Road Trip Games for Preschoolers & Kindergarteners

With the cost of airline tickets and baggage continuing to skyrocket many families are hitting the road this year in an attempt to save some money. Road trips can be scenic, fun, and (even with today's gas prices) cost effective, but admit it – if you've got young children you're probably fretting over the thought of all those hours in the car. Take the boredom out of the back seat, with games that are fun for both kids and parents.

Here are a a few ideas for how to keep your child's mind active while you're on the road.

Alphabet Game:

1. Search for the letters of the alphabet, in order, on signs, billboards, and license plates. If you finish the alphabet, you can also try finding numbers.

Back Seat Bingo:

1. Before you leave home, you and your child can make a bingo card of objects you may see in your travels (a blue car, a horse, a stop sign, etc.) using stickers, or by drawing them yourself. You can invite each family member to make their own Bingo card!
2. Simply make a 5x5 grid on cardstock for each Bingo card then fill each square on the card with a picture of something you might see on a road trip.
3. As your child spots certain objects on her card while you're on the road she can place a marker over that particular picture. For markers, you can use something simple, that won't fall off her board while the car is moving such as sticker dots of various colors.
4. Whoever covers 5 squares in a row first, wins!

The Never Ending Story:

1. Engage your child's imagination with her own made-up story. Everyone in the car takes turns adding a few sentences to the story. The twists and turns of the story are bound to be endless and enjoyable.

Help your child pass the hours by having fun and learning a few things while she's at it!