Before smartphones and streaming, long car rides meant getting creative with entertainment. In the 1970s, road trip games were everything—and families had a blast with nothing but their imaginations (and maybe a CB radio). Buckle up for a ride down memory lane with these classic games that defined backseat fun in the groovy decade.
1. I Spy
Engage your observation skills with this timeless classic. In ‘I Spy,’ one player selects an object within sight and provides a clue, such as its color or the first letter, prompting others to guess. Perfect for spotting scenery out the window, this game encourages sharp eyes and quick thinking.
Whether it’s the red barn on the horizon or a peculiar cloud shape, each round offers fresh excitement. The simplicity of I Spy makes it accessible for all ages, ensuring everyone in the car can participate.
A favorite among families, it turns any mundane stretch of road into a playground of discovery. Its enduring charm lies in its ability to make the familiar fascinating.
2. License Plate Game
A road trip isn’t complete without the License Plate Game. Children eagerly scan for license plates from all 50 states, turning highways into a treasure hunt. Spotting Alaska or Hawaii plates earns extra bragging rights!
This game transforms long stretches of road into thrilling quests, with each new plate a victory. Families bond over shared goals, celebrating each rare find with enthusiasm.
In the 1970s, these moments became cherished memories, with siblings working together or competing in friendly rivalries. The game not only entertains but also teaches geography subtly, as kids learn state names and capitals along the way.
3. Punch Buggy
Also known as “Slug Bug,” this game involves spotting Volkswagen Beetles and giving your sibling a playful punch. Each punch is accompanied by cries of ‘Punch Buggy, no punch backs!’
The anticipation of spotting a Beetle keeps everyone on edge, with eyes peeled for that distinctive shape. Variations of the game existed, but the core fun remained the same—finding the Beetle first.
In the ’70s, Beetles were iconic, their quirky design making them easy targets. This game adds a humorous twist to road trips, creating laughter and, sometimes, playful bruises. It’s a nostalgic reminder of simpler times on the road.
4. The Alphabet Game
The Alphabet Game turns every road sign and billboard into a letter-hunting adventure. Players race to find the entire alphabet in order, with each letter a small victory.
The elusive ‘Q’ and ‘Z’ often pose the greatest challenges, making each find a triumph. This game sharpens observation skills and keeps eyes glued to the passing scenery.
In the 1970s, it was a beloved pastime, encouraging friendly competition and teamwork. Families delighted in the shared challenge, laughing over missed opportunities and celebrating each completed alphabet. It’s a testament to the fun found in simplicity.
5. 20 Questions
Challenge your deductive reasoning with 20 Questions. One person thinks of something—animal, vegetable, or mineral—and others have 20 yes-or-no questions to guess it.
This game stimulates curiosity and logical thinking, with each question narrowing down possibilities. It’s not just about guessing but strategizing the right questions to ask.
In the ’70s, this game was a beloved staple, encouraging creative thinking and conversation. It transformed the backseat into a battleground of wits, where each successful guess was celebrated with cheers. Perfect for all ages, it continues to be a road trip favorite.
6. Categories
Categories invites players to flex their knowledge on various topics. Pick a category—fruits, TV shows, or 1970s bands—and take turns naming items. Hesitate too long, and you’re out!
This game brings excitement and tension, as players dig into their memory banks. It’s a test of speed and mental agility, with each round offering new challenges.
In the ’70s, Categories was a hit, filling cars with laughter and competitive spirit. It’s perfect for sparking conversations and learning new things, as players discover obscure facts or forgotten favorites. Ideal for all ages, it remains a cherished memory for many.
7. Road Trip Bingo
Road Trip Bingo transforms ordinary sights into strategic wins. Each player gets a bingo card with images of common roadside sights—cows, stop signs, or gas stations.
The goal is to mark them off as spotted, with the first to get five in a row declared the winner. This game adds an element of suspense to every mile.
In the ’70s, Road Trip Bingo was a family favorite, turning every road into a potential jackpot. It combines keen observation with a bit of luck, ensuring every journey is filled with possibility. A delightful mix of fun and strategy, it’s still a beloved pastime.
8. Cow Counting
Cow Counting introduces a rural twist to road games. As you pass farmland, count the cows on your side of the car. Spot a cemetery, and your total goes back to zero!
This game blends humor with a competitive edge, as players race to amass the highest count. Passing a cemetery adds an unexpected twist, keeping everyone on their toes.
Back in the ’70s, this game was a humorous diversion, turning ordinary fields into arenas of rivalry. It’s a reminder of how simple elements can create lasting memories. Perfect for countryside drives, it transforms landscapes into exciting tally boards.
9. Car Color Hunt
Car Color Hunt is all about quick eyes and faster counts. Pick a color and count how many cars you see in five minutes. Whoever spots the most wins.
Yellow cars become golden tickets, rare and celebrated finds. This game adds excitement to otherwise mundane stretches of highway.
During the ’70s, families delighted in this simple yet engaging game, turning every trip into a colorful quest. It promotes awareness of surroundings and adds a dash of friendly competition. A vibrant way to pass the time, it brings joy to road travelers of all ages.
10. Would You Rather?
Would You Rather? sparks imagination with outlandish choices. Kids debate hilarious scenarios like, ‘Would you rather eat bugs or sleep in the car trunk?’
