Updated July 19, 2020. Road trip games are essential for any car ride lasting more than a few hours. You can discuss your destination and comment on the countryside for only so long. Sooner than later, you’ll need a splendiferous amusement to pass the time. The good news: Just grown-ups in the car!
No rousing round of “99 Bottles of Beer on the Wall” or the eternal “My name is Alice and I come from Alabama and I sell apples…” Not even the classic alphabet game with road signs or license plates. I’m talking FUN!
Road Trip Games for Grown-Ups…Laugh as the Miles Fly By
The Movie Game: Someone gives the title of a film. The next person says the name of one of its stars. Then, it’s back to a different film with that star, followed by the name of a new actor.
- “Gone With the Wind”
- Clark Gable
- “The Misfits”
- Marilyn Monroe…
OR
- “Sophie’s Choice”
- Meryl Streep
- “Bridges of Madison County”
- Clint Eastwood…
The Name Game: Easy at first, you just say the name of a famous person. The next person has to think of the name of another famous person whose first name begins with the first letter of the previous last name. No repeats!
If you have more than two people in the car, and someone comes up with a name with the same letter for both the first and last name (“Mickey Mouse”) then the order reverses.
Like this: William Shakespeare…Sally Field…Franklin Roosevelt…Ryan Reynolds…Richard Nixon…Nancy Drew…Daniel Webster…Winona Ryder…
Fortunately/Unfortunately: This road trip game gets silly, and you’ll need to be creative…but it can become hilarious! Bonus: With no kids in the car, you can be as “adult” as you want. Puts a saucy new twist on an old family game…
The first person tells something positive–fortunate–about the trip, or starts a story. The next person counters with an unfortunate statement. Then, another fortunate sentence brings the story back to a happier stage. Then–you guessed it–another downer. It’s a clever way to brush up on your improv skills!
- Fortunately, we’re going to be near the Grand Canyon.
- Unfortunately, it’s completely flooded.
- Fortunately, I happened to pack my water wings.
- Unfortunately, I used them to stuff my bra…
The Snack Game: This road trip game for grown-ups is for foodies of all stripes. Each time you stop to refuel or to use the restroom, everyone scours the truck stop, gas station, or 7-11 for a local treat. No Twinkies allowed. Think more along the lines of Moon Pies. Buy a few: a couple to share, one to keep till you get home. At the end of the trip, rank them.
Local brews and beverages can be included, too. The idea is to eat your way across the country, sampling the snacks folks love in that region. I can’t promise it’s healthy, but it should be interesting. Besides, you need to keep your energy up, don’t you?
The Story Game: Every one has a story, right? But in this game, you’ll be inventing that story for total strangers. Choose another vehicle where you can see the passengers…you may have to pass it. Once everyone’s had a look, take turns describing them and their lives.
- Are they aliens? Where’s their hometown?
- Where are they going…and why?
- How did they choose that car or truck?
- What do they do for a living?
- Do they have secret lives?
- What are their hopes or regrets?
- How do they spend their holidays?
- Hobbies? Collections? Favorite foods?
You get the idea. Talking and laughing are the best ways to pass the time…and to learn a bit about your car mates. Do you have a favorite road trip game? Please share in the comments!
More road trip ideas:
Road Trip for One? Absolutely!
Best Road Trip Apps: More Fun and Less Frustration
Travel Journal Ideas: 25 Writing Prompts to Capture Your Memories
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