76 Things to Do on a Road Trip to Keep You Entertained
Road trips are one of the classic ways to see the world. On your own time, at your own pace, you get to explore at ease. However, the downside is that sometimes, road trips can be really long. Boredom is the killer of all road trips, but don’t worry–I’ve got you covered with 76 things to do along the way!
As a seasoned traveler, I’m here with the ultimate guide of things to do on a road trip to avoid boredom so your trip is enjoyable from start to finish.
I’ve split this article into two sections to help you: things to do if you’re already on the road and everything you need if you’re planning ahead for your next road trip adventure.
Feel free to jump to whichever section suits your needs.
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Table of Contents
Already on the Road, Looking for Things to Do
If you’re literally in the car right now, no worries! Here are tons of things to do to stay entertained and avoid boredom. These activities are all easy to do when you’re already on the road, because the only things you need are passengers and maybe your phone.
Road Trip Games
1. I Spy
A classic game and simple for all ages! One person says, “I spy with my little eye something that’s [description].” The other players take turns guessing what it is. Once someone guesses correctly, they get to say the next clue. It’s simple but endlessly fun, especially for long stretches of road.
2. 20 Questions
One person thinks of something (a person, place, or thing) and the others take turns asking yes-or-no questions. The goals is to figure out what the person is thinking within 20 questions. The fewer questions it takes, the better!
3. License Plate Game: States and Countries
Try to spot license plates from as many different states (or countries) as you can. If you’re traveling through a lot of regions, make it a challenge to see how many different plates you can find by the time you reach your destination.
4. License Plate Game: Making Words
Look at a license plate and try to come up with a word that contains all the letters on the plate. For example, if you see a license plate “ABC 123,” you could form the word “CABBAGE.” The goal is to use all the letters.
If you want to add a level of challenge, you can require that the letters in the word appear in the same order as the letters on the plate. So “ABC 123” would be “ABACUS” or “ABDUCT.” Harder, but more fun if you can manage!
5. Road Trip Bingo
Create a bingo card filled with items you’ll likely see on the road (like a red car, a cow, a convertible, or specific landmarks). The first person to fill a row wins. You can come up with your own bingo cards as a group (you need 25 items for a 5×5 bingo set) or find online versions!
6. The Alphabet Search Game
Start with the letter “A” and try to find a word on signs, billboards, or license plates that starts with each letter of the alphabet. Go in order, from A to Z. It’s harder than it sounds, and it’s a great way to pass the time while keeping everyone involved!
7. Trivia
Test your knowledge with trivia challenges! There are plenty of trivia podcasts and apps where you can listen to questions and try to answer them.
8. Would You Rather
Ask each person a “Would you rather?” question (like “Would you rather never have to sleep again or never have to eat?”). Everyone takes a turn answering, and you can make the questions as weird, funny, or deep as you like. It’s a great conversation starter on a road trip and often leads to hilarious discussions.
9. Charades
Play this classic game where one person acts out a word or phrase without speaking, and the others have to guess what it is. It’s a fun, active game that can be played in the car with small gestures.
10. Song Association
One person says a random word, and the others must quickly think of a song that includes that word in the lyrics. You could set a time limit, like one minute, to make it more competitive. The quicker you come up with a song, the better! If one person can’t think of a song in time, they’re out, and the next person goes. Here’s a random word generator use for the game.
11. The Movie Game
One person says the name of a movie, and the next person has to say another movie title that starts with the last letter of the previous movie. For example: “Forrest Gump” then “Pulp Fiction” then “Notting Hill” and so on. The game continues until someone can’t think of a movie that hasn’t already been mentioned!
12. The Story Continues
One person starts a story with a sentence like “Once upon a time, there was a girl who…” and each person adds one sentence at a time to continue the story. This is a great game for creativity, and the results can be incredibly funny or surprisingly good!
13. Two Truths and a Lie
Take turns telling two truths and one lie about yourself, while others try to guess which statement is the lie. This is a fun way to learn more about each other while passing the time during a road trip.
