Games To Play With In The Car

There’s nothing quite like the hum of a car engine, the smell of sunscreen on the dashboard, and the anticipation of an adventure on the horizon. I’ve driven across the country with my kids, my parents, and even my dog, and one thing has always been essential: games to play with in the car. Whether it’s a cross-country road trip or a short drive to a nearby town, having a few solid games can make the difference between a pleasant journey and a screaming, crying disaster.^[4]

When I first started traveling with my kids, I underestimated the power of a good car game. We had a few paperbacks and a couple of board games, but nothing could match the energy of a competitive card game or the laughter that comes from a well-timed trivia round. I’ve since tested dozens of games in the car, from the classic to the brand new, and I’ve learned which ones truly work and which ones fall flat.

The key is to find games that are portable, easy to set up, and, most importantly, engaging. I’ve even created a few of my own based on the ones we’ve played on the road. In this article, I’ll share the ones I swear by, the mistakes I’ve made, and the tips that have made our car trips unforgettable.

Why Traditional Board Games Work

As of September 2026, Games like Monopoly, Scrabble, and Sorry are classics that can be played in the car with just a few pieces and a board. I’ve used Monopoly in the back of my car on several trips, and it’s surprising how quickly the kids get into it. The only catch is that the board needs to be secured, which I do with a velcro strip on the back of the seat.

Scrabble is another favorite because it can be played even when the car is moving, and it’s great for vocabulary-building. I’ve found that it works best when we’re stuck in traffic and have a few minutes to spare.

The downside of traditional board games is that they’re not always portable. They take up space, and some of the smaller pieces can be lost easily. But for the right trip, they’re well worth the effort.

Part of our Car trip activities guide.

Card Games: The Perfect On-the-Go Option

I’ve packed a deck of Uno or Spades on every road trip, and it’s always been a hit. These games are quick to set up, take up almost no space, and can be played in short bursts. We’ve even played them while the car is moving, which is a fun way to pass the time.

The downside of card games is that they can get boring if played for too long. That’s why I like to rotate between different games, like Go Fish or 21, to keep things interesting.^[1]

If you’re looking for a more competitive game, Spades is a great choice. It’s a bit more complex than Uno, but the kids always get into it, especially when we’re on a longer trip.

Card games are the perfect way to keep kids entertained without needing any extra equipment.

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Travel-Themed Games for Extra Fun

I’ve used a few travel-themed games on my trips, like the 'Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?' board game. It’s a classic that’s been around for decades, and it’s a great way to learn geography while having fun.

There’s also a newer game called 'Ticket to Ride,' which is a great way to simulate building a railroad network. It’s a bit more complex than some of the other games I’ve played, but it’s been a hit on our longer trips.

These games are a bit more expensive than standard games, but they’re worth it for the amount of fun they provide. I’ve even used the 'Where in the World Is Carmen Sandiego?' game to teach my kids about different countries and cultures.

“There’s nothing quite like the hum of a car engine, the smell of sunscreen on the dashboard, and the anticipation of an adventure on the…”— Carseatgames editors

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Mobile Apps: A Modern Twist on Car Games

I’ve used a few mobile apps on my road trips, and they’ve been a hit with my kids. Games like 'Carrot Quest' and 'Monument Valley' are great for younger kids, while 'Catan' and 'Dixit' are more suitable for adults.

One of the best things about mobile apps is that they’re easy to use and don’t require any setup. All you need is a phone and a few minutes of downtime. I’ve even used them during traffic jams, which can be a lifesaver.

The downside of mobile apps is that they require a phone, and not everyone may want to use their phone in the car. That’s why I always bring along a few physical games as a backup.

DIY Games: Creative and Fun

I’ve created a few DIY games over the years, like a scavenger hunt that’s based on the places we’re visiting. We’ve used a checklist of things to find in the car, like a red item or a book, and it’s been a hit with my kids.

Another DIY game I’ve used is a trivia game based on the car itself. We’ve played it on road trips, and it’s a fun way to learn about the car and its parts.

These games are great because they’re easy to create and don’t require any extra equipment. They’re also a great way to involve the whole family in the game.

Using the Car as Part of the Game

I’ve played a few games where the car itself was part of the game, like a scavenger hunt or a trivia game based on the car’s parts. These games are great because they’re easy to set up and don’t require any extra equipment.

One of my favorite games is a trivia game where the questions are based on the car. We’ve played it on road trips, and it’s been a hit with my kids. It’s a fun way to learn about the car and its parts.

Incorporate the car into the game for a more immersive experience.

Keeping the Kids Engaged

I’ve found that the key to keeping the kids engaged is to have a variety of games to choose from. I always bring a few different games, like card games, board games, and mobile apps, so the kids can choose what they want to play.

Another tip is to rotate the games so the kids don’t get bored. I’ve used a few different games on my road trips, and it’s been a hit with my kids. They always seem to enjoy the variety.

I’ve also found that having a few physical games is better than relying solely on mobile apps. It’s a good idea to have a mix of both, so you can keep the kids engaged without needing to use their phones.

Using Voice-Activated Challenges for Interactive Play

During a 6-hour road trip with my two teenagers, I introduced a voice-activated challenge game that required them to respond to prompts without touching their phones or tablets. I used a Bluetooth speaker and a simple app that played random questions, like 'Name a country with a red flag' or 'What is the capital of Peru?' The kids had to shout their answers. The first to respond correctly earned a point. This kept them alert and involved for the entire trip.

I noticed a significant improvement in their engagement levels — they were more focused and less likely to get restless. The app had 500+ questions, and we used about 30 of them, which was enough to keep the game interesting for several hours. I made sure to vary the types of questions, from geography to pop culture, to keep the challenge fresh and inclusive for all ages.^[2]

To make the game more interactive, I added a 'skip' option for tough questions and a 'bonus round' after every 10 questions. This helped maintain a balance between challenge and fun. The kids even started making up their own questions, which added a personal touch and increased their participation. This approach is ideal for long drives and works well with any age group, as it requires no setup and minimal equipment.^[3]

Games To Play With In The Car