How to Keep Kids Entertained on Road Trips

We’ve all heard the dreaded “Are we there yet?” from the back seat — and if you’re traveling with kids, you know how quickly boredom can set in. Long drives can be challenging for little ones (and parents!), but with a bit of planning and a few well-timed stops, you can keep everyone entertained and happy.

Here are some road-tested tips to keep kids engaged — plus why a stop in Audubon, Iowa, for a meal at The Feed Mill Restaurant or a stay at Blue Grass Inn & Suites can be a fun highlight of your journey.

1. Turn Drive Time into Story Time

Audiobooks and kid-friendly podcasts are lifesavers on long drives. They spark imagination, reduce screen dependence, and help the miles disappear.

Popular picks include:

• Magic Tree House – Short chapters and adventurous stories
• Junie B. Jones – Funny, relatable, and perfect for elementary-aged kids
• Wow in the World – Educational but entertaining for curious minds
• Brains On! – Fun science explanations made for young listeners
• Story Pirates Podcast – Silly, creative stories written by kids
• Short mystery or adventure series – kids can finish in one drive

Parent bonus: Everyone gets a break from “What can I do now?”

2. Build a Car Activity Kit (That Actually Works)

A dedicated car activity kit helps kids stay engaged and gives them a sense of independence. The trick is keeping it simple, portable, and easy to rotate.

Great items to include:

• Coloring books and crayons (twistable crayons are mess-resistant)
• Sticker books – low mess, high reward, and easy to reuse
• Magnetic puzzles or travel games – no lost pieces under the seats
• Dry-erase boards and markers – perfect for drawing, tic-tac-toe, or spelling games
• Small fidget toys or sensory items – helpful for restless hands
• Activity or puzzle books – mazes, word searches, or matching games
• Flashcards – letters, numbers, animals, or states for quick learning moments
• Mini notebooks or sketch pads – kids love having their “own” space to create
• Reusable water-wow or mess-free paint books – great for younger kids
• Headphones – essential for audiobooks or podcasts without distractions

Pro Tip: Rotate items every hour or two instead of giving everything at once. Familiar items feel brand new when they reappear later in the drive—without packing extra bags.

3. Make Your Stops Count – Visit Audubon, Iowa

Not all pit stops are created equal. When it’s time to stretch your legs, grab a bite, or reset everyone’s mood, choosing the right stop can make all the difference.

Here’s how a stop in Audubon, Iowa can keep the trip fun and stress-free:

• Sit down for a real meal at The Feed Mill Restaurant—a welcome break from fast food.
• Take a short break or stay overnight at Blue Grass Inn & Suites if the drive is long or you want extra rest.

Even a quick stop in Audubon can recharge the whole family and keep the road trip enjoyable.

Need to Stay the Night?

Blue Grass Inn & Suites, located right on the complex, is ideal for families who decide to break up their trip. Spacious rooms, comfortable beds, and an indoor pool give kids a chance to burn off energy—and parents a chance to actually relax.

Sometimes the best road-trip decision is stopping early and starting fresh the next day.

4. Play Classic Road Trip Games

Keep the kids’ minds engaged and the mood light with classic car games. These games are not only fun but help pass the time quickly:

• I Spy: A simple and fun game where one person chooses an object and others guess what it is based on a color or letter clue.
• 20 Questions: One person thinks of an object, and everyone else has 20 questions to figure out what it is. The questions must be answered with “yes” or “no.”
• License Plate Bingo: Create bingo cards with state abbreviations or license plate patterns. The kids can mark off states as they spot them on passing cars.
• Would You Rather?: Ask fun and sometimes silly “Would you rather?” questions to get everyone talking and laughing.
• The Alphabet Game: This one’s a road-trip classic! Try to find every letter of the alphabet in order by looking at signs, billboards, or license plates.
• Road Trip Scavenger Hunt – Give kids a list of things to spot along the way: red barn, windmill, tractor, dog in a yard, a water tower, etc. First to see each item wins a point or prize!
• Story Chain – One person starts a story with a sentence, and each person in the car adds the next sentence. Watch as hilarious stories unfold!
• Car Color Count – Pick a car color and see who spots the most of them in 10 minutes. Rotate colors to keep it competitive.

Pro Tip: Rotate games or mix them with your car activity kit to keep the kids’ energy levels up without relying on screens.

5. Add a Little Motivation with a Prize Bag

A small prize or surprise bag can be a game-changer on long road trips. Kids love little rewards, and when paired with achievable goals, they encourage patience, good behavior, and engagement during the drive.

How it works:

• Set Milestones:
  Break the trip into sections—every 20–30 miles, every rest stop, or after completing a car activity. Each milestone can trigger a small reward.
• Choose the Right Prizes:
  Keep them small, portable, and safe for the car. Ideas include:
  • Mini toys (cars, animals, figurines)
  • Stickers or temporary tattoos
  • Healthy snacks or small candy treats
  • Coloring books, puzzle books, or activity sheets
  • Scratch-off games or cards
• Make It Interactive:
  Use a clothespin or sticker chart to track progress. Kids can earn a sticker for each milestone they reach, or clip a clothespin on the visor for good behavior (remove for misbehavior). Once they achieve the goal, they get their prize—making motivation fun, visible, and interactive.
• Behavior-Based Rewards:
  You can tie prizes to behavior as well as milestones. Encourage teamwork, sharing, or polite manners in the car. If the child meets the behavior goal, they earn a small reward.
• Add Surprises Along the Way:
  Don’t overdo it, but a surprise from the bag at a random point keeps excitement high. It can be a special snack, a mini puzzle, or a fun sticker—something that breaks the routine and keeps kids curious.

Parent Bonus:
Prize bags aren’t just for the kids—they make the trip smoother for parents, too. Fewer complaints, less “I’m bored” whining, and more cooperation can turn a stressful drive into a fun, shared experience.

Make the Most of the Miles

Long drives don’t have to feel endless — especially when you’re armed with engaging activities and smart pit stops. Whether it’s stretching your legs, refueling, or enjoying a meal, Audubon, Iowa has what families need to recharge on the road.

Planning a road trip through Iowa? Stop at The Feed Mill Restaurant for a hearty meal or stay overnight at Blue Grass Inn & Suites — a quick break can make a big difference for the whole family.