10 games to play as a family during road trips

Road trips are fantastic opportunities for families to bond, explore, and create lasting memories together. But let’s face it, even the most scenic routes can get a bit dull after a while. That’s where a repertoire of entertaining games comes in handy. Whether you’re cruising down endless highways or winding through picturesque countryside, here are some engaging games to keep the whole family entertained during your journey.

1. Antakshari

Antakshari is the most popular go-to game that’s perfect for long car journeys. Take turns singing a song that begins with the last letter of the previous one. The game continues with each player trying to think of a song that fits the pattern. It’s a fantastic way to showcase your singing skills and discover new tunes from Indian cinema.

Example: Player 1 sings, “Zindagi ek safar hai suhana…”

Player 2 follows with, “Aye meri zohra jabeen…”

Player 3 joins in with, “Naino mein sapna…”

2. Dumb Charades 

Dumb Charades is a classic party game that can easily be adapted for the car. Players take turns acting out a movie, book, or song title silently while the others try to guess what it is. With a bit of creativity and plenty of enthusiasm, this game can provide hours of entertainment and laughter.

Example: Player 1 mimes holding a sword and riding a horse.

Player 2 guesses, “Is it ‘Bahubali’?”

Player 1 nods excitedly.

3. 20 Questions

This game is a test of deductive reasoning and quick thinking. One person thinks of an object, and the others have up to 20 questions to guess what it is. The questions can only be answered with a “yes” or a “no.” It’s a great way to pass the time and exercise those mental muscles.

Example: “Is it something you can eat?”

“Nope.”

“Is it something you use every day?”

“Yes, indeed!”

4. I Spy

“I Spy” is a timeless game that requires nothing more than keen observation skills. One player chooses an object within sight and says, “I spy with my little eye, something…” followed by a clue about the object’s colour, shape or location. The other players then take turns guessing what the object might be.

Example: “I spy with my little eye, something green.”

“Is it that tree by the roadside?”

“Yes, you got it!”

5. Name That Tune

For families who enjoy Bollywood music, “Name That Tune” is an exhilarating game to play during your road trip. One person hums or sings a few lines from a Bollywood song, and the others have to guess the title and the movie it’s from. You can keep score or simply play for the joy of reminiscing over beloved melodies.

Example: Humming the tune of “Mere Sapno Ki Rani”

“That’s from the movie ‘Aradhana’!”

“Correct! Your turn to hum now, let’s see if I can guess!”

6. Bollywood Trivia Quiz

Tap into your family’s Bollywood knowledge with a Bollywood Trivia Quiz. Designate one person as the quizmaster who prepares a list of questions about Bollywood movies, actors, songs, and trivia. Players take turns answering the questions, earning points for each correct answer. With topics ranging from iconic dialogues to memorable dance sequences, this game promises to spark lively discussions and test your family’s Bollywood expertise.

Example: Quizmaster: “Which Bollywood actor is known as ‘King Khan’?”

Player 1: “Shah Rukh Khan!”

Quizmaster: “Correct! Here’s another one: What is the longest-running Bollywood film to date?”

Player 2: “Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge!”

Quizmaster: “Right again! You’re on a roll!”

7. Storytelling Relay

Unleash your creativity with a storytelling relay. Start with one person who begins a story with a sentence or two. Then, each family member takes turns adding to the story, building upon what the previous person said. The resulting tale can be hilarious, imaginative, or downright absurd.

Example: “Once upon a time, there was a brave little mouse who lived in a cosy cottage…”

“And one day, the mouse discovered a magical portal hidden behind the pantry…”

“Through the portal, the mouse found itself in a land ruled by talking vegetables…”

8. Alphabet Game

Challenge your observational skills with the Alphabet Game. Starting with the letter “A,” each player must find something outside the car that begins with that letter. Once someone spots an object, they move on to the next letter in the alphabet. The first person to reach “Z” wins!

Example: “A is for apple tree!”

“B is for billboard!”

“C is for cow in that field!”

9. Would You Rather?

Get ready for some thought-provoking and often hilarious discussions with a game of Would You Rather? One player poses a scenario with two options, and everyone else must choose which option they would prefer. The scenarios can range from silly to serious, sparking lively debates and revealing quirky preferences among family members.

Example: “Would you rather have the ability to fly but only at walking speed, or teleport but only to places you’ve been before?”

“Hmm, I think I’d choose flying. Imagine the views!”

10. Road Trip Trivia

Test your knowledge and learn fun facts with Road Trip Trivia. Designate one person as the trivia master who prepares a list of questions about various topics like geography, history, pop culture, etc. Players take turns answering the questions, earning points for each correct answer. The trivia master can adjust the difficulty level to ensure everyone has a chance to shine.

Example: “Question: What is the capital of Australia?”

“Sydney?”

“Nope, it’s Canberra!”

“Oh no, I always get those two mixed up!”

With these games, your family road trip is sure to be filled with laughter, friendly competition, and plenty of fun memories. So buckle up, hit the road, and let the games begin!