5 fun ways to entertain kids on a long road trip
Discover fun ideas and the best travel games for kids, so you can start enjoying your vacation from the very first mile.
Traveling with kids by car can be a big adventure—or a real test of patience. Keeping little ones calm, comfortable, and entertained for hours isn’t easy. But with a bit of planning (and the right resources), the journey can be much more enjoyable.
That’s why at Cozmo, we’ve created this guide with our favorite games, ideas, and tips to keep kids entertained during car trips. It’s a collection of what works best for us on long trips with our kids.
The best ideas and road trip games to entertain kids on car trips
To avoid the dreaded “Are we there yet?”, the key is planning ahead. A few days before your road trip, start thinking about which activities will distract your kids the most. That way, you have time to organize and buy or prepare what you need.
Here are our top ideas to keep kids entertained on the road.
1. Pack a Surprise Backpack
One of our best tips for traveling with kids is to prepare a surprise backpack.
Fill a small backpack or tote with games and activities that they can only open once the trip begins.
Things you can include: coloring books, reusable stickers (that can be stuck on windows), magnetic games, or soft Montessori-style busy books.
Choose items they love to play with and that are age-appropriate.
Cozmo Tip: Our favorite travel toys are magnetic boards or digital drawing pads. Also, coloring sets with mess-free markers, or those that use water to reveal colors.
The goal is to avoid messes (especially stains!) in the car and on clothes.
If your kids are similar in age or have similar interests, pack identical toys to avoid arguments.
2) Play Classic Road Trip Games
No road trip with kids is complete without the classic “I Spy.” It’s simple, fun, and perfect for keeping little ones entertained.
Other ideas: Chain Stories. Someone starts with a sentence (“Once upon a time, there was a green dog who traveled by train…”) and the next person continues. These often lead to hilarious stories and spark imagination.
Other car games: “Guess the Animal.” One player thinks of an animal, and the others ask yes-or-no questions to figure it out.
You can adapt this game to your kids’ interests: “Guess the Princess,” “Guess the Superhero,” or “Guess the Family Member.”
Another idea is counting cars of a certain color.
If you need more inspiration, there are card games made specifically for long car rides with kids.
Cozmo Tip: When things get a bit wild, the “Quiet Game” always helps—whoever stays quiet the longest gets to pick the next song or another reward.
Another screen-free option: audio game boxes. These act as “sound boxes” and offer specific road-trip games for kids. In our experience, it’s a fun and different way to play that makes the trip much easier.
3. Make a Family Sing-Along Playlist
Another great way to prepare for your road trip with kids is to create a special playlist for the journey.
Include everything from kids’ songs to movie soundtracks to current hits everyone enjoys.
Cozmo Tip: If you have more than one child, let each pick a song in turn.
4. Listen to Audiobooks or Kids’ Podcasts
Audiobooks for kids are perfect for family road trips.
Try out different children’s story podcasts—they really capture little ones’ attention.
For older kids, look for podcasts about their favorite topics: animals, science, fun facts… Test a few options before the trip to see which ones they like best.
Cozmo Tip: Spotify and Audible have tons of story and kids’ podcast options. You can even find joke audio files too.
5. Create a Road Trip Scavenger Hunt
For creative kids, another fun travel idea is a road-trip scavenger hunt.
Make a list of things for your kids to spot along the way: a red car, a gas station, a stop sign, a cow, or a funny-shaped cloud.
The goal is to find everything on the list before the trip ends.
Cozmo Tip: If you want to personalize the road-trip scavenger hunt for kids, you can easily make one with apps like Canva. Or, you can find downloadable templates online or buy them on sites like Etsy.
To help you plan your road trip with kids, we’ve grouped all these ideas for traveling with children here.
Tablet in the Car for Kids: Yes or No?
All parents know that long car rides with kids can mean moments of boredom (and desperation).
That’s when the tablet might seem like the perfect solution. Each family has to decide whether screens are part of their travel plan.
While electronics can be helpful on long flights, things are different in the car.
There’s a risk: if you brake suddenly or have an accident, the tablet, phone, or game console could fly through the car and hit someone. In fact, if your car is hit at 50 miles an hour, that tablet can generate 100 pounds of force, according to road safety experts.
Also, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises limiting screen time and focusing on co-viewing content, especially for younger kids.
Other downsides: screens promote isolation and can cause motion sickness.
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Tip: Turn your spring baking session into a fun learning experience by teaching your kids how to measure ingredients or mix different textures together. It's a great way to practice math skills while enjoying delicious treats!
How to Dress Kids for a Long Car Ride
The most important thing when dressing kids for a long trip (by car, plane, train, or any other transport) is comfort. Tantrums aren’t always about boredom—sometimes kids are just uncomfortable.
1. Choose 100% Natural, Lightweight Fabrics
For maximum comfort, choose soft, breathable natural fabrics that aren’t itchy or too warm.
In winter, we especially recommend fleece-type cotton garments, knitwear, velvet, or bamboo.
