There’s something about the drive home after the school holidays. The snacks have mysteriously disappeared, everyone’s a little tired, and the chorus of “Are we there yet?” starts much earlier than you’d hoped.
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While tablets and phones certainly have their place, a few good old-fashioned car games can turn a long journey into part of the adventure. Best of all, they don’t require batteries, Wi-Fi or much more than a little imagination.
Here are some of our favourite games to make the kilometres fly by.
1. I Spy
A road trip classic for good reason.
One person says, “I spy with my little eye something beginning with…” followed by a letter. Everyone else guesses what they’re looking at.
Best for: Younger children who are learning letters and colours.
2. The alphabet game
Work together (or compete) to spot every letter of the alphabet on road signs, number plates, shop signs or billboards.
The first person to reach Z wins.
For an extra challenge, only count each letter once.
3. Animal alphabet
Go through the alphabet naming an animal for every letter.
For example:
- A – Antelope
- B – Baboon
- C – Cheetah
If someone gets stuck, they’re out until the next round.
4. Twenty Questions
Think of a person, place, animal or object.
Everyone else gets 20 yes-or-no questions to figure out what it is.
It’s surprisingly entertaining, even for adults.
5. Categories
Choose a category like:
- Fruit
- South African towns
- Dog breeds
- Things found in a kitchen
- Things you take camping
Players take turns naming something that fits the category. Repeat an answer or take too long, and you’re out.
6. Would You Rather?
Take turns asking silly or thought-provoking questions.
For example:
- Would you rather only eat ice cream or only eat pizza for a week?
- Would you rather have a pet giraffe or a pet penguin?
- Would you rather live at the beach or in the mountains?
Kids often come up with the funniest questions.
7. Fortunately, Unfortunately
One person starts a story.
For example:
“Fortunately, we found a treasure map.”
The next person continues:
“Unfortunately, it was soaked in the rain.”
Then:
“Fortunately, we had a magnifying glass.”
Keep alternating until the story becomes wonderfully ridiculous.
8. Guess the song
One player hums, whistles or taps the rhythm of a song while everyone else tries to guess it.
Family playlists make this even more fun.
9. The memory game
The first player says:
“I’m going on holiday and I’m packing…”
They add one item.
The next player repeats it before adding another.
The list quickly becomes hilariously long.
10. Number plate challenge
See who can spot number plates from the most South African provinces.
Older kids can even keep score.
11. Count the…
Pick something to count during the next 10 minutes:
- White cars
- Trucks
- Cows
- Windmills
- Yellow road signs
The person with the highest total wins.
12. Rhyme time
Someone says a word, like “tree”.
Everyone has 10 seconds to think of a rhyming word.
When no one can think of another rhyme, start a new round.
13. Emoji without emojis
Describe an emoji using only words and let everyone guess.
For example:
“A yellow face with sunglasses.”
Or reverse the game by describing emotions and asking someone to name the emoji.
14. Name that sound
One person makes a sound.
It could be:
- An animal
- A machine
- A musical instrument
- Something from around the house
Everyone else guesses.
Expect plenty of laughter.
15. Road trip bingo
Before you leave, make simple bingo cards with things you might see:
- Petrol station
- Tractor
- Horse
- Traffic light
- Mountain
- Caravan
- Bridge
The first person to complete a row wins.
16. Finish the sentence
Start a sentence and let someone else complete it.
Examples:
- If I could fly…
- The funniest thing I’ve ever seen…
- My dream holiday would include…
It’s a lovely way to get everyone talking.
17. Guess the movie
Describe a film without saying its name.
Older kids will love competing to see who guesses first.
18. Odd one out
Name four things.
Three belong together, one doesn’t.
For example:
- Apple
- Banana
- Orange
- Bicycle
Everyone has to explain why they chose their answer.
19. Story chain
One person starts with a single sentence.
Each passenger adds one sentence at a time until you’ve created a complete story.
The more dramatic the plot twists, the better.
20. The quiet game (yes, really!)
Sometimes the oldest game is still the best.
See who can stay quiet the longest.
Parents may secretly declare this the winner.
Tips for a happier road trip
A few small things can make a long drive feel much easier:
- Pack easy-to-eat snacks and plenty of water.
- Schedule regular rest stops so everyone can stretch their legs.
- Rotate between games, music and quiet time.
- Keep a few surprise treats or activities for when energy levels dip.
- Let each child choose the next game so everyone gets involved.
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