Before smartphones became my go-to travel companion, long car journeys were a whole different challenge. I had to get pretty creative to keep from getting bored. Whether I was a kid fidgeting in the backseat or an adult trying to pass the hours, I found all kinds of ways to stay entertained—ways that now fill me with nostalgia.
Looking back, some of those distractions brought my family closer, turning hours on the road into unforgettable memories. Here are 12 things I did to pass the time on long car trips before screens took over.
Playing “I Spy”
“I Spy” was a classic for a reason. One person would choose an object they could see, and the others would take turns guessing based on the clue “I spy with my little eye, something that is… [color or detail].” It could keep people busy for ages, scanning the world outside the window or even the car interior for something to match the description. The game was fun because it sharpened observation skills while also encouraging everyone to pay attention to their surroundings.
Singing Along to the Radio
With the radio or a well-loved collection of cassette tapes, impromptu sing-alongs were a favorite way to fill time. Families would belt out the lyrics to classic hits or folk tunes, turning the car into a rolling concert. Whether it was top 40 pop songs or country ballads, the rhythm of the music helped make the miles seem shorter and added a lighthearted atmosphere to long trips.
Playing the License Plate Game
Another popular activity was the license plate game, which challenged everyone to spot plates from different states or regions. It wasn’t just about spotting plates, though—some versions had players tracking how many states they could see or trying to complete the entire alphabet. It was a great way to keep eyes peeled for something new, especially on long highways with little else to look at.
Reading Maps and Following the Route
Before GPS, navigating was a team effort. Kids in the backseat would sometimes take a turn with the map, tracing the family’s route or guessing where they were. There was something almost magical about unfolding a paper map and seeing the journey in front of you. It gave passengers a sense of control over the trip and made geography a little more engaging.
Telling Stories and Jokes
Car trips were often filled with endless stories and jokes. Parents would share funny tales from their childhood, or someone might start telling a made-up story that everyone could contribute to. Classic joke-telling marathons were also popular, with family members taking turns cracking each other up. These storytelling sessions not only passed the time, but they also created memories that stuck with everyone long after the trip ended.
Playing “20 Questions”
In this game, one person thinks of something, and everyone else has 20 yes-or-no questions to figure out what it is. The beauty of “20 Questions” was that it could be played with minimal effort and adapted for any group. It could be as simple or challenging as the players wanted, making it perfect for kids and adults alike. Plus, it often sparked curious and creative thinking.
Snacking From the Cooler
No road trip was complete without a well-stocked cooler of snacks. Whether it was homemade sandwiches, chips, or fruit, eating was one of the highlights of a long journey. The cooler was like a treasure chest that everyone would eagerly wait to dive into. Sharing snacks also provided natural breaks in the drive, offering a little reward after hours of being on the road.
Counting Cows or Cars
For those driving through more rural areas, counting cows became a surprisingly popular game. Whoever spotted the most cows along the way would be declared the winner. For city highways, the game could be adapted to count specific types of cars, like red ones or trucks. It was a simple but effective distraction, especially for younger kids who were easily entertained by the repetitive task.
Listening to Audiobooks or Story Tapes
Before podcasts and streaming, audiobooks or cassette tapes featuring stories were a great way to pass the time. Families would pop in a beloved children’s story or a thriller to keep everyone entertained. Listening to these tales together often created a shared experience that made the trip feel shorter and less monotonous.
Drawing or Writing in a Travel Journal
For those who enjoyed quiet time, keeping a travel journal or sketching was a peaceful way to pass the hours. Kids and adults alike would draw what they saw from the window, doodle, or write about their trip. It was a creative outlet that gave the mind something to focus on, while also making a keepsake from the journey.
Playing Card Games or Travel Board Games
Compact travel versions of board games or simple card games were a staple on long car rides. Some families would break out a deck of cards for games like Go Fish or War. Other families might bring magnetic travel versions of checkers or chess. Even though space was limited, these games brought the fun of friendly competition into the backseat.
Daydreaming and Watching the Scenery
For some, the ultimate road trip pastime was just zoning out and watching the world go by. There was something soothing about staring out the window, watching the landscape change as the miles ticked past. Daydreaming was a chance to relax and let the mind wander, finding entertainment in the simplicity of the journey itself.
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Ellen has been obsessed with logic puzzles, jigsaws, and cryptograms since she was a kid. After learning she was taught how to play chess wrong by a family friend (so they could win), she joined her school chess club and the rest is history.
