Travel Games for Kids & Adults

The following are some great travel games that are for kids ranging from little tots to teenagers and adults. Just adjust the level of challenge in games to your age group and have fun getting to your final destination.

Picture Scavenger Hunt Travel Game for Kids:

You will need the following items packed to play this game:

• Preprinted scavenger hunt pictures
• Crayons

You start by using a blank word document file. Add smaller sized pictures of various things you may encounter while driving to your destination. Give each person a copy of the pictures and a crayon when you set off. Each person marks the picture off with a crayon as they find it. The first person to spy and object is the only one who can check it off their scavenger hunt pictures. If it's a tie, keep a quarter handy to flip for the find. Use pictures of items like the following.

• cow, horse, barn, dog, elk, deer, cat, tractor, round hay bales
• firetruck, police vehicle, semi-truck, bicycle, red motorcycle, camp trailer, boat (either in water or pulled)
• yield sign, stop sign, stop light, rest stop, park, bridge, construction worker, excavator
• waterfall, bridge, river starting with letter T, mountain, cloud in shape of creature
• pop can, shoe, boot, sunglasses, purple shirt, coke can in car, tire
• Oregon license plate, license with letter Q, license with number 8, VW Bug (Slug Bug!)

For older teens, make it a challenge by creating very specific details; such as colors, numbers, letters or something happening you may see from road. Their lists can be printed rather than using pictures. The first person to complete the list wins whatever you decide to pack as a prize. It could be a mechanical travel game or something as simple as a super great treat while others get a different treat.

Name That Peep Travel Game:

You don't need any additional items to play this one. It is geared more towards older children and adults, however younger kids could be included if they are allowed to use cartoon characters and have a little help with spelling.

One person starts the travel game by naming a famous person, friend, neighbor, teacher, singer, etc. aloud.  For example; Dolly Parton. The next person must come up with a name that begins with the letter "P" and the game continues until someone gets stumped or you arrive at your destination.  For a greater challenge you can set the category for singers only or only names from whatever group of people you choose.

Things You Find At The (Blank) Travel Game:

This game is played in a similar fashion as the Name That Peep Travel Game. However, younger children will have an easier time playing this one. It is a great educational game as it also teaches association and spelling skills.

First, mutually decide on a category amongst all players. Even the driver can play along. You could use any of the following categories for Things you find at the:

• Beach
• School
• Park
• Mall
• Campground
• Circus
• Parade
• Zoo
• Aquarium
• Farm

One person starts the game by name an object found at say the starfish. The next person must use the last letter of the word to continue the game. They might say humans. So, the next word would then start with the letter s, such as sandals. The game ends when someone is stumped or you can pick a stopping destination.

Name That Tune Travel Game:

Most people have probably tried this game, but it's still a fun one for people who enjoy listening to the radio as they travel. If your stereo shows the name of the song or band cover it up with something so nobody can see it. Name the radio tunes as they play and keep score. The winner gets an ice cream sundae while others get cones at a selected pit stop on your route.

Collecting License Plates Travel Game:

This game works great for really long journeys, especially if you are driving across several states or provinces. Give each person a blank piece of paper and pencil. The first person to spy a state license plate gets to write it down on their list. Write down just the name of the state. Nobody else can use the same license plate. If it is a tie, then flip a coin for it. The person who finds license plates from the greatest variety of states/provinces wins.

For a super challenge to this game. Come up with letter and number combination lists that you prepare ahead of time, print and give to each player. The license plates must have all 6 letter/number combinations in any order. This one is very tough, but rather comical too. It's suggested the driver refrains from playing this and concentrates on the road or you may not make it to your final destination. Prearrange a gift for the winner.