Looking for a great car game to play with kids who are beginning readers? This alphabet-based categorization memory game is ideal for ages 5 and up or slightly younger children who have learned their ABCs. You don’t need a game board or any supplies, making it perfect for long car trips, train trips, and of course picnics. This is one of our travel and car games for toddlers of school age.
How to play I’m going on a picnic
This alphabet memory game can be played with just two players, but it’s so much more fun when the whole family comes together.
To begin, a person begins by saying, “I’m going on a picnic and I’m bringing …” followed by something you can eat that begins with A, such as “… apples” or “… artichokes”.
The second player repeats what the first person said, but adds a meal that begins with B. “I’m going on a picnic and I’m bringing apples and bananas.”
Continue with the next player repeating the line with the first two items and adding something that begins with C. “I’m going on a picnic and I’m bringing apples, bananas, and corn.”
And so on with D and the rest of the alphabet. As the game progresses, it becomes more difficult because the player has to find an item for their card and also remember all the items that came before.
Rules:
The further you progress through the alphabet, the more difficult the game becomes. If an adult forgets an item, he or she is out. But to be fair, feel free to give the kids additional hints or attempts.
The last player to be able to recite all the items on the list wins.
Younger players can play on a team with an adult if they wish. If they want to play alone, allow them extra time or several chances per round, if the other players agree.
Variations:
If you play with preschoolers, you can remove the memory part of the game and turn it into an alphabet game. In this version, a player must find an item that begins with the next letter but does not have to remember all the items that came before.
The game can be easily updated by changing where you go. For example:
- “I’m going to the zoo to see …” followed by an animal that begins with A, like “… an armadillo.”
- “I’m going to grow up and be a …” followed by a profession that starts with A, like “astronaut.” The next player continues with “an astronaut or a banker.” And so.
- “I’m going to a party with my friend …” followed by a person’s name that begins with A, such as “… Amy.”
- “I’m going to the city and I’m going to see …” followed by something you would see in a city that starts with A, like “… an apartment building.”
- “I’m going on vacation to visit …” followed by a place name that begins with an A, such as “Arizona.”
More tips for road trips with kids
- Keep automobile disease at bay. Is your child prone to motion sickness? Find out how to prevent motion sickness in children before you leave home.
- Download essential apps. Do not leave home before assembling your phone with tools that facilitate your trip. These must-have apps for your best road trip can help you build an itinerary, find a last-minute hotel, locate cheap fuel, and personalize your in-car entertainment.
- Bring some travel toys. The best car travel accessories keep kids entertained without creating too much noise, taking up too much space, or making a mess. Here are 10 must-have family road trip toys and travel games to keep backseat boredom at bay.
- Find smart tips on Pinterest. The social media platform is a great place to find smart tips on how to reduce the clutter and stress of car travel.