In summer, on the other hand, prioritize lightweight fabrics for both babies and older kids. We love slub cotton and gauze cotton—both are super cool and perfect for travel.
Keep in mind that car seats (especially with child care seats) get hot on the back.
Synthetic materials can make kids sweat and cause irritation from harnesses.
Cozmo Tip: We love gauze clothing for travel because its natural texture means you don’t have to worry about wrinkles.
2. Go for Loose-fitting, Simple Clothes
Jeans or structured pants aren’t the best for long car rides, nor are skirts or dresses for girls.
Loose t-shirts and pants with few seams and elastic waists are best.
Also, avoid clothes with back buttons.
For babies, rompers or one-pieces that fasten at the front or shoulders are most comfortable.
If your baby wears two-piece outfits, the top can ride up, and the harness might end up against their skin.
Cozmo Tip: For both boys and girls (as well as babies), our first choice would be comfortable sets of sweatshirts and jogger-style pants (tracksuits) or leggings, or loose knitwear with simple designs.
3. Dress Kids in Layers
Ideally, children should wear short-sleeved or long-sleeved t-shirts, but lightweight ones.
They should also have a sweatshirt, cardigan, sweater, or jacket handy in case they get cold.
Fleece sweatshirts are very soft and keep you warm without overheating. Velvet-type garments are also a good option. Bamboo, on the other hand, provides warmth but is also very breathable.
Remember: kids should never wear bulky coats that prevent the seatbelt from fitting snugly.
Cozmo Tip: We love ribbed cardigans for girls and zip-up hoodies for boys. Why? Because you don’t have to unbuckle the seatbelt to put them on—just open them up, and they can even work as blankets.
4. Let them Go Barefoot
Another must for comfort: let kids take off their shoes before the trip begins. Traveling in socks lets their feet breathe and prevents shoes from pinching.
Cozmo Tip: We like organic cotton socks best—they’re soft and comfy. Make sure the socks are stretchy, not tight.
Other Tips for Road Trips with Kids in Summer
Besides games and clothing, there are other kids road trip essentials to keep in mind.
Other Tips for Road Trips with Kids
Besides games and clothing, there are other kids road trip essentials to keep in mind.
1) Travel Safely
Before starting a long trip, make sure you meet all the tips for a safe driving. For example, stop frequently.
- This is even more important with kids—they need to move, burn off energy, and return to the car feeling calmer.
- Try to plan stops at service stations with outdoor playgrounds or green areas.
- Stops are also important for bathroom breaks or diaper changes.
- Always check that you’re using the right car seat for your child’s weight and size.
2) Pack Healthy Snacks and Water
Snacks are a must for car trips with kids. Choose healthy options that aren’t choking hazards and don’t make a mess. In our opinion, the best road-trip snacks for kids are food like bananas, granola bars, cheese, rice cakes, or drinkable yogurt. Avoid sugary snacks—you don’t want kids bouncing off the walls in a car!
Let kids use their own water bottles in backseat cup holders.
3) Plan the Trip around Naptime
If possible, try to schedule your drive during your kids’ usual nap time. If they don’t nap anymore, leaving early in the morning or late in the afternoon can help them doze off during the trip.
4) Pack a "Just in Case" Bag
If you’re traveling with kids, you probably already have a diaper bag. Besides the basics, remember to pack their favorite stuffed animal or whatever they need to fall asleep.
It’s also a good idea to bring a few disposable bags in case anyone gets carsick. If needed, bring any products or medication recommended by your pediatrician to prevent motion sickness. Also, pack extra diapers and wipes—don’t assume you’ll find everything you need at service stations.
The Secret to a Fun (and Stress-Free) Family Car Trip
In short, surviving—and enjoying—a long road trip with kids is possible if you combine patience, planning, and comfort. When kids are entertained and comfortable, the journey can be fun and create lasting family memories.
Safe travels!
FAQs
How can you entertain kids in the car without screens?
The best way to keep kids entertained without screens in the car is to alternate different games and activities. Pack a surprise bag with reusable stickers, magnetic boards, and coloring sets with mess-free markers. Mix in their favorite music, audiobooks, children’s podcasts, and classics like “I Spy” or chain stories.
Why is tablet use in the car discouraged for kids?
It is not recommended to use tablets and phones in the car because, during a sudden stop or an accident, they can become projectiles. If your car is hit at 50 mph, the tablet can generate 100 pounds of force. The American Academy of Pediatrics also advises limiting screen time for young children. Plus, screen use can lead to isolation and motion sickness.
What’s the best clothing for kids on summer car trips?
The best clothes for kids to travel in are made from 100% natural, loose-fitting fabrics. Also, dress them in layers. For long trips, choose breathable materials like gauze or slub cotton since seats get hot. Avoid stiff jeans and clothes with back buttons; go with elastic-waist pants. Let them travel in stretchy socks instead of shoes for comfort and breathability.
What can make car trips with kids easier?
To make car trips more enjoyable, try to travel during nap times, take frequent breaks, and have healthy snacks and water handy.