14. Categories
Pick a category like “types of vegetables” or “superhero movies” and everyone takes turns naming something from that category. The game continues until someone repeats an answer or can’t think of one. The faster you go, the harder it is to win!
15. The Picnic Rule Game
One person (the “picnic host”) creates a hidden rule about what can and can’t be brought to the picnic, and others try to guess it by asking yes/no questions. For example, the rule might be “only items that are yellow” or “only items you can eat.” Players take turns asking, “Can I bring [item]?” If the rule is “items you can eat,” a plate or blanket would be a “no,” but apples would be a “yes.” Players keep asking questions until someone correctly guesses the rule.
16. One Word Story
In this game, players create a story one word at a time. The first player says one word (like “Once”), the next player adds a word (like “upon”), and so on. The result is usually a hilarious and nonsensical story! Everyone on the road trip has to work together to make the sentences flow, but the randomness makes it fun and unpredictable.
17. The Alphabet Conversation Game
In this game, two players start a conversation, but the twist is that each sentence must begin with the next letter of the alphabet. For example, the first player may start a sentence with the letter A, like “A man walked into the store.” The next player would start a sentence with the letter B, like “Baffled, he looked for the right aisle.” Then the first player would continue with a sentencer starting with C, like “’Can you help me find the cereal?’ He asked.” And so on, all the way through the alphabet.
18. What’s Missing?
Everyone closes their eyes and one person takes an object in the car and hides it away. Players open their eyes back up and take turns guessing what is missing. The one who guesses correctly gets to take the next turn.
19. Desert Island Items
In this game, players decide what three items they’d bring if stranded on a desert island. The twist is that each item must be justified, and sometimes there are restrictions (e.g., no electronics, no food). After everyone shares their choices, the group debates which items would be most useful or hilarious. You can also add themes like “celebrity edition” or “items starting with the letter B” for extra fun!
20. Song Lyrics Challenge
One person says a lyric from a song, and the other players take turns guessing the next line of the song. If no one knows, the person who gave the first line gets another change to give the next lyric. Example with “Bohemian Rhapsody”:
1st Round: “Is this the real life?
2nd Round: “Is this just fantasy”
3rd Round: “Caught in a landslide…”
Things to Listen To
21. Audiobooks
Choose a long audiobook that captivates everyone. Consider genres like thrillers, sci-fi, or comedy, or go for a classic novel.
22. Popular Podcasts
Pick a series with multiple episodes like Serial, This American Life, or My Favorite Murder for an ongoing experience. For a more personal touch, choose podcasts where people share their life stories or experiences. The Moth is great for this. Some podcasts are also choose-your-own-adventure style like The Truth and The Choice where you can customize your experience.
23. Road Trip-Themed Podcasts
Podcasts like Road Trip Trivia or The Road Trip Game are perfect for traveling, with facts and challenges along the way.
24. Local Radio Stations
Tune into local radio stations as you pass through different areas to get a taste of regional music, news, and ads. It’s like an auditory tour of the area!
25. Cultural Music
If you’re driving through different regions or even countries, listen to music from the area you’re passing through. It’s a fun way to learn about the culture and history of the places you’re visiting without leaving your car.
Making Stops on a Road Trip
26. Seek Out Unique Stops
You’d be surprised by how many quirky roadside attractions, iconic landmarks, and delicious food stops you can encounter along your road trip. From places like the world’s largest ball of twine in Kansas to famous local diners or regional food stops, taking a break to visit these places can add an extra layer of fun to your journey. Do some research on upcoming unique attractions along your route. A quick pit stop will provide a much-needed refresher and also give you a chance to experience something new and memorable on your adventure.
27. Use the Stop as a Photo Op
Every stop doesn’t have to be a long one – make it a quick photo opportunity! Whether it’s a scenic view or an odd landmark, take a moment to snap some photos and stretch your legs. It adds to the adventure without adding much time to the overall trip.
