Road-trip activities for kids: a simple starter plan
Choose a looking game, a spoken game and a pencil activity. That gives you three different ways to play without a bag full of supplies.
Useful little resources
Ideas for the ride.
Clear rules, small supply lists and room to adapt. Choose what fits your family.
7 car games with no supplies
Try these spoken or looking games with passengers. The driver does not play while driving. Each game has a simple ending so it can stay a small part of the journey.
Quiet car activities for ages 6–10
Quiet can be a welcome choice without becoming a contest about who can stay silent longest. Offer a pencil task, an observation prompt or something to imagine.
Family road-trip activity packing checklist
A small activity kit is easier to keep together. Start with five items, then add only what your family actually uses.
Thanksgiving road-trip activities for kids
US Thanksgiving falls on November 26 in 2026. If your family will be driving, prepare a few flexible activity choices before travel week.
Christmas travel activities for kids
A holiday drive can use the same small activity kit as any other journey. Add a festive idea if your family enjoys it, and keep a non-holiday choice available.