Things to Do on a Road Trip

Road trips are a memorable adventure with the perfect tunes and stops at exciting landmarks on the way. However, road trips come with their own set of issues—especially when boredom sets in. Whether you’re traveling with your friends or family, there are many fun things to do on a road trip.

Stop at Roadside Attractions

If you’re looking for things to do on a road trip, stop at some famous roadside attractions along the way. Each state features national parks, zoos, and museums that make the perfect stops. Taking time to explore the sights will allow everyone to stretch their legs, see something new, and take photos. If you visit a national park, consider going for a hike to burn off excess energy.

Listen to a Podcast

Listening to a podcast is the perfect road trip activity. Depending on the age of your audience, you’ll want to choose a podcast that’s appropriate for everyone in the car. True crime podcasts are popular among adults, while story time podcasts are perfect for the entire family.

Listen to an Audiobook

If you’re thinking of what to do on a long road trip with kids in the car, consider listening to a family-friendly audiobook. Try old-time favorites that will whisk everyone away to magical worlds, such as The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.

Work on a Project

So often, we are so busy with work or school that we don’t have time for extracurricular projects. When it’s your turn to take a break from driving, consider crocheting a blanket, doing a crossword puzzle, or coloring in an adult coloring book. You'll be amazed how much you can complete over the course of your trip.

Play the State License Plate Game

This is a classic road trip game that travelers have played for years. List out all 50 states and have players mark off the states as they see them on the road. Alternatively, you could play it as an alphabet game and try to find license plates containing specific letters (A, B, C, etc.).

Play Word Games

Are you looking for road trip activities? Encourage your fellow travelers to play a few popular word games, and you’ll soon find yourself laughing at the answers given. Stock up on a few different books for variety.

Watch a Movie or Show

Some newer cars and SUVs have TVs in them, so you have the option of watching a movie the entire family will enjoy. You can also set a time limit and allow everyone to watch a TV show or movie on a phone or tablet with headphones.

Eat Some Snacks

To prevent hungry passengers, remember to pack a cooler and snacks for the road trip. Include items like sliced apples and peanut butter, string cheese, and trail mix. If you want to include heartier options, consider packing sandwiches, hard-boiled eggs, and hummus with chopped vegetables.

Connect with Each Other

You may see your family or friends regularly, but how often do you have time to sit down and chat? Take some time to reconnect by asking thought-provoking questions. Here are a few ideas: If you could meet one person living or dead, who would it be? Who has inspired you the most throughout your life so far? What do you think your most significant accomplishment is?

Do a Scavenger Hunt

If you’re looking for fun road trip activities, do a scavenger hunt with your fellow passengers. Make a list of things to look for, such as a Route 66 sign, a dog hanging out of a car, cows in a pasture, and a funny billboard. As you drive along, whoever sees an item first can check it off their list.

Have a Sing-Along

One of the most fun parts of any road trip or long car ride is the music. Make an upbeat playlist of songs before you go and have a sing-along in the car. It’s a great way for everyone to bond and let loose.

Research Your Destination

This is a great way to get everyone involved on a long car ride—especially kids. Older children love using their phones, so encourage them to help with the planning by researching attractions they want to see and restaurants they want to try. You won’t have to do as much of the legwork, and they’ll feel involved in the process. It’s a win-win.

Document Your Trip

Documenting your road trip allows you to remember the best parts for years to come. Bring along a journal and ask everyone to write down their top memories of the trip, such as their favorite attractions. Be sure to take plenty of pictures along the way, especially with iconic signs and roadside attractions.

These are just a few of the fun things to do on a road trip. Whether you have your route mapped out or you’re planning your stops spontaneously, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has thousands of hotels ready to welcome you wherever your travels take you.