7 Fun Road Trip Ideas for Kids: Keep Them Screen-Free!

No time to read now? Click here to download as a PDF.

These awesome road trip ideas for kids can make all the difference when it comes to keeping your little companions amused and happy on road trips.

Screen time can be good entertainment during the trip, but too much of it can result in frustration afterwards.

That’s why we’ve put together some fun ideas that are sure to turn any car ride into an exciting journey.

If you’re planning a trip with your child or grandchildren, continue reading. Instead of relying on screens, you can inspire a little adventurous spirit by preparing screen-free happenings they will love during the long rides.

CONTENTS – In this article, you will learn some road trip ideas for kids to make their road trip screen free, including:

7 Screen-Free Road Trip Ideas for Kids
1. Audiobooks
2. Map It Out
3. Memory Games
4. Music
5. Art Projects.
6. Storytelling
7. Travel Journals
Final Thoughts on Road Trip Ideas for Kids
Next Steps

7 Screen-Free Road Trip Ideas for Kids

image | Enjoy Travel Life — Road Trip Ideas For Kids

Screen time can be very helpful when it comes to keeping children occupied while traveling. But too much of it can result in frustration afterwards.

Instead, you can inspire a little adventurous spirit by preparing screen-free activities your will love during the long rides. Remember how we did it in “the good ole days”?

Here are some fun ideas that are sure to turn any car ride into an exciting adventure.

1. Audiobooks

Audiobooks are a great way to pass the time and get kids engaged in a story. Choose from classic tales or modern novels, depending on the age of travel companion.

Many libraries offer audio versions of books for free download, so be sure to check that out before you leave.

You can also make this activity a bit more interactive.

Ask your child questions about what they are hearing and encourage them to come up with theories and predictions of their own.

2. Map It Out

Let the kids take charge of the navigation!

Have them pick out the route you will be taking, or have them look up interesting landmarks they would like to see during the trip.

To make this even more exciting, assign them tasks like tracking how far you have traveled or keeping track of interesting facts they might learn along the way.

You can use rest stops to take a walk or explore your surroundings. If you have a baby with you, you’ll want to bring a baby stroller to make it easier to get around.

You can check out the options offered by stores like Diono, which offer a variety of lightweight and highly maneuverable strollers. You can also use a baby carrier for more convenience.

3. Memory Games

Memory games are the perfect way to keep everyone involved and entertained. Ask the kids to come up with categories like colors, animals or objects they will have to remember during the trip.

You can even come up with a prize system or points they can get when they spot an example of what they were looking for. For a more complex version, you can assign each kid a “mission” to search for something specific during the trip.

The first one to find it gets extra points. You can also mix it up with a scavenger hunt, which you can customize according to the age of your kids.

4. Music

Music is always a great way to pass the time during long road trips.

Ask each kid to create a playlist before you leave and encourage them to sing along or make up their own lyrics as you travel down the road.

You can also create a game out of this activity by asking your kids to name the artists or guess the title of each song. This will keep them engaged and entertained for hours.

If you’re traveling with a baby, music can be used as a soothing way to put them to sleep.

Depending on the age of your kids, you can also find fun music-related apps and games that will keep them engaged for hours.

5. Art Projects

Bring along some art supplies and let your kids unleash their creativity!

You can assign them tasks like creating a postcard using local landmarks or coming up with a unique story inspired by what they have seen during the journey.

It’s also a great way to document your vacation by having them take pictures and transform them into works of art.

However, it’s important to remember that art projects should be done in moderation since they can get messy quickly.

Be sure to bring along wipes and other supplies you might need for clean-up later.

6. Storytelling

Storytelling is a great way to keep kids engaged and create lasting memories.

Assign each family member a character and ask them to come up with stories based on their experiences during the trip. This will help your children develop their storytelling skills while also sparking conversations.

You can also make this activity more exciting by assigning tasks like coming up with a new twist to a classic tale or creating an original story.

7. Travel Journals

A travel journal is an excellent way to document your adventures. Have each family member create a journal and assign them tasks like writing down their thoughts or drawing pictures of the places they visited.

If you have younger kids, you can also help them come up with pictures or stories that describe what they saw during the trip.

Journaling is a great way to create meaningful memories and give your kids something to look back on in the future. The entries they create will serve as a reminder of your journey and all the wonderful places you have explored.

Final Thoughts on Road Trip Ideas for Kids

Going on a road trip with your family can be an exciting way to explore the world. With a little bit of planning and creativity, you can make sure everyone has a great time while learning something new along the way.

Whether you choose to have the kids play memory games or create art projects, there are plenty of activities that will help them stay entertained during long car rides.

In conclusion, road trip ideas for kids provide a wonderful opportunity to create lasting memories and foster a sense of adventure.

By embracing screen-free activities during long rides, you can inspire their imagination, encourage family bonding, and ensure a fun-filled journey for everyone.

About Jackie Gately, editor-IN-CHIEF

I'm Jackie Gately, your travel confidante and the creative force behind Enjoy Travel Life, awarded the "Best Casual-Luxury Lifestyle Blog (USA)" in Travel and Tourism by LUXlife Magazine for four consecutive years.

With 25 years of published expertise, I'm a seasoned writer, editor, and photographer curating inspiring travel guides and lifestyle tips for empty nesters. I hope to kindle your spirit of exploration, encouraging you to overcome obstacles and turn your dreams into reality.

Learn to minimize your pre-travel angst and maximize the joy of exploration with insights from my experiences. Let's make every adventure a celebration of this exciting phase of life! 

Follow my social channels for more inspiration.

Next Steps

For more travel tips and ideas, read the articles below, next: