How to Survive (and Even Enjoy!) Family Road Trips This Summer

Family road trips can be both a blessing and a challenge. While long drives promise bonding and shared memories, they also test the patience of even the most seasoned parents. If you’re preparing to spend hours in the car with your kids this summer, you’re not alone. Many of us have been there—clinging to our sanity while enduring endless rounds of “Are we there yet?”

But fear not. With a bit of planning and a handful of creative ideas, your next road trip could transform from a marathon of meltdowns into a journey filled with laughter and connection. Let’s dive into some tried-and-true strategies to make family road trips more fun for everyone.

Screen Time: Friend or Foe?

Let’s address the elephant in the room: screens. They can be lifesavers, but relying on them exclusively might leave you feeling guilty about missing out on quality family time. Instead of banning screens altogether or giving in completely, aim for balance. Incorporate screen breaks with engaging activities to keep the trip lively and interactive.

Talkative Games to Kickstart Conversations

Whether your kids are chatterboxes or more reserved, road trips are the perfect time to bond through conversation. Here are a few ideas:

• Car Bingo: Before you hit the road, prepare a bingo card with items you’re likely to see, such as a garbage truck, a kangaroo, or a red letter box. Kids can mark off items as they spot them, adding an element of excitement to the journey.
• Conversation Starters: Pack a set of cards with fun or thought-provoking questions like, “What’s your favourite memory?” or “If you could have any superpower, what would it be?” These prompts often lead to surprising and delightful family stories.

Classic Games with a Twist

Sometimes the old favourites are all you need to keep boredom at bay, but a fresh twist can make them even better:

• I Spy Variations: Mix up the classic game by focusing on specific colours (e.g., “I spy something yellow”) or themes (e.g., animals, road signs).
• Spotto: Look for yellow cars, and the first person to yell “Spotto!” wins. Just be careful—competitive versions can lead to squabbles!
• The Alphabet Game: Find letters in order on road signs, billboards, or licence plates. It’s great for younger kids learning their letters and older ones sharpening their observation skills.

For the Competitive Spirit: Car Cricket

A nostalgic favourite for many parents, car cricket involves scoring points based on passing vehicles. Assign runs for different types of cars (e.g., one run for a car, four for a car with a trailer, and six for a caravan). But beware—motorcycles and trucks mean you’re out! Make it a test match and extend it over two innings! This game is ideal for two players only.

Music and Singing: The Ultimate Mood Boosters

No road trip is complete without music. Some of our favourite family singalongs and music-based game over the years have included:

• Old MacDonald’s Farm: Great for younger kids, especially if you’re driving through the countryside. Add animals you spot along the way—or let imaginations run wild with a dinosaur or two!
• Name That Tune: Hum or whistle a few notes of a song and see who can guess it first.
• Change Heart to Fart: I know. It’s juvenile. But singing “I believe that the fart will go on” with Celine Dion or “Listen to your fart” with Roxette will keep the family laughing for ages.

Have fun sharing classics from your own childhood with your kids! Spotify and other music platforms have plenty of road-trip playlists you can use.

Family road trips may not always be smooth sailing, but with a bit of creativity and a stash of entertaining games, you can turn even the longest drives into cherished memories. Whether it’s spotting kangaroos, singing your hearts out, or laughing over silly stories, the time you spend together will be worth every moment.

So, what’s your favourite road trip game? Share your ideas with us—we’d love to hear from you!

Written by Dr Justin Coulson