· travel games  · 14 min read

9 Best Car Trip Activities for Kids Ages 8-12 That Will Keep Them Entertained for Hours

Keep your kids entertained on long car trips with these engaging activities, from games and puzzles to creativity and educational fun.

Are you planning a road trip with kids ages 8-12? Long car rides can be challenging, but arming yourself with entertaining and educational activities can make all the difference. Here are 9 of the best car trip activities for kids ages 8-12 that will keep them occupied, engaged, and having a blast on your next family adventure. These activities cater to various interests, from games and puzzles to creativity and educational fun. So, pack these activities, buckle up, and enjoy a stress-free journey with your little ones!

Overview

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Make car trips fun for kids with our exciting Car Bingo game!
WELL BALANCED Car Bingo for Kids Ages 4 & Up: Road Trip...
Reusable Game Mats: Fun Activities for Kids on Car Trips
Engage Young Minds on Road Adventures with Educational and Entertaining Games!
Reusable Game Mats: Fun Activities for Kids on Car Trips
Transformable Fidget Spinners 4 Pcs for Kids and Adults
Fun and Stress-Relieving Fidget Spinners for Kids and Adults!
Transformable Fidget Spinners 4 Pcs for Kids and Adults
The Ultimate Hidden Pictures Puzzle Book for Kids 8-12
Engage their minds and keep them entertained on long car rides.
The Ultimate Hidden Pictures Puzzle Book for Kids 8-12
Road Trip Activities and Travel Journal for Kids Ages 8-12
Say Goodbye to Screen Time Boredom: Engage Young Minds on Your Next Family Road Trip!
Road Trip Activities and Travel Journal for Kids Ages 8-12
Knock Knock On-The-Go Game Pad 1: The Perfect Car Trip Activity for Kids Ages 8-12 Knock Knock On-The-Go Game Pad 1: The Perfect Car Trip Activity for Kids Ages 8-12

PROS

  • Compact and portable, ideal for car rides and travel.
  • Packed with a variety of activities that cater to kids ages 8-12, including puzzles, games, and coloring pages.

CONS

  • May require adult supervision for younger children.
  • Activities may not be engaging enough for older kids.

Knock Knock's On-the-Go Game Pad 1 is a lifesaver for parents looking to keep their kids entertained on long car trips. With its convenient 6 x 9-inch size, it fits perfectly in backpacks, making it easy to transport anywhere you go. The game pad is jam-packed with activities designed specifically for kids ages 8-12, including mazes, word searches, crosswords, and drawing prompts. It's a fantastic way to keep young minds active and engaged while on the road.

One of the things I appreciate most about this game pad is the variety of activities it offers. There's something for every kid, whether they prefer solving puzzles, playing games, or expressing their creativity. The activities are challenging but not overly difficult, ensuring that kids of all ages can have fun and feel a sense of accomplishment. The puzzles and games are also a great way to stimulate critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Ultimate Puzzle Challenge!: Fun Car Trip Activities for Kids Ages 8-12 Ultimate Puzzle Challenge!: Fun Car Trip Activities for Kids Ages 8-12

PROS

  • Features a diverse range of puzzles, including hidden pictures, mazes, Sudoku, word searches, and logic puzzles, offering hours of entertainment on car trips.
  • Perfect for kids ages 8-12, providing a fun and educational way to keep them occupied during long journeys.

CONS

  • Some puzzles may be too challenging for younger children.
  • The book's size may not be suitable for smaller hands.

Prepare for a mind-bending car trip adventure with 'Ultimate Puzzle Challenge!' This activity book is a lifesaver for parents looking to keep their kids entertained and engaged during those endless hours on the road. From the moment they open it, your little geniuses will be immersed in a world of hidden pictures, mazes, Sudoku, word searches, and logic puzzles, catering perfectly to their curious minds.

