Car games for kids don’t always need an iPad.
There I said it.
I know, I know.
I’m not judging anyone here and trust me, I’ve been known to hand over an iPad to a child to get the screaming to stop, at times.
BUT, the fact is that between school, shopping, play dates, after-school activities, birthdays and so many more activities that require us to pop the kids into the car and take off, it is essential that we have more than a gadget to rely on when entertaining our little passengers.
On that note, here are our top kid-tested picks for car games that keep littles engaged and engrossed while you can gather your thoughts {Oh, doesn’t that sound blissful?!!} or have an uninterrupted conversation with your husband {don’t laugh!}.
1. The “A-B-C” Game
This car game is seriously fun and educational too.
Plus you don’t need any additional materials. All you need to do is get kids to pick a theme, say “fruits” and then, have the kids go “Apple”, “Apple, Banana”, “Apple, Banana, Cherries” and so on till they get stuck or reach Z.
By the way, some of the letters wouldn’t have a fruit you can use, so skip them. Or choose a different theme. We usually do groceries, since it’s waaaay easier 😉
2. Peek Seek and Find Activity Bags
Oh these activity bags are a fave with the preschool crowd. These gorgeous little bags are great for quiet play in the car as little ones find letters or objects amongst the beads.
It’s a great travel game since it’s compact, easy-to-wipe-clean and best of all, educational and engaging too!
Ticks all the boxes in my book!
3. Colouring Sheets and Crayons
Kids love to colour, so when headed out in the car with them, either carry a small colouring book or better still, print out a few colouring sheets and pair them with easy-to-use stackable crayons that are perfect for little fingers and don’t break easily too!
Yes, that means no choking hazard when on the go and also, no tantrums because… “red is broken!!!”
For slightly older kids, I recommend these insanely popular {and naturally so!} drawing sets that come complete with a handy notepad and pockets to keep pencils and crayons in.
4. Wooden Blackboard and Chalk Sets
If your kiddies prefer chalk to crayon or you just want to switch things up, I highly recommend this travel laptop-style blackboard.
They can pretend to be YOU working on your notebook or just have fun drawing, writing, colouring and letting their imagination run free. Pretend play, creative fun and quiet time, all made possible!
Bonus game idea: Have the kiddies write down 4-5 different things they see on their way to your destination. Have them compare notes and talk about what they saw.
5.Build on the Go Bags
Just like the Peek Seek and Find bags, these Build-on-the-Go bags are a big hit, especially with the Lego™ loving crowd! Each bag has a baseplate and 40 assorted size bricks for plenty of building when on the go.
Perfect for feeding the Lego™ addiction and boosting fine motor skills and creativity along the way!
I want you to…Imagine a road trip where kids aren’t asking “are we there yet?” or wanting another rest stop, 5 minutes after you start.
Picture happy, singing, quiet kids colouring, playing, building, sorting and more.
Yes, as a road-tripping mum, I can tell you that this can happen. Just make sure you have the right games in the car to keep you company! Share with me in the comments about YOUR fave non-tech car games for kids? You know we can always do with all the ideas possible, right?
