, Maximum Fun
The less stuff to keep track of, the better. The best games need no equipment at all—just brains and imagination.
Game #1: License Plate Bingo
How to Play
Everyone keeps an eye out for license plates from different states (or provinces, countries—depending on where you are). Mark them off your bingo sheet or write them down in a notebook.
Why It Works for All Ages
Little ones love spotting colors and letters, while older kids get competitive trying to be the first to spot rare ones like Hawaii or Alaska.
Game #2: 20 Questions
Keep the Whole Family Guessing
One person thinks of something—an animal, person, or object—and everyone else has up to 20 questions to guess what it is. Only yes/no answers allowed!
Make It Themed for More Fun
Try travel-themed categories: countries, landmarks, famous explorers, or 5-star hotels you’d love to visit. It’s fun and educational.
Game #3: I Spy
The Classic That Never Gets Old
“I spy with my little eye… something red!” It’s simple, sweet, and perfect for any age group.
Best Played on Scenic Drives
This game is tailor-made for road trips through beautiful destinations. (Check out the Gold Star Travel Crew Travel Guides for scenic routes worth spying on.)
Game #4: Alphabet Game
Great for Reading and Recognition
Look for words outside the car that begin with each letter of the alphabet, starting with A and ending with Z.
Make It a Competition
First one to Z wins! Bonus: It sharpens those reading skills without anyone realizing it.
Game #5: Would You Rather?
Silly, Gross, or Serious—It All Works
Would you rather live in a treehouse or a submarine? Eat worms or snails? It’s the game that lets kids go wild with their imaginations.
Learn More About Each Other
You’ll be surprised what you learn about your family. It’s perfect for building bonds and filling time between travel breaks or airport layovers. Speaking of which, if you’re flying soon, check out our Airport Guide to keep stress levels low.
Game #6: Story Chain
Spark Creativity and Laughter
One person starts a story with a single sentence, and everyone else adds to it one sentence at a time. Expect giggles, plot twists, and a whole lot of silliness.
Perfect for Long Hauls
This is great for long stretches when you need to keep everyone engaged without needing any supplies.
Game #7: Name That Tune
For the Music-Loving Family
Play the first few seconds of a song and see who can name it fastest. You can use a shared playlist or hum the tune if you’re going tech-free.
Make a Playlist in Advance
Create a travel playlist inspired by Luxury Travel destinations or your current adventure theme. It adds another layer of excitement!
Game #8: Road Trip Scavenger Hunt
Pre-Made or DIY Version
You can print a scavenger hunt list before the trip or just wing it: “Find a cow,” “See a red convertible,” “Spot someone wearing a hat.”
Keeps Kids Actively Observing
Not only is this fun, but it’s also a great way to keep your kids engaged with the journey itself, not just the destination.
Game #9: Travel Trivia
Customize by Destination
Headed to Europe? Ask questions about famous cities or history. Traveling locally? Quiz each other on state capitals or weird roadside attractions.
Bonus Learning on the Road
This game turns any ride into a mini-classroom—but way more fun. Tie it into your Bucket List adventures and destinations.
Bonus Tips for Making Travel Games a Hit
Include Prizes or Rewards
Stickers, small snacks, or the right to pick the next music playlist—simple incentives go a long way.
Rotate Games Often
Keep boredom at bay by switching it up every 20–30 minutes. Trust us, the variety keeps things lively.
Pair These Games with Smart Travel Planning
Use Travel Guides for Inspiration
Before your trip, browse some expert suggestions from the Travel Guides section at Gold Star Travel Crew. They’re packed with game-friendly, family-approved ideas.
Plan Breaks with Fun in Mind
Stop at playgrounds, quirky landmarks, or scenic overlooks. Incorporating adventure moments from Gold Star’s Adventure Travel page can make your trip unforgettable.
Discover More at Gold Star Travel Crew
Adventure Travel for All Ages
Need something a little wilder for your family? Check out the Adventure Travel tag to spice up your itinerary.
Family Travel Resources Galore
There’s a whole section dedicated to Family Travel on Gold Star Travel Crew—packed with tips, tricks, and ideas to make your journey smoother and more memorable.
Conclusion: The Secret to a Happy Family Road Trip
At the end of the day, family travel games aren’t just about passing the time—they’re about building memories, laughter, and maybe a few inside jokes that last a lifetime. Whether you’re headed to a luxurious resort or a rustic national park, these games turn miles into magic.
And hey, if you can get to your destination with everyone still smiling, that’s a huge win, right?
FAQs About Family Travel Games
1. What are the best family travel games for toddlers?
Simple games like “I Spy,” songs, and scavenger hunts work wonders. Keep it visual and interactive!
2. Are there travel games that don’t require any materials?
Absolutely! “20 Questions,” “Would You Rather,” and “Story Chain” require nothing but imagination.
3. How can I keep teens interested in road trip games?
Make the games competitive or tech-friendly. Trivia, playlists, and prizes help a lot.
4. Can these games work on planes too?
Definitely! Most of them are versatile enough for air, car, or train travel. Try “Alphabet Game” with signs and menus at the airport.
5. What’s the ideal game length?
Keep it short—10–15 minutes. Attention spans vary, and rotation is key.
6. Where can I find more travel ideas for kids?
Check out Gold Star’s Family Vacation tag for fresh inspiration.
7. Are there travel games for international trips?
Yes! Try “License Plate Bingo” with country flags or “Travel Trivia” about Europe if that’s your destination.