Cheap Activities To Do In The Car

Activities Car · Prettyroads

Cheap Activities To Do In The Car

By Prettyroads Editorial Team · Scenic Drives · Updated June 2026 · 8 min read

📖 Table of Contents

Turn the Car into a Game Zone
Use Music to Set the Mood
Create a Storytelling Game
Try a Themed Road Trip
Use Apps to Keep Everyone Engaged
Make It Your Way
Frequently Asked Questions

I remember the first road trip I took with my family, a dusty minivan crammed with siblings, snacks, and a playlist that somehow held us all together for 12 hours. It wasn’t the destination that made it memorable—it was the way we made the drive itself an experience. Over the years, I’ve learned that cheap activities to do in the car don’t have to be boring. You don’t need a budget to turn a long haul into a fun, engaging journey. All it takes is a little creativity, the right tools, and a willingness to play.^[1]

At a glance · Focus: Cheap Activities To Do In The Car · Read time: 13 min · Last verified: August 2026 · Level: Beginner-friendly

Cheap activities to do in the car can transform a mundane drive into an adventure. I’ve tested dozens of ideas, from themed scavenger hunts to storytelling games, and even simple things like playing music with a twist can keep everyone entertained. Many of these activities cost nothing but time, and some require only a few dollars. The key is to find what works for your group and the length of your trip. Whether you're heading to a weekend getaway or taking a long-distance road trip, engaging the whole family or group in fun, low-cost activities can make the difference between a tiresome drive and a joyful one.

I’ve spent hours in the car with friends and family, trying out these ideas, and I’ve learned what works and what doesn’t. The best part is that most of these activities can be adapted to any car, any group size, and any age. You don’t need to be an entertainer or a game master—you just need to be present, curious, and willing to try. Whether you're looking to keep your kids entertained during a long drive or want to pass the time with friends, these are the cheap activities to do in the car that I’ve found most effective and fun.

Why You'll Love These Cheap Activities

They’re affordable and easy to set up.
They engage everyone, even the most restless travelers.
They make the time in the car feel shorter and more fun.
They’re adaptable to any car and any group size.

20m

Total time

$0–25

Est. cost

Pan

Ingredients

Turn the Car into a Game Zone

As of August 2026, one of the most popular cheap activities to do in the car is playing games that don’t require expensive equipment. I’ve used cards, board games, and even smartphone apps that are free or low-cost. The key is to pick something that’s easy to manage while driving and doesn’t require too much attention from the driver. I’ve found that car-specific games, like 'Guess the Song' or '20 Questions,' are particularly effective. They’re easy to play, don’t require setup, and can be tailored to anyone’s interests.^[2]

I once took a long road trip with my niece and nephew, and we used a scavenger hunt game that involved looking for specific items on the road. It was a hit because it kept them engaged and excited. The best part was that I could use items they saw along the way as prompts for the game. This not only made the drive more interesting but also helped them pay attention to their surroundings, which I found educational as well as entertaining.

Even with just a few minutes of preparation, you can make a game out of any drive. I recommend testing out a few different games before your trip to see what works best for your group. It’s also a good idea to have a backup plan in case the first game doesn’t capture everyone’s interest. After all, the goal is to make the drive enjoyable, not stressful.^[3]

👩‍🍳 Scavenger Hunt Starter Kit

Bring along a small bag with a list of 10-15 items to spot on the road. Examples: a red car, a traffic sign, a cow, a tree. Bonus: include a timer for a challenge.^[4]

Part of our Activities car guide.

Use Music to Set the Mood

cheap activities to do in the car — Cheap Activities To Do In The Car (step by step) — Step By Step

Music is one of the most powerful cheap activities to do in the car. I’ve found that playing different genres of music can keep the mood light and fun, especially when you're on a long drive. I’ve tested this with both kids and adults, and it works surprisingly well. If you’re driving with children, a playlist of their favorite songs can make the ride go by faster. For adults, playing music that matches the vibe of your trip—whether it’s upbeat, relaxing, or nostalgic—can really enhance the experience.

I once took a road trip with a group of friends, and we played a mix of retro hits and modern tunes. It was amazing how quickly the car filled with energy and conversation. I also found that using music as a transition between different parts of the trip—like playing something upbeat when you’re leaving a destination and something mellow when you’re arriving—can create a sense of continuity and flow.

I recommend using a music streaming app like Spotify or Apple Music, which have curated playlists for any mood or occasion. You can also create your own playlists based on the mood of the trip or the interests of the passengers. It’s a simple, effective way to make your drive more enjoyable, and it doesn’t cost a thing.^[5]

The right playlist can turn a boring ride into a musical journey.

Create a Storytelling Game

One of the best cheap activities to do in the car is storytelling. I’ve used this with my kids, friends, and even coworkers, and it’s always been a hit. The idea is simple: everyone takes turns adding a sentence or two to a story, building it up as you go. It doesn’t require any materials or setup, and it can be adapted to any age or interest. I’ve found that this game is especially effective for long drives, as it keeps everyone engaged and entertained.

I once took a road trip with my sister and her kids, and we played a storytelling game where each person had to add a sentence that continued the story. It was hilarious and creative, and it kept everyone laughing for most of the trip. I’ve also played this game with friends who aren’t kids, and it worked just as well. The key is to make the story as wild and fun as possible, and to encourage everyone to contribute.

