As a licensed practitioner who works with kids, I know firsthand how challenging road trips can be for families with special needs children. The long hours in the car, the unfamiliar surroundings, and the disruption to routine can all contribute to stress and anxiety for both kids and parents. But with a little creativity and preparation, road trips can be a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone. In this article, I’ll share 7 of my favorite road trip play ideas that are perfect for neurodivergent kids. These activities are designed to keep kids engaged, entertained, and happy during even the longest car rides. So if you’re planning a family vacation this summer, read on for some inspiration!
Table of Contents
1. I Spy
I Spy is a classic road trip game that’s perfect for kids with thinking and learning differences. To play, one person chooses an object they can see and gives a clue about it, such as “I spy with my little eye something blue.” The other players then take turns guessing what the object might be. This game is great for building vocabulary, visual discrimination skills, and turn-taking abilities.
To make the game more challenging for older kids, try using more descriptive clues or choosing objects that are harder to spot. You can also incorporate movement breaks by having kids hop out of the car to find the object at rest stops or scenic overlooks.
Read more: 5 Games to Play in the Car With Kids
2. License Plate Game
The License Plate Game is another road trip staple that’s great for kids with special needs. The goal is to find license plates from as many different states as possible. You can keep track by writing down the states on a piece of paper or using a printable map.
This game is a great way to practice reading skills, as kids need to decipher the state names and abbreviations on the license plates. It also helps build geography knowledge and can spark conversations about the different places you’re passing through. To add an extra challenge, try finding license plates in alphabetical order or creating a scavenger hunt with specific combinations of letters and numbers.
3. Coloring Books
Coloring books are a great way to keep kids occupied during long car rides. They’re portable, affordable, and can provide hours of entertainment. Look for coloring books with themes that match your child’s interests, such as animals, superheroes, or favorite TV characters.
Coloring is also a great way to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. According to a study published in the Journal of Advanced Nursing, coloring can reduce stress and improve mood in both children and adults. So pack some crayons or colored pencils and let your kids create their own masterpieces on the road.
4. Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt is a fun way to keep kids engaged and observant during a road trip. Before you leave, create a list of items for kids to spot along the way, such as a red barn, a motorcycle, or a license plate with the letter Z. You can make the list yourself or find printable versions online.
As kids find each item, they can cross it off their list or take a picture of it. This game helps build visual scanning skills and can make even the most mundane stretches of highway more interesting. You can also tailor the list to your child’s abilities and interests, making it easier or harder as needed.
5. Alphabet Game
The Alphabet Game is a great way to practice letter recognition and sequencing skills. To play, kids look for objects outside the car that start with each letter of the alphabet, in order. For example, A might be an apple tree, B a blue car, C a cow, and so on.
This game can be adapted for kids of different ages and abilities. Younger children might need help from an adult to identify objects, while older kids can compete to see who can get through the alphabet first. You can also play variations of the game, such as finding objects that end with each letter or using only adjectives.
6. Audiobooks
For kids who struggle with reading or get car sick easily, audiobooks can be a great alternative to traditional books. Many libraries now offer digital audiobooks that you can download onto your phone or tablet for free. You can also find audiobooks on subscription services like Audible or Scribd.
Listening to stories can help build vocabulary, comprehension skills, and imagination. It’s also a great way to pass the time on long stretches of highway. Look for age-appropriate books that match your child’s interests, or choose a family favorite that everyone can enjoy together. Don’t forget to pack headphones so each child can listen at their own volume.
Read more: Learning Apps for Kids
7. Funny Road Trip Bingo
Road Trip Bingo is a fun twist on traditional bingo that’s perfect for long car rides. Instead of numbers, the bingo cards have pictures of things you might see on a road trip, like a rest stop sign, a traffic cone, or a car with a dog in it. As kids spot each item, they can mark it off on their card until they get a bingo.
You can find printable Road Trip Bingo cards online, or create your own with clipart or drawings. To add some extra laughs, include some silly or unusual items on the cards, like a car with a mustache or a sign for a town with a funny name. This game is great for building visual scanning skills, attention to detail, and a sense of humor.
Goally | Fun Games that Build Motor Skills & Manage Screen Time
Looking for ways to improve your child’s finger dexterity skills while also keeping screen time manageable? Try Goally’s fun & motor planning apps.
Our Balloons & Graffiti Street Apps are all about building motor skills in a fun, interactive way. Kids learn to “pop the balloons” or draw dozens of digital art designs while simultaneously developing the essential skills needed to use AAC and other communication tools. Meanwhile, Game Garage is a parent-controlled space filled with entertaining (but parent-controlled) video games that kids can unlock with the points they earn from completing routines.
Road trips with special needs kids can be challenging, but they can also be incredibly rewarding. By planning ahead and bringing along some engaging activities, you can help make the journey just as fun as the destination. I hope these 7 road trip play ideas have given you some inspiration for your next family adventure. Remember, the most important thing is to have patience, flexibility, and a sense of humor. With those tools in your toolkit, you can handle any detour or roadblock that comes your way.
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FAQs about Road Trip Play Ideas
What are some fun games for kids to play in the car during a road trip?
Classic games like "I Spy" and "20 Questions" are great for keeping kids entertained. For older children, "License Plate Bingo" and travel-themed trivia can provide hours of fun.
How can you keep toddlers entertained on long car journeys?
Pack a travel bag with favorite small toys, board books, and color-safe drawing materials. Playing sing-along songs or audiobooks designed for toddlers can also help pass the time smoothly.
Are there any interactive apps beneficial for road trips with kids?
Educational game apps or interactive story apps can be both entertaining and beneficial for children. Look for apps that offer offline capabilities so they can be used without needing internet access.
What are good activities for teenagers during road trips?
Encourage teenagers to create a road trip playlist or take charge of capturing travel photos and videos. Providing them with travel journals to document their journey can also engage their creative side.
How can families incorporate learning into road trip games?
Turn observation into a learning opportunity by asking kids to note different types of vehicles, wildlife, or historical landmarks and discuss them. Games like "Find the Alphabet" on road signs or store fronts can also promote quick thinking and literacy skills.
This post was originally published on 04/28/2023. It was updated on 05/18/2024.
Hennah is an experienced writer and researcher, helping children with autism, ADHD, and other neurodivergent conditions. As a blog contributor for Goally, she combines her deep understanding of neurodiversity with practical advice, offering valuable insights to parents and educators.
