Best Kids Car Games for RV Road Trips
A long road trip with kids can quickly become a perfect storm for arguments over shared space and more than enough screen time on the tablet. But it doesn’t have to be! With the right preparation, you can turn hours on the road into a fun and memorable experience for the whole family. One of the best ways to keep kids entertained during a road trip is by playing games. These car games for kids can make the journey feel shorter and keep everyone engaged and happy. Here are some fantastic game ideas that will make your next RV trip a blast!
The Classic “I Spy”
“I Spy” is a timeless game that has entertained kids for generations. The rules are simple: one player picks an object within sight and says, “I spy with my little eye something that is [color/shape/size].” The other players then take turns guessing what the object is. This game is great for developing observational skills and can be played with children of all ages.
Tips for “I Spy”
Adapt to Age: For younger kids, use colors and shapes. For older children, you can add more complex clues such as textures or specific details.
Keep It Moving: Encourage kids to pick objects that will be visible for a while to avoid frustration. Items outside of the vehicle can quickly disappear in the rearview.
License Plate Game
The License Plate Game is another popular choice for long road trips across state lines. The goal is to spot license plates from as many different states as possible. You can make it more interesting by using a map to mark off states as you find them. Or, for a competitive edge, keep a tally to see who can spot the most.

Tips for the License Plate Game
Print a Map: Bring a printed map of the United States to color in states as you find their plates.
Create Teams: If you have a larger group, split into teams and compete to see who finds more plates.
20 Questions
“20 Questions” is another classic car game for kids that is both fun and educational. One player thinks of an object, and the other players take turns asking yes-or-no questions to guess what it is. They have up to 20 questions to figure it out.
Tips for 20 Questions
Set Categories: To make it easier, agree on a category (e.g., animals, objects, famous people) before starting.
Keep It Fair: Rotate the role of the answerer so everyone gets a chance to think of an object.
Alphabet Game
The Alphabet Game is a great way to pass the time and can be played individually or as a group. The objective is to find things that start with each letter of the alphabet, in order from A to Z, using road signs, billboards, or license plates. It’s another well-known and popular choice when it comes to car games for kids.
Tips for the Alphabet Game
Work Together: Make it a team effort to find the words in order.
Set Boundaries: Decide if you can use any words or only specific types (e.g., only road signs).
Would You Rather?
“Would You Rather?” is a fun and silly game that can lead to lots of laughs and interesting conversations. One person poses a question that starts with “Would you rather…” and gives two choices. Everyone else then chooses which option they would prefer and explains why.
Tips for Would You Rather?
Be Creative: Encourage creative and funny questions to keep the game light-hearted.
Know Your Audience: Make sure the questions are age-appropriate and suitable for everyone in the car.
Travel Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt is a fantastic way to keep kids engaged during a long trip. Make a list of items that players need to find during the journey, such as a specific type of vehicle, a certain animal, or a landmark. The first person to find all the items on the list wins.

Tips for Travel Scavenger Hunt
Tailor the List: Adjust the difficulty and length of the list based on the children’s age and the trip’s length.
Team Up: Pair younger kids with older ones to help them find items.
Road Trip Bingo
Create bingo cards with different items you might see on a road trip, such as cows, bridges, gas stations, or other RVs. As you travel, players mark off items on their cards when they spot them. The first person to get five in a row wins!
Tips for Road Trip Bingo
Make Your Own Cards: Customize the bingo cards based on your route and what you’ll likely see.
Small Prizes: Offer small prizes for the winners to keep the game exciting.
Name That Tune
“Name That Tune” can be a big hit for music-loving families. One person hums or whistles a tune, and the others have to guess the song. You can also use a playlist of favorite songs and play the first few seconds to see who can guess the title first.

Tips for Name That Tune
Use Playlists: Create playlists with songs everyone knows to keep it fair.
Sing Along: Turn it into a mini-concert by singing along to the songs after they’re guessed.
Storytelling Round Robin
This game is perfect for sparking creativity and laughter. One person starts a story with a single sentence, and then each person adds another sentence to continue the story. The results can be hilarious and unexpected!
Tips for Storytelling Round Robin
Set a Theme: Choose a theme or setting for the story to give it some direction.
Keep It Going: Encourage everyone to be as imaginative as possible to make the story fun and engaging.
Spot the RV
Since you’re traveling in a motorhome or hitched to a camper, why not play a game that’s centered around spotting other RVs? See who can spot the most RVs on the road or identify different types of RVs and motorhomes.
Tips for Spot the RV
Know Your RVs: Bring along a guide to different types of RVs to help identify them.
Create Categories: Award points for different categories, such as motorhomes, travel trailers, and fifth wheels.
Geography Game
The Geography Game is another educational and entertaining option. One person names a place (city, country, river, etc.), and the next person has to name another place that starts with the last letter of the previous place. For example, if someone says “Denver,” the next person might say “Rome.”
Tips for the Geography Game
Use a Map: Keep a map handy to help with ideas and to learn more about the places mentioned.
Play Fair: Allow younger kids to use place names they are familiar with to keep it inclusive.
Animal Guessing Game
This game is perfect for younger children who love animals. One player thinks of an animal, and the others ask yes-or-no questions to guess what it is. This game is similar to 20 Questions but focuses specifically on animals. This can make it easier for the youngest passengers to participate.

Tips for the Animal Guessing Game
Use Hints: Give younger kids hints to help them guess the animal.
Expand Knowledge: Use the game as an opportunity to teach kids more about the animals around them.
Car Color Count
Choose a color and see who can spot the most cars of that color within a set time period. This game is simple but can be surprisingly competitive and fun.
Tips for Car Color Count
Rotate Colors: Change the color every few minutes to keep the game fresh.
Keep Track: Use a notepad or tally marks to keep track of the count.
Magnetic Travel Games
For a bit of variety, consider bringing along some magnetic travel games like chess, checkers, or tic-tac-toe. These games are designed to stay in place even on bumpy roads, making them perfect for car trips.
Tips for Magnetic Travel Games
Choose Favorites: Pick games that your kids already enjoy playing to ensure they stay entertained.
Pack Extras: Bring a few different games to switch between them during the trip.
A road trip with kids doesn’t have to be a challenge. By incorporating these car games for kids into your journey, you can keep the little ones entertained and help long drives breeze by. Whether you’re playing “I Spy,” spotting license plates, or enjoying a storytelling round robin, these car games for kids will make the miles fly by and ensure that everyone has a great time. So, next time you set out on an adventure with your RV in tow, be sure to have these games ready to keep the fun rolling!
Your Next Road Trip Begins with Crossroads
There’s no better place to start your RV road trip than Crossroads Trailer Sales! Our extensive selection of high-quality, coupled with our expert advice and commitment to customer satisfaction, ensures you’ll find the perfect camper for your family. Visit us today to browse our RV and trailer parts store and explore our RVs for sale. Our team can guide you to the RV that suits your family’s needs and budget. Don’t wait—your dream RV is waiting for you at Crossroads Trailer Sales. And remember, the key to a successful road trip is not just the destination, but the journey itself. Happy travels!
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