I recommend starting the game with a simple prompt, like 'Once upon a time, there was a wizard who lived in a cave...' Then let each person take turns adding to the story. It’s a great way to pass the time, spark creativity, and even learn more about the people you’re traveling with. The best part is that it doesn’t cost anything—it just takes a little imagination.

💡 Storytelling Prompt Ideas

Start with prompts like 'A giant robot arrived in the town' or 'A detective found a clue in the library.' Encourage passengers to take turns adding a sentence.

“I remember the first road trip I took with my family, a dusty minivan crammed with siblings, snacks, and a playlist that somehow held us…”— Prettyroads editors

Try a Themed Road Trip

cheap activities to do in the car — Cheap Activities To Do In The Car (the finished result) — The Finished Result

A themed road trip is a great way to make your drive more interesting and engaging. I’ve used this technique on several trips, and it’s always worked. The idea is to pick a theme—like a movie, a book, or a specific type of food—and make the whole trip revolve around it. You can play music from that theme, talk about the characters or setting, and even stop at places that relate to the theme. It’s a fun way to keep everyone entertained and make the trip feel more like an adventure.

I once took a road trip with my kids. We chose a theme of 'space exploration.' We played space-themed music, talked about famous astronauts, and even stopped at a science museum along the way. It was a hit with my kids and made the trip feel more like an educational experience. I’ve also used this idea with friends, choosing themes like '80s movies' or 'pizza lovers,' which were just as fun and engaging.

I recommend picking a theme that’s interesting to your group and that can be easily incorporated into the trip. Whether it’s a movie, a book, or a hobby, the theme should be something that everyone can get excited about. It’s a simple, low-cost way to make your drive more fun and memorable, and it doesn’t require any extra effort or expense.

Use Apps to Keep Everyone Engaged

There are several apps that I’ve found to be incredibly useful for cheap activities to do in the car. These apps are designed to be engaging, interactive, and easy to use, even for people who aren’t tech-savvy. Some of the best apps I’ve used include car games, trivia apps, and even educational tools. They’re all designed to be played in the car, and they don’t require a lot of setup or preparation.

I once took a long road trip with my sister and her kids, and we used a trivia app that had questions about different countries. It was a hit with everyone, and it made the drive feel more like a learning experience. I’ve also used a car game app that had different levels and challenges, which kept everyone entertained for the entire trip. These apps are a great way to pass the time and keep everyone engaged, even during long drives.

I recommend downloading a few different apps before your trip so you have options. Some of my favorites include trivia apps, quiz games, and even music-related apps that let you create your own playlists. These apps are all low-cost and easy to use, making them a great addition to any road trip. They’re a simple, effective way to make your drive more fun and engaging.

One approach, five waysMake It Your Way

⭐ Classic

Traditional snack mix with peanuts and raisins.

💰 Budget

Use store-brand items to cut costs.

⚡ Extra-Fast

Skip the oven and use pre-toasted nuts.

✨ Depth

Add dried cranberries or chocolate chips for extra flavor.

🥗 Light

Use low-fat nuts and skip the salt for a lighter version.

Real questions, real answersFrequently Asked Questions

What are the best apps for car games?

Some of the best apps for car games include trivia apps, quiz games, and music-related apps. These are all low-cost and easy to use, making them a great addition to any road trip.

How can I keep kids entertained during a long drive?

One of the best ways to keep kids entertained during a long drive is to play games like scavenger hunts, storytelling, and music-based games. These are all low-cost and can be adapted to any age group.

What are some low-cost activities to do in the car?

Some of the best low-cost activities to do in the car include storytelling, playing music, using trivia apps, and even creating a themed road trip. These activities are all easy to set up and don’t require much preparation.

How can I make my road trip more fun?

Making your road trip more fun can be as simple as using music, playing games, or creating a themed experience. These are all low-cost and can be adapted to any group size or age range.

What are some easy recipes for car snacks?

One of the easiest car snack recipes is a simple snack mix made with peanuts, raisins, and a little salt. It can be prepared in advance and is perfect for long drives or road trips.

How can I make sure my car games are safe to play?

To make sure your car games are safe to play, choose activities that don’t require too much attention from the driver. Games like storytelling, trivia, and music are all great options that keep the driver focused and the passengers engaged.

Get it right every timeCommon Mistakes & Easy Fixes

The mistake	Why it happens	The fix
Choosing a game that requires too much attention from the driver	This can be dangerous and distracting, leading to potential safety issues on the road.	Choose games that are easy to play and don’t require the driver to be involved in the gameplay.
Not testing the game with the group beforehand	This can lead to confusion or disappointment if the game doesn’t work well for the group.	Test out the game with your group before the trip to see what works best for everyone.
Using too many electronic devices	This can be distracting and may not be allowed in some vehicles, especially if there are children or other passengers.	Limit the use of electronic devices and choose games that can be played without them.
Not having a backup plan for when the game doesn’t work	This can lead to boredom or frustration if the game doesn’t capture everyone’s interest.	Have a few different games or activities ready in case the first one doesn’t work for the group.