Travelling by car with the kids for a longer journey soon? If you’re looking for ways to keep them amused and avoid the “are we there yet?” chorus, we’ve got you covered. Here are 5 fun car games and travel activity ideas that are perfect for keeping little hands and minds busy on the road.
#1. Holiday Sticker Book (Usborne)
The Holiday Sticker Book (Usborne Sticker Books)
It includes tropical scenes like a watery visit to Sea World, snorkelling on a coral reef, a safari trip, and a log cabin camp.
“I like the beach page the best with the crab stickers” – Ellie, age 5
#2. Block by Block Creative Building Game
The Block by Block Creative Building Game
Block by Block helps players sharpen their visual perception and spatial thinking skills, and it comes with a handy travel bag for the car.
Oisín (10) says “It’s fun, difficult, and sometimes the answers come to you at a completely random time”.
Available from Amazon.co.uk
Download our free Car Puzzles Sheet for even more in-car fun!
#3. Hasbro Travel Connect 4
Hasbro Travel Connect 4
First to get four in a row – horizontally, vertically or diagonally – wins the game. The counters store neatly inside the self-contained unit, so there’s nothing to lose down the back of the car seat.
Available from Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.
You might also enjoy our 30 fun games for car journeys.
#4. Eric Carle Animal Flash Cards
These beautiful Eric Carle Animal flash cards, featuring artist and author Eric Carle’s (of “The Hungry Caterpillar” fame) familiar animal illustrations, make a lovely introduction to the ABCs.
Printed on thick, sturdy board, they’re perfect for small hands to hold in the car (and make gorgeous room decorations too).
Maria says, “These are great for keeping your toddler amused in the car.”
#5. Go Fishing – Take ‘N’ Play Anywhere Game
The Go Fishing – Take ‘N’ Play Anywhere Game is magnetic – use the magnetic fishing poles to search for your coloured fish!
Suitable for 2 to 4 players, ages 4 and up.
Includes 16 magnetic fish, 4 magnetic fishing poles, a spinner, a magnetic game board and rules.
Available from Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best car games for young kids?
Simple, hands-on activities work best for younger children – sticker books, flash cards and magnetic games are all great choices because there are no small loose pieces to drop and lose in the car.
What car games work well for older kids?
Older kids tend to enjoy games with a bit more challenge, like building or strategy games such as Block by Block or Connect 4, which keep them thinking without needing lots of space.
How can I keep kids entertained on a long car journey without screens?
A mix of sticker books, travel-sized games, flash cards and a printable puzzle sheet gives kids a few different activities to switch between, which usually keeps them entertained for longer than one single toy or game.
Do these games work for plane journeys too?
Yes, all of the ideas above are compact and mess-free, so they work just as well for flights as they do for car journeys.
Do you have a great travel tip for keeping kids amused on long journeys? Share it with us in the comments below.
Related Articles
- 30 Fun Games for Car Journeys
- Family Road Trip Tips for Travelling with Kids
- Rainy Day Ideas to Keep Kids Entertained at Home
Save These Ideas for Your Next Trip
Packing for a car journey with kids? Bookmark this page or pin it to your travel board so you have these ideas handy the next time you’re heading off on a trip.
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