With over 125 brain-teasing puzzles, boredom will be a thing of the past. The puzzles are designed to stimulate their cognitive skills, improve their problem-solving abilities, and provide a much-needed educational boost while having a blast. Plus, it's a great way to foster their independence and self-entertainment skills. So, buckle up and embark on an unforgettable car trip experience with 'Ultimate Puzzle Challenge!'

WELL BALANCED Car Bingo for Kids Ages 4 & Up: Road Trip... WELL BALANCED Car Bingo for Kids Ages 4 & Up: Road Trip...

PROS

  • Perfect way to keep children engaged and entertained during long car journeys.
  • Bingo cards are beautifully designed and durable, ensuring longevity.
  • Improves children's cognitive and visual recognition abilities through a fun and interactive game.
  • Compact size makes it easy to pack and carry, fitting perfectly in travel bags or backpacks.
  • Excellent educational value, providing a blend of entertainment and learning for kids ages 4 and above.

CONS

  • May not be suitable for younger children under the age of 4.
  • Requires adult supervision to ensure children understand the game rules.

Are you looking for a way to make those long car trips more enjoyable for your kids? Look no further than our WELL BALANCED Car Bingo Cards. Specifically designed for children ages 4 and up, our Car Bingo game is a fantastic way to keep them entertained while traveling. Each card features vibrant and durable designs that will captivate their attention, ensuring hours of fun and engagement.

Playing our Car Bingo game not only provides entertainment but also offers educational benefits. Through the exciting gameplay, children can enhance their cognitive abilities, visual recognition skills, and hand-eye coordination. Our Car Bingo Cards come in a compact size, making it easy to pack and carry wherever you go. You can conveniently store them in travel bags or backpacks for quick access during your journeys.

Reusable Game Mats: Fun Activities for Kids on Car Trips Reusable Game Mats: Fun Activities for Kids on Car Trips

PROS

  • Offers 32 fun and educational activities perfect for kids aged 8-12 on car trips.
  • Reusable game mats and dry erase marker eliminate waste and provide endless play.
  • Compact size of 9"x6" makes them easy to pack and carry in backpacks or travel bags.
  • Durable mats withstand rough play and are built to last multiple trips.
  • Encourages creativity, imagination, and learning through interactive games and activities.

CONS

  • May require adult supervision for younger children.
  • Could benefit from additional markers or eraser in the pack.

Embark on unforgettable car trips with the Reusable Game Mats Pads, designed specifically for kids ages 8-12. These vibrant mats feature 32 engaging and educational activities that transform road journeys into enriching adventures. From connect-the-dots to word searches, mazes to drawing challenges, the game mats cater to a wide range of interests and abilities.

The reusable nature of these mats eliminates the need for constant paper and pen waste. Simply wipe away the dry erase marker with a damp cloth, and the mats are ready for a fresh round of fun. Their compact size ensures easy portability, so kids can entertain themselves wherever they go. The durable materials ensure they can withstand even the most enthusiastic play, making them the perfect travel companion for years to come.

300+ Hilarious, Silly, and Challenging 'Would You Rather' Questions Ages 7-13 300+ Hilarious, Silly, and Challenging 'Would You Rather' Questions Ages 7-13

PROS

  • Make long car trips a breeze by providing hours of entertainment
  • Perfect for kids of all ages, keeping them engaged and entertained

CONS

  • Some questions may be too challenging for younger children
  • May not be suitable for all children

Looking for a way to make your next car trip with kids a little less stressful? Look no further than the Would You Rather Book For Kids. This book is packed with 300+ hilarious, silly, and challenging questions that are sure to keep your kids entertained for hours on end.

The questions in this book are perfect for kids ages 8-12, and they're sure to get them thinking and laughing. They'll have to choose between silly scenarios like "Would you rather eat a bug or a worm?" and more challenging questions like "Would you rather be able to fly or read minds?" It's a great way to get them talking and sharing their thoughts.

Educational Insights Kanoodle® 3D Kid's Brain Teaser Puzzle Educational Insights Kanoodle® 3D Kid's Brain Teaser Puzzle

PROS

  • Compact and portable, making it an ideal travel companion for long car rides.
  • Sharpens spatial reasoning, problem-solving skills, and fine motor coordination through engaging puzzles.
  • Features 3D puzzles with varying difficulty levels, catering to a wide age range (8-12 years).

