Fun Car Games for Little Kids to Beat the “Are We There Yet?” Blues

If you’ve ever been on a road trip with little kids, you know that one question is bound to pop up sooner or later: “Are we there yet?” While the excitement (and impatience) is totally understandable, it can make long car rides feel even longer. The good news? A few fun and simple car games can turn those endless miles into quality, memory-making moments.

Here are some great car games for little kids that are easy, screen-free, and guaranteed to make the ride more enjoyable for everyone:

1. I Spy (With a Twist!)

“I Spy” is a classic for a reason, but when the scenery’s zipping by fast, try adapting it to things inside the car. Take turns saying, “I spy with my little eye, something that is [color or shape],” and let the guessing begin. You can also use categories like animals, snacks, or toys. It’s simple, fun, and great for building observation skills.

2. The Alphabet Game

Start with the letter A and challenge your child to spot something that starts with that letter (like an apple on a snack bag or an airplane in the sky). Once they’ve found A, move on to B, and so on. For younger kids, just finding letters on signs or license plates works too—it’s an awesome way to reinforce letter recognition.

3. Create-a-Story

This one sparks imagination and keeps little minds busy. You begin a story with a sentence like, “Once upon a time, a tiny frog lived in a jellybean castle…” then your child adds the next sentence. Go back and forth, building a silly or magical tale as you go. Bonus points for sound effects and dramatic voices!

With these playful car games, you might just make it to your destination without hearing “Are we there yet?” even once—and that’s a road trip win for everyone!