Device-free road trip essentials for families

Thanksgiving is right around the corner and typically people hit the road for the holiday. This year being no exception as families may not be comfortable flying and many more will be on the road. We were eager to find some ways to occupy our kids in the car {as we plan our longest road trip yet} that invites them to put down a device for part of the trip.

Travel games:
Scavenger hunt
License plate BINGO
Magnetic puzzles
Guess Who card game
Road trip BINGO
Guess in 10
STEM cube
20 Q electronic game
Fidgets
Sensory toys

Crafts:
Dry erase travel board
Wiki sticks
Vacation activity kit
No-mess glitter dot
Travel pad with a variety of games
Mess-free coloring
Travel journal

Listen to family-friendly Podcasts and books on tape through Audible. I like to pop in my AirPods and listen to a book on tape on car rides– a bit of silence! Also, subscribe to Pinna for children’s audiobooks, music, podcasts and more!

No need for anything–play old school games: I-Spy, 20 questions, Play the license plate game aloud, “I’m going on a trip/picnic and bringing…”, The alphabet game, Who am I? & Round-robin story telling are a few. Just google the names of them to get a refresher on the rules.

Rest stop games: Bring a ball to kick around, throw a jump rope in the car, play Simon Says and try to challenge Simon to be active.

Create a playlist and have a sing-along. You can print some lyrics for kids who can read and they can sing the words.

Give your kids a camera to document their trip. Be sure to stock up on film. This also comes with a photo album they can just put the pictures right into and keep organized on the trip.

Helpful to have:
Car seat lap activity tray
Fill up this container with snacks
Kids travel pillow
Kids headphones that connect to each other
Travel Jane disposable urinal
Portable potty
Wet wipes
Organizer, Cooler & Tray in 1
UV Window shade

Related posts:
8 games to play in the pool + water play must haves!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, which means that should you click any of the links and make a purchase I may get a small commission at absolutely no cost to you. 

Allison

Share
Published by
Allison

Recent Posts

From Local Adventures to Global Journeys: Introducing Beltway Travel

For 11 years, Beltway Bambinos has been your trusted guide to discovering all the local…

5 days ago

♫ Music Lessons Your Kids Will LOVE!  Claim Your 50% off Registration Today!

Looking for Fun & Engaging Music Lessons for Your Children? From virtual singing classes to…

2 weeks ago

Ultimate Guide to Kids Summer Camps in Washington, DC

We are grateful to our 2025 summer camp sponsor; Camp Arena Stage and our partners; Steve &…

2 weeks ago

Ring in the New Year: Family-Friendly Celebrations in Washington, DC

New Year’s Eve is just around the corner, and families in the DC area have…

4 weeks ago

Stuff the stockings with music lessons! A perfect gift for families and friends!

Looking for the Perfect Holiday Gift? Treat your loved ones to the gift that truly…

1 month ago

Hanukkah in the Capital: Family-Friendly Celebrations

Hanukkah begins December 25 this year! In Washington, D.C., the holiday shines brightly with a…

1 month ago