This is a time-honored tradition that works best when there are two adults, but even solo drivers or older children can give them a go. Here are a few examples of cool car games:
The Quiet Contest: This really works! Challenge your children to see who can stay absolutely quiet the longest, and offer a small reward (the winner gets to pick the next restaurant, pass out the snacks, choose a radio station, etc.). If your children are younger (under 6 or so) they will often fall asleep during this game.
Spot the (Adjective) Car: You can make as many variations on this game as you want. Call out a color, or have children look for cars with two doors, cars with bike racks, rusty cars, shiny cars, or cars with only one person. For older children, spotting out-of-state license plates is a fun take on this favorite.
I Spy: The classic pay-attention game. Pick an object (it should be in the car; kids won’t be able to remember everything you drive past) and then give them one clue to start: “I spy something (red, small, soft, etc.).” Children take turns asking one question at a time about the object, and whoever guesses right gets to choose the next object. A variation on this game is to choose a color, then have kids locate a number of items (2 for young ones, 5 for older children) that are that color. These can be things you drive by since you only need to spot them once.
Travel Scavenger Hunt: This one requires a little preparation ahead of time, but it can last for just about the entire trip. Make a list of things you’re likely to pass on your route, depending on whether you’re traveling on highways, through cities or through rural areas. Have kids check off each item when they spot them. *Bonus tip: Make the last item on the list your destination. That way, the game doesn’t end until you get there!