10 Car Ride Games That Need Zero Supplies

Long car rides do not have to mean handing over a tablet the second everyone buckles up. These games use nothing but your voices and whatever you can see out the window, and they work for a wide range of ages. Keep a few in your back pocket for the next road trip.

1. The License Plate Game. Spot plates from as many different states or provinces as you can. First one to ten wins, or just see how many you can collect by the time you arrive.

2. 20 Questions. One person thinks of an object, animal, or person. Everyone else asks yes-or-no questions to narrow it down, with 20 questions max before someone has to guess.

3. The Alphabet Game. Find something outside the car that starts with each letter of the alphabet, in order, using road signs, billboards, and store names.

4. Would You Rather. Take turns asking silly or tricky "would you rather" questions. This one reliably buys ten minutes of debate and laughter.

5. I Spy. The classic for a reason. "I spy with my little eye something blue" works from age three all the way up.

6. Story Chain. One person starts a story with a single sentence, and each person adds the next line. The plot twists are usually the best part.

7. Category Countdown. Pick a category like animals, foods, or movies, and take turns naming one until someone gets stuck.

8. The Quiet Game. Underrated on a long drive. Whoever stays silent the longest wins, and parents may secretly enjoy this one the most.

9. Rhyme Time. Say a word, and everyone has to come up with a word that rhymes with it before time runs out.

10. Guess the Song. Hum or tap the rhythm of a familiar song and see who can guess it first.

Tips for Keeping the Peace

Rotate who picks the next game so nobody feels stuck playing something they are tired of. Set a rough time limit per game, since even a great car game loses steam after fifteen minutes. And if everyone goes quiet and stares out the window for a while, that is a win too. Not every minute of a road trip needs to be filled with activity.

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