Tips & tricks

Family car games

Are we there yet? We've all heard that one before! To avoid it this time, we've rounded up some fun, tied-and-true games to make your family's next road trip smoother.

I spy

This classic guessing game never gets old. One person picks an object in view and says, "I spy with my little eye, something..." and gives a clue. Everyone takes turns in guessing what it is. It's a flexible game that many can enjoy, little kids can focus on colour, while older ones can use letters to practise spelling. One tip is to make sure the object stays in sight long enough for everyone to have a fair go.

Spotto

Get ready to scan the road for yellow cars! Whenever someone spots one, they shout "Spotto!"and earn a point. It's a simple game with no props needed, and it keeps kids engaged with what's happening outside the car. The person with the most spottos by the end of the journey wins - maybe they get to pick a snack or the next playlist?

Car Cricket

Take turns at bat by spotting passing cars to rack up runs. Each type or colour of vehicle scores differently, and you can tweak the rules to suit your crew.

Scoring example:

Large truck = 6 runs
Caravan or car with trailer = 4 runs
Rare colour car = 2 runs
Regular car = 1 run
Red car = out!

You decide how long the game goes—maybe each batter gets a set number of “overs,” or you keep it running until you reach your destination. The player with the highest score at the end wins!

Guess the song

This game is as simple as it is fun. Play a song from your playlist and challenge everyone to guess what movie or album it’s from. Disney soundtracks are always a hit, but you can tailor the game to your family’s music taste—think '80s rock ballads, Taylor Swift hits, or today’s pop favourites. It works well to spark conversation about music and movies.. You can also turn it into a mini karaoke session if the mood strikes—hello, carpool karaoke!

Road trip bingo

This game is part treasure hunt, part bingo. All you need is a little prep the night before. Draw up a bingo sheet and fill the squares with car colours, signs, or objects you’re likely to see along the way. The first to complete a line and shout “BINGO!” wins. If you're short on time, skip the bingo sheet and have each player pick a car colour. The first to spot 15 cars of their colour wins.

With these games in your toolkit, you’re all set for a stress-free road trip. Let the fun and the smooth driving begin!