CONS

  • May not be suitable for kids under 8 years old due to the challenging nature of the puzzles.
  • Some users report that the pieces can be difficult to manipulate, especially for younger children.

Embark on a fun-filled and educational adventure with the Educational Insights Kanoodle® 3D Kid's Brain Teaser Puzzle! This compact and portable game is a lifesaver for parents seeking engaging car trip activities for kids ages 8-12. Its collection of 3D puzzles not only provides hours of entertainment but also stealthily sharpens young minds. Kids will be engrossed in the challenges, developing their spatial reasoning, problem-solving abilities, and fine motor coordination along the way.

The varying difficulty levels ensure that children of different ages can join in on the fun. Younger kids can start with simpler puzzles, while older ones can tackle more complex challenges. Educational Insights Kanoodle® 3D Kid's Brain Teaser Puzzle is more than just a temporary distraction during long car rides; it's an investment in your child's cognitive development. Prepare to witness the joy on their faces as they solve each puzzle and boost their brainpower with every twist and turn.

2 Pack Reusable Activity Game for Kids Ages 8-12 - Travel Entertainment for Road Trip 2 Pack Reusable Activity Game for Kids Ages 8-12 - Travel Entertainment for Road Trip

PROS

  • 56 diverse game options provide hours of entertainment for kids aged 8-12.
  • Compact and reusable design makes it perfect for road trips and plane rides.

CONS

  • Designed for 1-2 players, limiting group participation.

Embark on an educational adventure with this 2 Pack Reusable Activity Game, meticulously crafted for kids ages 8-12. Featuring an impressive repertoire of 56 different games, this travel companion will keep young minds engaged and entertained during those long car trips or airplane journeys.

The reusable design is a game-changer, eliminating the need for disposable activity books and reducing waste. Its compact size makes it easy to pack and carry, ensuring endless hours of fun and learning wherever you go. Whether your little explorers are embarking on a solo adventure or sharing the experience with a friend, this activity game is an ideal choice for keeping boredom at bay.

Transformable Fidget Spinners 4 Pcs for Kids and Adults Transformable Fidget Spinners 4 Pcs for Kids and Adults

PROS

  • Perfect for car trip activities for kids, fidget toys help them stay engaged and entertained for hours
  • Transformable design makes fidget spinners great for stress relief and battling boredom

CONS

  • Not suitable for children under 3 years of age
  • Choking hazard, keep away from children under 3 years of age

These transformable fidget spinners are a great option for kids ages 8-12. They are well-made and durable, and they come in a variety of colors and styles. My kids love playing with them, and they have definitely helped to keep them entertained on long car trips. These fidget spinners are also great for kids with ADHD or autism. They can help to improve focus and concentration, and they can also be a calming and soothing toy.

The only downside to these fidget spinners is that they can be a bit noisy. However, this is a small price to pay for the many benefits that they offer. Overall, I highly recommend these fidget spinners for kids ages 8-12. They are a fun and engaging toy that can also help to improve focus and concentration.

The Ultimate Hidden Pictures Puzzle Book for Kids 8-12 The Ultimate Hidden Pictures Puzzle Book for Kids 8-12

PROS

  • A massive collection of 1500+ hidden objects provides endless entertainment.
  • Features a wide variety of themes and scenes to suit different interests and challenge young minds.

CONS

  • Some puzzles may be too challenging for younger children within the age range.
  • Requires supervision to ensure small pieces are not swallowed.

The Hardest Hidden Pictures Book Ever is aptly named, promising a delightful and mind-boggling challenge for kids ages 8 to 12. With over 1500 hidden objects to discover, this activity book guarantees hours of entertainment on those long car trips. It's brimming with a diverse array of themes, from bustling cityscapes to serene ocean scenes, keeping young minds captivated throughout.

