I Spy 2.0: The Photo Edition

The classic “I Spy with my little eye…” gets a serious upgrade with this tech-savvy version. Instead of verbally describing an object, snap a discreet photo of it with your phone. Show your fellow players the image and let the guessing begin! This version adds a new layer of strategy and visual clues that make it challenging for older kids and adults. Pro tip: set a time limit for each round to keep it snappy and avoid frustration.

License Plate Bingo

The License Plate Game’s mission is to spot states, but let’s think outside the box. Create custom bingo cards with challenges that fit your route or passenger interests. Here are some ideas:

• Car Bingo: Cards feature car brands, colors, or models.
• Landmark Bingo: Fill the squares with famous landmarks you might pass (think the Eiffel Tower if you’re in Paris, or the St. Louis Arch if you’re traversing the Midwest).
• Foodie Bingo: Cards spotlight chain restaurants, types of food signs (ice cream, pizza, coffee), or even quirky roadside diners.

This personalized approach makes the game more engaging and relevant to your journey. “Customizing classic car games makes them so much more fun! My kids are actually excited to play instead of asking ‘are we there yet?’ every five minutes,” says a seasoned road trip mom.

Quirky Habits Scavenger Hunt

This game is all about embracing those weird little things your fellow travelers do without even realizing. Before the trip, secretly make a list of these quirky habits. They could include:

• Tapping their foot to a silent song.
• Staring out the window with a dramatic expression.
• Getting inexplicably excited about gas station snacks.

During the drive, see who can tick off the most habits on their list first. This lighthearted game encourages observation and good-natured teasing that will generate plenty of laughs.

Song Shuffle Showdown

Got music lovers in the car? Put everyone’s playlist on shuffle and let the tunes inspire a competition. As each song comes on, the first person to yell out the corresponding challenge wins a point. Challenges could include:

• Name a movie featuring this song
• Sing along to the chorus (even if you don’t know the words!)
• Do a ridiculous dance inspired by the song’s vibe
• Name another song by the same artist

“Road trips are the perfect setting for a little music-fueled mayhem. This game gets everyone singing, laughing, and discovering new songs,” says a college student who relies on road trip games during visits home.

The Storyteller

Tap into those hidden improv skills! Start with a simple sentence based on something you see outside. For example, “The old man walked into the diner carrying a dusty suitcase.” The next person adds another sentence to the story, and so on. Let the story take bizarre twists and turns as each person contributes. It’s collaborative storytelling that combats boredom and sparks creativity.

Technology as Your Copilot

While the goal is to put screens away for a while, there are some helpful apps that can enhance your car games:

• Roadside America: This app highlights quirky roadside attractions, perfect inspiration for custom Bingo cards.
• GeoGuessr: Drops you into a random Google Street View location. Great for a virtual “I Spy” if you’re low on inspiration from your immediate surroundings.