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Home > Blogs > Adventures in Motherhood > Archives > 2008 > July > 03 > Entry
Help in surviving those long car rides
Planning on spending a lot of time in the car this summer? Whether you’re going to grandma and grandpa’s house or taking a trip to the beach, here are five car games courtesy of Baby Center to help you pass the time and avoid the dreaded, “Mommy, are we there yet?” Plus, they allow you to spend some quality time with your kids — much better than having your kids watch DVDs or play video games the entire way.
1. I’m Thinking of an Animal
Ages: 3 to 4
Number of participants: Two
How to play: One player thinks of an animal, and the other tries to guess which animal it is by asking no more than 10 “yes” or “no” questions. If the child guesses correctly in 10 questions or fewer, he gets to think of the next animal. If not, the first player divulges the answer and then thinks of another animal. No one really wins, and the game is over when the children don’t want to play anymore.
2. Automobile 21
Ages: 5-8
Number of participants: At least two
How to play: In this game, children must find the numbers one to 21 in that order on the license plates of passing cars. Each license plate can be used by only one player, and players can use only one number from each license plate. When a player spots a number, he must say it out loud. The first person to get to 21 wins.
3. Motor Bingo
Ages: 5 to 8
Number of participants: Two or more
What players will need: Cardboard or paper for bingo cards, pens
How to play: Before the trip, players create bingo cards (a 5 x 5 grid with 25 squares) with a letter or number in each square. Be sure to use some double-digit numbers or the game will be too easy. While on the road, players scan the license plates of passing cars for a number or letter on their card. When they find one, they can cross off that square. The first person to cross off five squares in a row wins. Or instead of numbers or letters, put items you expect to see on your trip in each square. If a child can’t read very well, draw the items or use icons.
4. The Alphabet Game
Ages: 5 to 8
Number of participants: Two or more
How to play: While on a road trip, players try to find the letters of the alphabet in order by looking at passing license plates, billboards, road signs, and all other signs. The first person to complete the alphabet wins.
5. Name That Tune
Ages: 5 to 8
Number of participants: Two or more
How to play: Here’s a game that’s great for those who like to sing or hum a tune. One player thinks of a song that everybody knows and hums its first few notes. The other players try to guess the name of the song. If they can’t guess, the first player keeps humming more notes in the song until someone comes up with the right answer. There are no winners or losers in this game; it ends when everyone tires of it. Share your ideas: How do you pass the time and keep your kids entertained during a long car ride?
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