This game encourages creativity and humor, as players justify their choices with flair. It opens up endless possibilities, making each round unpredictable and enjoyable.
In the ’70s, Would You Rather? added a twist of comedy to road trips, sparking laughter and wild discussions. It’s a game that brings out personality and reveals quirky preferences. Perfect for breaking monotony, it turns every mile into a stage for fun.
11. Name That Tune (Hummed Version)
Name That Tune challenges your musical memory—without a radio. Players hum songs for others to guess, creating a harmonious challenge.
It’s all fun until someone hums too many Bee Gees hits, testing even the most dedicated fans. This game encourages creativity and a bit of musical flair.
In the 1970s, families loved this game for its simplicity and fun. It turns the car into a concert hall, with every correct guess celebrated. A perfect blend of music and memory, it keeps spirits high and voices humming along the journey.
12. The Quiet Game
The Quiet Game, a parent favorite, turns silence into a competition. The first to speak loses, adding a hush to the journey.
Surprisingly competitive, especially when prizes are involved, this game creates a tranquil car environment. It’s a strategic challenge, testing patience and restraint.
In the ’70s, it was a clever way to ensure peace during long trips, with kids vying for the win by staying silent. Offering a break from constant chatter, The Quiet Game remains a go-to for parents seeking a moment of quietude.
13. Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament
Rock, Paper, Scissors offers a quick, decisive way to settle scores or pass the time. Fast-paced and simple, it’s perfect for rest stops or traffic jams.
Tournaments could last an entire highway, with players honing strategies and celebrating victories. Each round is a new chance to outsmart your opponent.
In the 1970s, this game was a staple, providing endless entertainment with its easy rules. It’s a timeless test of luck and foresight, bringing both rivalry and camaraderie. Ideal for all ages, it turns strategy into fun, mile after mile.
14. Story Chain
Story Chain unleashes creativity, one sentence at a time. One person starts a story, and each adds a line, weaving wild tales.
The collaborative spirit often leads to giggles, as narratives take unexpected turns. It encourages imagination and active listening, each addition building on the last.
Back in the ’70s, it became a cherished pastime, with families crafting epic sagas on the open road. This game transforms journeys into literary adventures, where every participant is a storyteller. It’s a delightful way to engage everyone’s creativity and humor.
15. Guess the Song on the Radio
Guess the Song on the Radio challenges musical knowledge and quick thinking. As each new tune plays, players race to name the artist or title.
This game keeps ears tuned to the radio, with each correct guess a triumph. It encourages a love for music, celebrating iconic tracks of the era.
In the 1970s, when AM/FM was your only playlist, this game was a hit. It turned a passing song into a competition, with laughter and friendly rivalries. A musical journey through time, it remains a beloved road trip tradition.
16. CB Radio Chats
CB Radio Chats bring a touch of adventure to road trips. In the heyday of citizen’s band radio, families listened to truckers or joined in with handles like ‘Little Rascal.’
This game connects travelers, turning highways into networks of communication. It adds excitement and a sense of community to the open road.
In the ’70s, CB radios were a novelty, making this game a thrilling pastime. It offers a glimpse into the world of long-haul drivers, sparking imaginations and curiosity. A unique way to engage with the journey, it remains a nostalgic highlight.
17. Road Sign Alphabet
Road Sign Alphabet gives a twist to the classic alphabet game. Players use the first letter of actual road signs to complete the alphabet.
Words like ‘Exit,’ ‘Yield,’ and ‘Zoo’ become prized finds, each sign a stepping stone to victory. This game sharpens observation and spelling skills.
In the 1970s, families delighted in this engaging challenge, turning each sign into a letter quest. It’s a playful way to keep everyone’s eyes on the road and minds active. A game of patience and discovery, it continues to charm road trippers.
18. Name That Car
Name That Car turns passing automobiles into a guessing game. Players identify the make and model, earning bonus points for the correct year.
Back when car designs were distinctive, this game was a test of knowledge and keen eyes. It brings out competitive spirits, with each correct guess celebrated.
In the ’70s, it added a layer of excitement to road trips, as families admired and identified cars. It’s an educational game, teaching observation and automotive design. Perfect for car enthusiasts, it transforms highways into arenas of friendly competition.
19. State Capital Quiz
State Capital Quiz combines education with entertainment. Parents quiz kids on U.S. state capitals, turning learning into a game.
This game adds a mental challenge to the journey, as players recall capitals and match them to states. It’s a sneaky way to teach geography, disguised as fun.
In the 1970s, it was a staple for road trips, fostering knowledge and sparking curiosity. Families bonded over shared learning experiences, with kids impressing parents with their memory. An engaging way to pass the time, it remains a beloved educational tool.
20. Memory Chain
Memory Chain tests recall and creativity. Start with a sentence like “I packed my bag with an apple…” Each person repeats the list and adds one item.
This game becomes a test of memory, as lists grow longer and more complex. It encourages creativity, with participants adding quirky or unexpected items.
In the ’70s, Memory Chain was a fun way to engage everyone’s mind, turning the car into a playful classroom. It promotes concentration and quick thinking, with each successful round a shared achievement. A delightful challenge that continues to entertain.
