Road Trip and Outdoor Games (Free Printables)

Games for the back seat

Road trip bingo turns the window into a game board. Children look out for a red barn, a water tower or a license plate from another state, and mark each square as it appears. Print one card per child on a clipboard, with a pencil on a string.

A road trip scavenger hunt makes a good long-distance companion, because items can be crossed off over hours rather than minutes.

A word search or word scramble with travel words fills a quiet stretch after lunch.

Games for the trail, the beach and the campsite

The nature walk hunt and backyard hunt ask children to look closely: a smooth stone, a feather, a leaf with three points. Remind everyone to look and leave things where they are.

At the beach, a list of shells, seabirds and sandcastle shapes keeps little ones busy while adults set up the umbrella.

Camping bingo suits the campfire hour, when it is dark and children are tired but not yet ready for bed.

Always stay with the group and keep children in sight. Our guide to planning a scavenger hunt includes safety notes for outdoor play.

Packing the games

Print on Letter or A4 and fold the sheets into a plastic folder. Bring more pencils than you think, and a small towel for wet or sandy hands. Black and white is fine, since children can color the finds in.

Make a fresh set with the bingo card generator before every trip so the squares match the route.