Before the trip, prepare lists for each child that include items to look for while traveling. The scavenger hunt lists can be customized based on scenery expected for the road trip. If traveling through rural areas, include items like cows, cornfields, barns or tractors. City travel might lead to lists that include skyscrapers, billboards or bus stops. Tailor the number of items on the scavenger hunt lists to the length of the trip. Give each child a list and a marker to cross off items as he sees them.
The scavenger hunt concept can also be used to play bingo. Instead of individual lists, prepare bingo cards with names of scavenger hunt items in the spaces. Kids can search for items and mark them off on the card. When someone crosses off five items in the same row, she wins.
A license plate journal can be an engaging, ongoing game, especially if the family is planning a lot of road travel. Print a map of the United States and tell children to keep their eyes peeled for license plates from around the country. When someone spots a license plate, he enters the date and name of the state where he saw it. For example, a Georgia license plate seen in Texas would be entered in Georgia's space on the map. Try to fill in all states by the end of the summer.
While the confined space of a vehicle does not allow for games that require movement and physical activity, familiar games like hide-and-seek can be played virtually using imagination. The virtual version of this hiding game can take place anywhere, such as in the family home. One person can choose a hiding place and the others ask yes or no questions to determine the location. This game allows kids to be creative as they think of and choose places to hide that they could never do in reality, such as in the dishwasher or up the chimney.