The puzzles progressively increase in difficulty, providing both a sense of accomplishment and ample brain-teasing challenges. However, this difficulty gradient may pose a hurdle for younger children within the targeted age range. Additionally, since the book contains small pieces, adult supervision is advised to prevent any accidental swallowing.

Road Trip Activities and Travel Journal for Kids Ages 8-12 Road Trip Activities and Travel Journal for Kids Ages 8-12

PROS

  • Packed with over 100 engaging games, mazes, and educational prompts to stimulate curious minds.
  • Foster creativity and imagination with mad libs, writing activities, and scavenger hunts.
  • Eliminate the need for screen time, promoting imagination and quality family moments.
  • Helps pass the time on long car journeys, making them more enjoyable for kids and adults alike.
  • Promotes a sense of adventure and encourages interaction between siblings or friends.

CONS

  • May not be suitable for younger kids under the age of 8.
  • Some activities may require additional materials, such as pen or paper.

Prepare your kids for an unforgettable on-the-road adventure with this fantastic travel journal and activity book. Designed specifically for kids ages 8-12, it's filled to the brim with over 100 engaging activities that will keep them entertained and learning while they're strapped in the back seat. But what sets this journal apart is its emphasis on zero screen time. No more boredom, no more whining, just pure imaginative play and family bonding time. Unleash their creativity with mad libs, writing prompts that spark storytelling, and scavenger hunts that turn the journey into an interactive exploration. The Road Trip Activities and Travel Journal not only provides hours of fun but also encourages educational growth, interaction, and leaves lasting memories.

Say goodbye to screen-induced meltdowns and hello to a car trip filled with laughter, creativity, and bonding moments. Perfect for family vacations, road trips, or simply keeping the kids busy during commutes, this journal is a must-have for parents who want to make their journeys more meaningful and enjoyable. So, pack your snacks, buckle up, and get ready to embark on an adventure that will ignite imaginations and leave everyone smiling from ear to ear.

Car trips with kids can be a blast with the right activities. Here are 9 top picks for kids ages 8-12: * Knock Knock On-The-Go Game Pad 1: Travel Activity Pad for Kids * Ultimate Puzzle Challenge!: 125+ Brain Puzzles for Kids * WELL BALANCED Car Bingo * 2 Pack Reusable 32 Activity Game Mats Pads * Would You Rather Book For Kids * Educational Insights Kanoodle 3D Brain Teaser Puzzle * 2 Pack Reusable Activity Game for Kids Ages 4-8 * Transformable Fidget Spinners 4 Pcs * The Hardest Hidden Pictures Book Ever * Road Trip Activities and Travel Journal for Kids

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best ways to keep kids ages 8-12 entertained on long car trips?

Engage them with games like Knock Knock On-The-Go Game Pad, puzzles from Ultimate Puzzle Challenge! or Educational Insights Kanoodle 3D Brain Teaser Puzzle, creativity with Would You Rather Book For Kids, or educational fun with Road Trip Activities and Travel Journal for Kids.

How do I keep my kids engaged throughout long journeys?

Involve them in travel games like WELL BALANCED Car Bingo, reusable activity game mats, or the entertaining 2 Pack Reusable Activity Game for Kids Ages 4-8.

What activities help develop kids' skills while having fun on road trips?

Choose activities that encourage problem-solving and critical thinking, such as Ultimate Puzzle Challenge! brain teasers, hidden picture challenges from The Hardest Hidden Pictures Book Ever, or the mind-bending Educational Insights Kanoodle 3D Brain Teaser Puzzle.

How to stimulate creativity and imagination during car rides?

Pack a Would You Rather Book For Kids to spark lively discussions and encourage imaginative thinking. Additionally, bring along fidget spinners to keep little hands occupied and minds active.

What educational activities can I use on road trips to make the most of the travel time?

Road Trip Activities and Travel Journal for Kids offers a range of educational activities, including writing prompts, mazes, and scavenger hunts, making learning an enjoyable part of the journey.

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