From watching built-in video displays to putting in earbuds and listening to music, kids have plenty of ways to keep themselves occupied while traveling in the car. If you are planning a road trip with the family this summer, the educators at JEI Learning Center South San Jose recommend powering down gadgets and playing car games with the kids during the journey. This is a fantastic way to bond while allowing kids the opportunity to flex their mental muscles. Below, the staff at San Jose, CA’s premier learning center shares a few fun activities to play in the car with your kids.

Learning Center on 4 Educational Games to Play With Kids in the Car

1. I Spy

If you are traveling to a new place, kids will be encouraged to take in the new surroundings during a game of I Spy. Pick something that will be visible for a while, like a car in the next lane on the highway or a billboard off in the distance. Recite the words “I spy with my little eye” and then give a clue about the object. Everyone in the car can ask questions until they get the right answer. Kids will have to remember what has been said about an object, which will help improve their listening skills and attention to detail.

2. Alphabet Game

If your child is beginning to learn their ABCs, playing the alphabet game will help reinforce their knowledge. Start by identifying something you see on the road that starts with the letter “A,” like “automobile.” Kids will have to identify an object that begins with the letter “B,” and so on. The game will also help kids become better at identifying details, while also improving their learning comprehension. 

3. Road Trip Bingo

Road trip bingo follows the same game-play as the original, except the tile pieces are themed for traveling in the car. Instead of grids with numbers, each bingo card will have sections with words associated to traveling, such as “highway,” “gas station,” and “RV.” All words on each card are the same, but placed in different areas. The driver will call out items on the card as they see them. The first person who fills in the card in the designated pattern wins. The game is designed to teach kids reading comprehension and improve their memory skills.

4. License Plate Game

The license plate game is a fun activity you can play on both long and short car rides. The objective is to identify as many license plates as possible from different states and countries you see while driving in the car. The game helps boost attention skills. Kids should leave a piece of paper and pen in the car to keep track of progress.

If you want to provide your youngster with the foundation to excel at their studies, the staff at San Jose’s leading learning center is available to help. The educators provide math and reading programs for kids to supplement what’s learned in the classroom, as well as enrichment programs to keep high-achieving children engaged. To learn more about academic programs available at JEI Learning Center - South San Jose, call (408) 270-6162, or visit them online for details. Make sure to follow the learning center on Facebook for event announcements.