Whenever we embark on an extensive car journey, I constantly seek a means to captivate my children. This captivating road trip treasure hunt is precisely the solution we crave!
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Throughout my childhood, the car was always filled with a symphony of music and lively rounds of car bingo. Back then, movies were a luxury we didn’t have the pleasure of enjoying, and now as a stern yet loving mother, I carry forward that very same principle when it comes to my own kids.
Embarking on countless adventures, we embarked on numerous road trips, be it voyaging from our humble abode to the bustling streets of Chicago to reunite with loved ones or embarking on an epic journey to the sun-kissed shores of Florida for a well-deserved vacation (and believe me, the journey from Minnesota seemed to stretch on forever). During these expeditions, we engaged in a plethora of entertaining car games, ensuring that every moment was filled with joy and laughter.
The little ones have no fondness for bingo, unfortunately. Its duration falls short of their expectations, and invariably they discover that their bingo is incongruous with our current surroundings.
Be it a journey in the automobile to the urban landscape, where the search for that elusive cow remains fruitless, and the need to shout “bingo” is paramount, or a serene expedition on the vast countryside road, with endless fields flanking the path, the pursuit of bingo remains unattainable. Frustration sets in, compelling me to conjure up a novel concept.
How to Play with the Road Trip Scavenger Hunt
As they grow older, we have the opportunity to embark on a captivating endeavor that demands a bit more time – and promises enhanced amusement for everyone involved. I have ingeniously designed exhilarating road trip scavenger hunts tailored specifically for tweens and older individuals.
Our rules for winning fluctuate with our moods, yet there are certain principles that remain unchanging. The validation of your “find” must be confirmed by a fellow passenger, and the sole credit for a particular discovery on the scavenger hunt list goes to the first person who spots it.
Put differently, when I come across a gas station billboard, it becomes exclusively mine to tally. All others, however, must bide their time until the subsequent gas station billboard emerges in order to accrue any points.
Much to my surprise, this curious phenomenon rarely sparks any disputes. The little ones possess a remarkable intuition that by simply disregarding the fact that another child witnessed something, the denied child will reciprocate by pretending they didn’t see anything either. This results in an unexpectedly harmonious atmosphere, particularly when I join in their activities!
In general, we bestow 2 points upon the fortunate individual who manages to spot an item on the list before anyone else, while subsequent individuals are awarded a mere single point. However, in the case of a brief excursion, we declare that only the initial person to spot an item shall receive any points.
When it comes to playing a timed version of the game, it’s quite accurate to say that we often seek a brief diversion, engaging for a mere 15 minutes. Little Miss takes great delight in setting her watch’s timer, ensuring precise point counting moments.
Throughout the journey, we predominantly engage in an unrestrained adventure, resulting in an extensive and diverse assortment of items on our scavenger hunt. Our aim is to present a considerable challenge, ensuring that not every item can be effortlessly marked off the list.
How dull it would be if you discover everything within the initial quarter of an hour!
Make Your Own Road Trip Scavenger Hunt
Transform your living space into a hub of adventure by printing and laminating these captivating tween road trip scavenger hunts. Embrace the boundless possibilities as you engage in endless quests, thanks to the durability and convenience offered by this laminated treasure. Let your imagination soar as you embark on a journey that knows no bounds.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to own a home laminator! These nifty gadgets come at an affordable price, and I rely on mine extensively. It aids me in preserving cherished artwork created by my little ones, as well as organizing their to-do lists effortlessly. Moreover, it proves invaluable when creating packing lists for adventurous camping trips or exciting journeys. The possibilities are endless with this versatile tool!
In my experience, adhering them onto sturdy cardstock or directly printing them onto cardstock and subsequently laminating them yields superior results, especially when dealing with children who tend to be rough on their possessions. However, the little ones seem to prefer them in this particular manner.
Printing them on both sides allows for a seamless transition between our urban expedition scavenger hunt and our adventurous excursion on the open highway.
After laminating them, make a hole in the top corner and attach a quick link to the hole.
The rapid connectors are absolutely fantastic as they remain securely fastened, unlike a typical carabiner. Ensure you acquire a variety of hues for each individual you produce them for, or embellish them with nail varnish to establish ownership!
Securely fasten the string to your quick link using tape or adhesive, ensuring it remains secure. Make sure the length of the string is slightly shorter than the road trip scavenger hunt paper, and affix the upper part of a dry erase marker to the string using tape.
In our humble abode, the issue of misplacing the top is completely eradicated, thanks to this ingenious approach! Moreover, you are bestowed with a singularly convenient arrangement, encompassing all the necessary tools for an immersive and uninterrupted playtime experience.
Download the complimentary printable for this road trip scavenger hunt!