Ah, the infamous four-word phrase that every parent dreads: “Are we there yet?”

Road trips don’t have to be characterized by moans of frustration and cries of boredom from the back seat. Keep young minds stimulated during your travels with age-appropriate games and activities. Of course, it’s always wise to plan these in advance. To help you do just that, our team has collectively developed our favorite travel activities for kids.

For Toddlers

Toddlers have short attention spans, so bring games, toys, and activities your child already loves that will provide an extended diversion. Oh, and don’t forget to bring diaper wipes, even if your kids are potty trained!

Sticker Book

These are perfect for toddlers because they let kids be creative without using pens on the upholstery. Invite your toddler to create a sticker masterpiece to bestow upon your host or hostess upon arrival.

Instant Film Cameras

Yes, these still exist! Models from Polaroid and Fujifilm spit out small instant photos and are lots of fun. Kids can take silly pictures of themselves or capture images for their trip notebook.

For Elementary-Aged Kids

Grade school kids seek stimulation, but electronics aren’t always the solution. Traditional arts and crafts can serve as a stimulating distraction during load trips on the road.

Paint Sticks

Imagine this: Your kids painting in the back seat with NO MESS. Impossible? Nope! Tempera paint sticks from ModFamily are solid, vibrant, and glide across the paper like oil pastels. No newspaper, smocks, cups, water, or brushes needed.

Mod Paint Sticks by modFamily | Visit the website

License Plate Game

The license plate game is a fun one because it serves dual purposes: an entertaining activity and an educational geography lesson. Print a map of the United States to bring with you and invite your little ones to color in the states they spot them.

Travel Lap Tray

The Kids E-Z Travel Lap Tray is a sturdy, well-organized way to keep your kids entertained for hours during your next road trip. The tray also includes raised sides to keep snacks or play items from falling off a cup holder, and storage space for toys and crafts. 

Kids E-Z Travel Lap Tray by modFamily | Visit the website

For Teens

Teenagers want to feel empowered, so invite them to participate in the process of entertaining the younger ones.

Road Sign Warriors

Ask the front-seaters to call out random words from road signs, and write one on each sticky note, sticking them to the inside of your window. Then challenge yourself to create a cohesive sentence by rearranging them!

Travel Journal

Let your kids take a stab at blogging the old fashioned way! A travel journal is a fantastic method of documenting details of your travels and also provides teens the opportunity to articulate their happiness (or frustration) in a healthy way. Decorate the travel journal with stickers and photos for an extra special memory!  

Meal Planning Activity

It can be tricky to manage meal planning along the road, so invite your older teens to assist! Confirm in advance how many times you wish to stop for fast food vs. formal dining and then communicate these details to your teen. This will help them feel valued and empowered, while also serving as a way of getting a meal plan in place for your whole family.

What is your favorite travel activity for kids? Share your ideas with us on social media!