Road games for all ages: fun ideas to spice up your van journey

Why plan road games during your van road trip

Planning the right games not only keeps children entertained but also creates a positive and fun atmosphere for all passengers, adults included. Whether with family or friends, these playful challenges spark team spirit and make long hours on the road far more enjoyable.

In an AVIS explore campervan, the experience gets even better everyone has their own comfy spot, ready to join in the next travel game that will make the time fly by with a smile.

No-equipment games to get started easily

Sometimes, the best ideas are the simplest. For a successful road trip, there’s no need to pack too much some road trip games can be played out loud, with no props at all. They spark imagination and sharpen observation skills, making them perfect for the start of the journey or for unexpected moments on the road.

Guess the license plate

Each player picks a license plate and invents a funny meaning for its letters. For example, “DVF” might stand for “Dancing Visitor from Florida.” Guaranteed laughs and boosted creativity !

The object starting with a letter

One player calls out a letter, and the others must find an object visible through the window that begins with that letter. A variation involves guessing a word by asking yes/no questions.

The forbidden word

Pick a common word (like “van,” “road,” or “yes”) that’s banned for a set period. Each time someone says it, they get a fun penalty!

Who am I ?

One player thinks of a person, animal, or object. The others ask closed-ended questions to guess. Whoever guesses correctly becomes the next to choose.

These car games are perfect for kicking off the day, involving everyone onboard, and boosting team spirit. No need for a game kit or interruptions the mood stays fun and spontaneous.

 

Games with a notebook or erasable marker

When the journey gets longer, slightly more structured games can keep everyone engaged while having fun. All you need is a notebook, a simple game kit, or an erasable marker to turn the campervan’s table into a playful arena but be careful not to draw directly on the table !

The word chain game

The first player says a word (for example, “road”), and the next must say another word starting with the last letter (“dog”), and so on. A variation is to stick to a theme (animals, objects, destinations).

Spotted object bingo

Before setting off, prepare a grid with items to check off (bike, stop sign, tractor, etc.). The first to complete a row shouts “Bingo !” and wins the round.

Draw this word

A player picks a word (prepared or chosen in advance) and draws it for the others to guess. A fun twist: draw while the vehicle is moving! The results are often hilarious.

Rating challenge

Give a rating to what you see on the road: the most original car, the weirdest sign, the most beautiful landscape… A “jury” picks the winners at each stop.

These games sharpen focus and memory, while helping passengers stay connected to the trip itself all without screens or gadgets. A great way to involve even older kids and adults.

 

Games to entertain the little ones !

Traveling with young children in a campervan is a great chance to introduce them to the joys of a road trip while keeping boredom at bay. For kids, games should be simple, visual, and often repetitive to hold their attention.

The king of silence

Perfect after an animated play session: the first person who speaks loses. This game makes parents smile as much as it puzzles the kids.

Count the colorful cars

Assign each child a color to look for. Whoever spots 10 cars of that color first wins. A fun twist: count bikes or even BMXs instead of cars.

Find an object with…

A quick game where children must spot an object with a specific shape, color, or letter (“Find a round object,” “Find something starting with B”). It’s a great way to sharpen observation skills.

Simple charades

A passenger mimes an animal or a job, and the kids must guess. Ideal during a break or a quiet stretch of road.

These little games keep children entertained without over-exciting them and turn the ride into a playful experience. Plus, in an AVIS explore campervan, kids can play safely, comfortably, and with enough space to have fun.

 

Perfect travel games for family or friends

In a campervan, every journey becomes a group adventure. And what better way to strengthen bonds, spark laughter, and encourage a friendly bit of competition than road trip games ?

The anecdote game
Each passenger shares a story (real or made-up), and the others must guess whether it’s true. Guaranteed laughs especially when the tales get outrageous.

Whose song is this?
One player hums or describes a song, and the others must guess its title or artist. A good playlist prepared in advance can keep this game going for hours.

Guess what I’m miming
During a break or at the back of the van, a passenger mimes an object, job, or emotion. The others guess, and the winner becomes the next mime. Unexpected interpretations make this game hilarious.

Themed quiz
Prepare a set of questions on a topic (travel, movies, sports…) or improvise on the go. Award one point per correct answer and perhaps a small prize for the “champion of the day.”

These games get everyone involved, no matter their age. By choosing an AVIS explore campervan, you’ll enjoy a spacious and flexible environment, perfect for creating lasting memories with these simple, fun group activities.

 

Tips for organizing your road trip games

To keep the magic alive without stress, a little planning goes a long way. Here are a few tips to turn your campervan into a real rolling game room.

1. Prepare a game kit
   Include a few sheets of paper, pencils, an erasable marker, small cards with game ideas, or even a notebook to track scores. It’s easy to pull out whenever boredom strikes.
2. Rotate game leaders
   At each stage of the trip, appoint a new game leader. This motivates everyone to participate and gives both adults and kids a chance to lead in their own way. Taking turns becomes something to look forward to.
3. Reward players
   Give small, symbolic rewards to celebrate participation or correct answers. A fun little gesture adds excitement to the activity after all, the most important thing is to play and have fun !
4. Stay flexible
   Adapt games to the length of the trip or the vibe of the moment: quieter games after lunch, more energetic ones earlier in the day… Variety is the key to a successful road trip.

With an AVIS explore campervan, everything is easier : practical storage, optimized space, driving comfort… Every detail is designed to make your trip enjoyable and full of good vibes for all ages.

FAQ

What are the best road trip games to keep passengers entertained on a long drive ?

For a fun ride in a campervan, choose easy-to-start games like “the forbidden word,” “guess the license plate,” or “the word chain.” These games spark imagination, cut down on boredom, and encourage team spirit all without needing any equipment.

How can you make road trips fun for kids during a family adventure ?

Try visual and interactive games like “count the colored cars,” “find an object starting with a letter,” or “spot the bike.” These travel games for kids keep them engaged, energetic, and actively involved in the road trip experience.

Which games should you bring in the van to mix things up during the trip ?

Prepare a small travel game kit with notebooks, pencils, erasable markers, word cards, or observation bingo sheets. This lets you adapt activities to the mood, the weather, or the time of day.

What kinds of games work well in an AVIS explore campervan ?

Thanks to its flexible and comfortable layout, an AVIS explore campervan is perfect for group games like quizzes, riddles, or even drawing games in the back. Great for creating fun, shared moments whether at a stop or on a smooth stretch of road.

What tips can help organize road trip games without overpacking ?

Plan ahead with printed game ideas, a small stationery kit, and simple verbal games. Keep it light but varied. The key lies in flexibility and active participation from every passenger, no matter their age.