28. Switch Drivers at Stops
If you’re road-tripping with others, take the chance to switch drivers. It makes sure everyone stays rested and also makes the experience more enjoyable. Even something as simple as rearranging where everyone is sitting during the road trip can add a fresh spin on the experience!
29. Replenish Snacks, Drinks, and Other Travel Essentials
Use a break to restock your snacks and drinks for the next leg of the journey. It’s easier to keep the energy flowing when you don’t have to stop every time someone gets hungry. Plus, it prevents unnecessary distractions if you are driving. Don’t forget about any essential travel items like water, tissues, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, or wet wipes.
30. Engage with the Locals
Whenever possible, stop to chat with locals or shop owners. They can offer you insider knowledge about things to see, local hotspots, or hidden gems you might not find online. Plus, it’s always nice to connect with people along the way!
Road Trip Phone Calls
31. Call a Family Member
Reach out to a parent, sibling, or relative you haven’t spoken to in a while. A quick check-in or catching up on family news can make you feel more connected during the drive.
32. Catch Up with a Friend
Pick a friend and have a chat. It could be someone you haven’t talked to in a bit. A long drive is a great excuse to call someone you haven’t spoken to in a while and see how they’re doing.
33. Call Someone In and Add Them to a Road Trip Game
Phone a friend or relative and include them in your road trip activity like 20 Questions or Would You Rather. It’s a fun way to keep the games fresh and entertaining.
34. Call Someone You Don’t Speak to Often (Surprise Them!)
Why not surprise someone who might not expect your call? Maybe an old friend, a distant cousin, or someone you haven’t talked to in a while. It could be fun to rekindle an old connection and catch up!
35. Phone a Local Radio Station and Request a Song
If you’re passing through a town or city, try calling a local radio station and request a song. Some stations might even let you explain why you’re choosing that song—whether it’s a favorite, fits your road trip vibe, or has a fun memory attached to it. It’s a fun way to connect with the local culture, discover new songs, or hear a familiar tune that makes the journey feel even more personal. Who knows, the DJ might even shout out your name or mention the area you’re passing through, making it feel like you’re part of the community, even if just for a moment!
Other Things to Do
No supplies? No problem! These activities are perfect for keeping everyone entertained on the road, and all you need is yourself (and maybe your phone).
36. Riddles
Look up riddles and quiz yourself or your road trip passengers. Take turns solving tricky brain teasers, or see who can solve them first.
37. Car Karaoke
Search YouTube for sing-along tracks of any song. Belt out your favorite songs together, and enjoy some good laughs, even if your vocals aren’t perfect!
38. Tongue Twisters
Challenge each other to say difficult tongue twisters as fast as possible. See who can do it without messing up!
“Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.”
“How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood?”
39. Spelling Bee
Take turns giving each other tricky words to spell out loud. It’s harder than you think! Here’s a list.
40. Deep Conversation Starters
Deepen your connection with your fellow travelers by asking introspective questions. Search for conversation lists like We’re Not Really Strangers to spark deep, thought-provoking discussions. Questions could include: “What’s one thing you wish you could change in your life?” or “If you could meet anyone, dead or alive, who would it be?” These conversations will not only pass the time but also help you learn more about each other on a deeper level.
41. Create a Playlist Together
Collaborate on creating the perfect road trip playlist. Everyone adds their favorite tracks or songs. Play the mix during the trip and enjoy the diverse music choices that reflect everyone’s taste.
42. Plan For Your Destination
Talk about personal or group goals for the trip. These could be personal or specific activities, ranging from finding the best burger in town or reading a new book. It can add purpose and direction to your trip for when you arrive.
43. Take a Gratitude Break
Pause for a moment of gratitude. Each person shares something they’re grateful for, whether big or small. It’s a simple but powerful activity that can help boost positivity during your journey.
44. Storytelling Circle
Take turns telling short, funny, or weird stories. These could be personal experiences like stories from your life, supernatural encounters, or odd things that you’ve experienced!
