Free Road Trip Games and Activities for Kids

Is your family ready to travel farther from home this summer? More travel can lead to more waiting, riding, or flying time. That can be tough for a young child — they’ll want something fun to do!

Ease their boredom and wiggles with a mix of some favorite on-screen and off-screen activities from PBS KIDS for your next road trip. Here’s how:

1. Download PBS KIDS games from the free PBS KIDS Games app ahead of time!
2. Continue your child’s learning and exploration after playing the games with a related off-screen activity.

Here are a few of our favorite pairings:

Play Nature Road Trip from “Nature Cat:” Your child can join the gang on a nature road trip visiting national parks and natural wonders around the United States.
Then: Adapt this DIY Fun Time Spinner activity and writing in your own destinations or activities to do in the car. Or, Create a Natural Toolbox and burn off energy at your next rest stop. [add something special about the game or activity here]

Play Nature Sights and Sounds from “Elinor Wonders Why:” Your child can immerse themselves in nature with this game! Go to the desert, sit by a river, or choose a different spot. Then add elements to the scene to create your own outdoor oasis.
Then: Play Nature Observation Bingo goes great with this game. Use the PDF included as inspiration and draw your own bingo card on paper or a tablet. Your child will be able to power up their observation skills just like Elinor and her friends.

Play Chicken Coop from “Peg + Cat:” Your child can practice counting numbers to 100 by adding chickens to this fun and fanciful chicken coop!
Then: Play Road Trip Math to keep the counting fun going. All you need is paper and something to write with.

Play Bop or Pop from “Alma’s Way:” Your child can help Alma and her friends overcome challenges, passing a balloon from one side to the other without breaking it.
Then: While you unpack or get set up at your destination, pick an area for your child to bop their own balloon around. Inflate a balloon (or use a soft ball) and let them try to get the balloon into an empty box or bag. Or, while still on the road, act like Alma and paint the view from your window.

Play Story Creator from “Xavier Riddle and the Secret Museum:” Your child can create their own stories using an interactive mad-libs style of play, with a little help from Xavier and crew!
Then: Try a Storytelling Relay with the whole family. It will help build their storytelling abilities and you’ll have fun with all the twists and turns of your tale. Or, if you have time and access to a printer, make these Storytelling Dice to help the storytelling process along. You can take turns rolling the dice on your lap or seat.

Play Froyo Stand from “Donkey Hodie:” Donkey Hodie is serving frozen yogurt treats to her pals, and she needs help! In this game, children follow steps to complete customers' orders. As they play, children practice following a plan and being persistent.
Then: Try Singing Our Waiting Song with your child because it can be hard to wait for frozen yogurt — or to get to your next adventure.

Ready to get started? Download the PBS KIDS game app here.

Looking for more ways to make your road trip run smoothly? Check out these organizational “Kids In The Car” ideas from CET’s “Parent Hacks” series.