Trapped in a car full of restless children…this is a scenario often played out on family road trips. Many parents have struggled to make long road trips fun and enriching experiences only to be stumped with what to do when the journey becomes tedious.

Make trips more fun by playing these games with your children!

I SPY

Look for an interesting object whilst driving, and shout out the first letter of the object you see to your kids and have them spot it. If you see an image of Pixar’s Toy Story Buzz Lightyear on a bus advertisement, say, “I spy with my little eye, something beginning with B!” You can also have fun spotting different car makes and models.

Simon Says

The kids are to do anything that Simon says. If you say “Simon says cover your eyes!” they need to cover their eyes. However, if the instruction is not prefaced with “Simon says”, for example “Cover your eyes!”, then they are out it they cover their eyes. One added advantage is that if you need some peace and quiet, simply command, “Simon says, be quiet as a mouse!”

Complete the Story

Adults and kids take turns to spin an open-ended story. Each contributes a complete sentence to weave the story and improvise the tale spun earlier by another. Carry on until the group comes full circle or you choose to wrap things up.

Silly Riddles

Pose silly, amusing riddles to kids: What have four legs and no eyes? Whilst they are pre-occupied trying to think of answers, you have plenty of time to think of the next one!

Adapted from an article first published on 24 Mar 2013 on Dads for Life Toolbox.