45. Make Predictions for the End of Your Trip
Make a list of predictions about things that will happen during your trip. Review at the trip’s end and see how things played out and if you guessed the future correctly.
Quiet & Calm Road Trip Activities
Sometimes the road trip has been boisterous and you actually are wishing you could relax. Here are some ideas for you and your group to wind down, if you need a relaxing vibe instead of the opposite. Whether because you’re traveling with kids, or just need a change of pace, here is a set of things you can try.
46. Silent Challenge
Works well with kids: Challenge everyone to travel in complete silence and communicate non-verbally. The challenge is to use hand signals to communicate with each other and have fun quietly.
47. Quiet Listening Session
Put on instrumental music or calming nature sounds like ocean waves or forest ambiance. Everyone sits back, closes their eyes if comfortable, and just listens. Letting go of conversation and focusing on the sound creates a peaceful atmosphere during your drive.
48. Mindfulness Break
Take a moment and play a guided meditation. You can find a variety of options online like on YouTube or meditation apps. It can help everyone unwind, clear their minds, and be present in the moment. Perfect for slowing down the pace of your road trip and rejuvenating before continuing your journey. You will be surprised how different you feel afterwards!
49. Sleep or Rest
Sometimes, all you need to do is just rest your eyes. Take a short nap or just recline in silence. It’s the perfect way to regain energy, especially during long stretches of driving.
50. Road Trip Journaling
Encourage everyone to jot down their thoughts, experiences, or even reflections on the journey so far. This quiet activity can allow everyone to process their thoughts and reflect on the trip to create lasting memories.
Planning for an Upcoming Road Trip
Got a road trip ahead? Wondering what to do along the way or how to prepare? This article is your ultimate guide for everything you’ll need before you hit the road.
Essential Preparation & Packing List
51. Pack Snacks
Sure, you can always buy food and snacks on the go at a gas station, but the best road-trippers prep in advance with an assortment of their favorite snacks. That way, you’re never left scrambling for something when hunger strikes.
52. Create a Road Trip Playlist
Set the tone of your journey by curating a playlist with your favorite songs, or create a vibe for the road. Bonus points for collaborating with fellow travelers to build a joint playlist where everyone can add their go-to tracks!
53. Plan Interesting Stops
Chances are, there will be quirky roadside attractions, famous landmarks, or delicious local food spots along your route. Do a little research and plan these stops in advance to break up the drive and add excitement to your journey.
54. Stay Entertained on the Road with the Ideas Above
Bookmark this article and keep this guide handy! The first half includes 50 activities, games, and ideas to keep you engaged while on the road. Whenever boredom hits, simply refer back for fresh ideas!
55. Check Your Car
It’s not the most glamorous part of road trip prep, but it’s essential. What’s worse than being bored on a road trip? Getting stuck on the side of the road. Check your car’s tire pressure and get any necessary maintenance done ahead of time to avoid breakdowns.
56. Download Entertainment and Offline Maps
Cell service can be spotty in remote areas, so download movies, audiobooks, podcasts, and music to keep everyone entertained. Don’t forget to also download offline maps or navigation apps like Google Maps or Apple Maps in case there’s no signal.
57. Charge Everything Before You Go
Charge your phone, tablet, laptop, and any other devices you plan to use on the road. If you have a portable power bank, make sure it’s fully charged as well. Pack extra charging cables and car power converters so you’re never left without power.
58. Pack a Road Trip Emergency Kit
Safety first! Make sure your car is stocked with the basics: a first aid kit, flashlight, jumper cables, and a tire repair kit. You’ll be prepared for any unexpected problems on the road. Having these on hand can help you feel more secure throughout your trip.
59. Plan for Pet Care or Travel
If you’re bringing a a pet, plan ahead by packing food, toys, a leash, and a crate. If you’re leaving your pet behind, arrange for a sitter or boarding in advance.
