Long car rides can either be a thrilling adventure or a test of patience, especially before the days of smartphones and tablets. Back then, we had to get creative to pass the time, turning the journey itself into an experience filled with laughter, games, and a bit of silliness. Here’s a look at the ways we entertained ourselves during those endless hours on the road—ways that today’s tech-savvy kids may never understand.
1. I Spy
A classic game that brought out everyone’s competitive spirit, I Spy was the perfect way to keep everyone engaged. One person would choose an object within sight and say, “I spy with my little eye, something that is…” and give a color or description. Everyone else would take turns guessing until someone got it right. It was a simple game, but it could last for miles, leading to fits of giggles and sometimes even hilarious arguments over whether someone’s guess was “close enough.”
2. 20 Questions
20 Questions is a timeless classic, requiring nothing more than a curious mind and a bit of imagination. One person would think of an object, and the others would take turns asking yes-or-no questions to try to guess what it was. The thrill of narrowing it down, combined with the bizarre things people would come up with, made for endless entertainment. It also sparked conversations and creativity, often leading to unexpected twists.
3. License Plate Games
Searching for license plates from different states was a favorite pastime on long trips. Armed with a notebook or just the memory of what you spotted, you’d try to collect as many as possible. You might even make a game out of it, seeing who could find the most unusual or unique plates. Some families would turn it into a competition, adding an element of excitement as you all scanned the road for that elusive Hawaii plate.
4. Singing Road Trip Anthems
Whether it was belting out the latest pop hits or oldies that everyone knew by heart, singing together turned the car into a makeshift concert hall. Each family member would take turns choosing a song, and there were no judgmental eyes—just the joy of singing at the top of your lungs. Road trip anthems like “Don’t Stop Believin’” or “Sweet Caroline” could unite even the grumpiest passengers, transforming the car into a party on wheels.
5. Storytelling
Long drives were the perfect backdrop for spinning tales, and everyone could get involved. One person might start a story, and then each person would add a line, leading to some wonderfully outrageous plots. Kids would create silly characters and zany scenarios, and sometimes the stories would take unexpected turns that had everyone laughing. This shared creativity fostered connections that made the trip memorable.
6. Counting Cows and Other Silly Quirks
Counting cows (or any other animal) became an amusing distraction. You might declare, “Every cow I see is one point; if it’s black and white, it’s two points!” The enthusiasm built as the count rose, with all sorts of silly rules and variations popping up. It was a charming little quirk that added a competitive edge to an otherwise ordinary view of the countryside.
7. Roadside Attractions Bingo
Creating bingo cards with common roadside attractions—like giant donuts, dinosaur statues, or specific fast-food joints—turned into a hilarious competition. Each time you spotted one, you could cross it off your card. This was especially fun for the kids, as the thrill of spotting an oversized roadside attraction could make even the longest drive feel exhilarating.
8. Drawing and Doodling
For those who loved to create, bringing along a sketchbook and some colored pencils could turn a car ride into a creative retreat. You might draw the passing scenery, doodle funny characters, or even create comic strips inspired by the journey. Sharing your artwork with fellow passengers brought moments of pride and laughter, as each piece sparked conversations about what you’d seen or imagined along the way.
9. Snacks and Treats as Entertainment
What’s a road trip without snacks? Packing a variety of treats was part of the fun, and deciding which snacks to share became an event in itself. From bagged chips to homemade cookies, munching on goodies while chatting and laughing kept everyone engaged. A snack break turned into an opportunity to share favorite treats, creating a little buffet of fun in the back seat.
10. Making Up New Rules for Old Games
Boredom often led to innovative twists on classic games. Maybe you decided to play Hangman but with funny themes, or you created a hybrid of Categories and 20 Questions where you could only ask about animals. These adaptations led to unexpected laughter and inventive gameplay that broke up the monotony of the road.
11. Reading Aloud
Taking turns reading from a family favorite book was another way to pass the time. Whether it was an adventure story, a mystery, or a classic, everyone would lean in and listen, engaged by the narrative unfolding. It brought a shared experience to life, and by the end of the trip, you’d have not only visited new places but also traveled through worlds together in the pages of a book.
12. Watching the Scenery
While it might sound simple, just watching the scenery fly by could be a soothing way to pass the time. Whether it was fields of wildflowers, towering mountains, or city skylines, each landscape offered a chance to ponder and appreciate the beauty of the world outside the window. As kids, we’d point out cool sights, like a colorful sunset or a particularly odd-shaped tree, turning our attention outward to connect with the journey itself.
Long car rides before technology meant bonding over games, music, and shared experiences, transforming what could have been dull hours into cherished memories. Though we might not have had screens to keep us occupied, we found a multitude of ways to entertain ourselves that fostered connection, laughter, and creativity. Those simple moments made every trip an adventure worth remembering.
