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Things to do IN THE CAR

Here are activities you can do in the car, to extend learning in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies,and Science

English Language Arts:

Please see videos on this page. These are songs we sing at preschool. You could sing in the car!

1) Sing Songs

Here is a link to songs you could sing in the car:

2) The Alphabet Game

Point out 5 things on the road that start with each letter of the alphabet. (Or just point out 1 thing for each letter, as soon as you see it, shout it out.)


Best Car Games for kids

3) Place word cards on the back of your seats

4) Name that tune: Sing a song your child knows, such as a nursery rhyme, and have them guess what it is.

5) Play "I spy," with things that start with letters of the alphabet.



1) Count it up

Before you leave, have your children predict how many fast food restaurants or gas stations you will pass on the way. Then, have them count the number of times they see a sign for each one.


Best Car Games for kids

2) Number Search:

•Create a chart that lists the numbers from 1 to 50.

•Write down each number as family members locate that number on a car, a sign, a building, or other objects in your community.

•Write down words that have numbers in them, such as "one-stop shopping," "two-day service," "buy one, get one free," or "open seven days a week."


3) License Plate Riddles

While driving, look at license plates, and focus on one for 5 minutes. Have your child find the largest single digit, or double digit, recognize numbers, or add all the numbers on the license plate.

4) Estimate how far you have traveled, and how much farther you need to go.

5) Play "I Spy" with numbers, and they have to tell where they see the number.


Social Studies:

1) License Plate Game: Print out a map of the US, and have children color in the states of the license plates that they spot on the road

(From Carole Terwilliger Meyers, author of Miles of Smiles: 101 Great Car Games & Activities)


Best Car Games for kids

2) Car bingo: Create a bingo card of things you might see on the way, such as a plane, church, school, building, street light. Call the name of the object when you see it, and they will put a marker on it, until someone wins bingo. *Please see attached Bingo Sheet.

3) Play "I spy" with geography, and they have to name things like river, lake, mountain, tree, etc.


1) Choose a color, and see who can find 10 cars of that color the fastest.


2) Play "I spy" with things from nature, such as animals and plants.