60. Plan Your Route & Estimate Travel Times
Map out your route ahead of time, and have alternative routes in case of detours. Using GPS apps is helpful, but it’s also good to have a sense of how long each leg of the journey will take, so you can plan rest stops, meals, and overnight stays.
Unique Activities Along the Way
It’s awesome that you’re planning ahead. That means you can curate a special experience like the activities below.
61. Take Pictures with a Polaroid Camera
Embrace old-school photography with a polaroid camera and take instant photos along the way (don’t forget film!). Capture the silly antics of your travel buddies with some nostalgia.
62. Plan a Picnic
Road trip food is often about convenience, but why not take it up a notch by planning a roadside picnic or BBQ? Research scenic spots or rest areas along your route where you can stop, stretch your legs, and enjoy a meal with a view.
63. Use a Road Trip Journal
Grab a travel journal or scrapbook before your trip. Everyone can jot down their thoughts, experiences, and favorite moments. You can add postcards, tickets, or other mementos from the places you visit. It’s a perfect way to preserve memories.
64. Try Geocaching Along the Way
Turn your road trip into a real-world treasure hunt with Geocaching! Download the Geocaching app and search for hidden caches along your route. It’s a fun way to make your journey a little more adventurous.
65. Attend a Drive-in Movie
Check if there’s a drive-in theater along your route. Enjoy a nostalgic movie night under the stars from the comfort of your car. Don’t forget blankets and pillows!
Unique Road Trip Games
66. Try “Vintage” Travel Games
Pack travel-sized games like Travel Scrabble or Travel Chess/Checkers. These games are perfect for playing in the car or during breaks when you need a screen-free activity. Old-school games add a nostalgic vibe to your road trip.
67. Play Story Cubes
Story Cubes are dice with images or symbols. Roll the cubes and make up a story based on the images that land face-up. This creative and fun game can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
68. Play Exquisite Corpse
This collaborative drawing or writing game is a fun way to get creative. One person starts by drawing the top part of a figure (like the head), then folds the paper to hide it. The next person draws the middle, and the final person adds the bottom. Unfold the paper to reveal the often hilarious or absurd creation! All you need is a pen and paper.
69. Do Mad Libs
Print out a few Mad Libs before your trip. Take turns asking for nouns, verbs, and adjectives, and fill in the blanks to create ridiculous, funny stories.
70. Play Pictionary (Travel Edition)
Bring along a small whiteboard or notebook and have players draw travel-related words or themes for others to guess. Create a list of landmarks, vehicles, or places you might pass on your trip for added fun!
71. Write Handmade Postcards
Buy a stack of blank postcards and encourage passengers to draw or write a message reflecting each stop. Mail them from the next post office on the road or keep them as souvenirs.
72. Do Road Trip Fortune Telling
Pack a tarot card deck or fortune-telling deck. Tell everyone’s fortunes based on how the cards fall, and predict the future.
73. Set Up a Travel-Themed Trivia Quiz
Customize a trivia game with questions about your route, destinations, or landmarks along the way. Prepare the questions ahead of time and quiz your passengers while driving.
74. Wear Matching Outfits
Commemorate your road trip by ordering matching outfits, like T-shirts. Take a group photo to capture the fun and memories!
75. Write Letters to Your Future Self
Provide everyone with a blank envelope and paper to write letters to their future selves. Seal the envelopes and open them at the end of the trip to see how everyone’s expectations have changed.
76. Create a “Road Trip Journal of Firsts”
Get a notebook and ask everyone to document the first time they experience something new on the trip. It could be trying a local food, visiting a new landmark, or stepping out of your comfort zone.
One Final Tip
Congratulations on your road trip ahead! Here’s one last “pro tip”: Before you hit the road, take a moment to savor the excitement of the journey ahead.
The best road trips are the ones you’re prepared for and ready to fully embrace every twist and turn. Enjoy every mile! And remember, whenever you need fresh ideas to stay entertained on the road, you can always return to this guide for inspiration!