I Spy Road Trip Printables
Worried about what your kids will do on a long car trip? That’s exactly why I created these I Spy Road Trip Printables to help you bring a bit of peace (and fun) to your next adventure.
If you’re planning your summer learning, check out my list of Summer Worksheets for Kids. I pull from that list anytime I need something fun and engaging.
These pages give us a fun screen-free break and buy me a few quiet moments. I was hoping you could keep reading to see what’s inside, how we use them, and a few of my favorite ways to make road trips more enjoyable.
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Interesting Facts About Road Trips
Ever wonder why road trips feel so adventurous, even with all the chaos in the backseat? Here are a few cool facts you might not know:
- The first cross-country road trip in the U.S. was in 1903. It took 63 days and cost about $8,000 in today’s money. There were no proper gas stations or paved highways.
- There are more than 4 million miles of road in the U.S. alone. That means endless options to explore, detour, and discover new spots whenever you hit the road.
- The longest drivable road in the world is over 18,000 miles. It’s called the Pan-American Highway and stretches from Alaska to the southern tip of South America.
Recommended Books About Road Trips
If your kids are into travel-themed stories, I’ve got a few book suggestions that pair perfectly with this printable set.
Rand McNally Kids’ Road AtlasAmelia Bedelia Road Trip!Pete the Cat’s Family Road TripSpot’s Road TripGoing on a Road Trip: A Toddler Prep BookRoad Trip Rescue
Why should you take more family road trips?
Beyond just getting from point A to B, road trips offer a unique chance to reconnect as a family. Unlike flying, they give you the flexibility to stop when you want, explore the unexpected, and talk without the distractions of everyday life. Some of our best conversations and funniest memories have happened between rest stops and roadside diners.
Kids learn more than you think on these trips—reading maps, noticing regional differences, and asking great questions. And while it may not always feel relaxing (especially with a toddler), there’s something about being in close quarters that brings everyone closer.
Recommended Road Trip Activity Kits
If you’re looking for something more hands-on and ready to go, I have a few activity kits that have worked really well for us on long drives. They’re easy to prep, compact to store, and packed with engaging things to keep kids busy and learning.
Chronicle Books On-The-Go Amusements: 50 Cool Things to Do in The Car: (Screen-Free Boredom Busters for Summer Travel, Activity Ideas for Family Road Trips)Wikki Stix for Doodlers – Kid’s Travel Essential: Portable Creativity On-The-Go! Pack of 24 Wikki Stix in Neon and Primary Colors. Made in USA ! 3 & Up.Coogam Travel Tangram Puzzle – Magnetic Pattern Block Book Road Trip Game Jigsaw Shapes Dissection STEM Games with Solution for Kid Adult Challenge – IQ Educational Toy Gift Brain Teasers 360 PatternsLiKee No-Lose-Parts Wooden Color Matching Puzzle Montessori Toys for 3+ Years Old, Brain Teasers Mental Challenge Game Learning Tool for Kids Boys Girls Developing Minds, Perfect for Travel, Road TripBriarpatch | I Spy Travel Card Game, Ages 4+Crayola Pip Squeaks Marker Set (65ct), Washable Markers for Kids, Kids Art Supplies, Travel Gift for Kids, Mini Markers, 4+
How to Make Road Trips Fun?
Even the best-planned trip can get boring in the backseat. Here are a few things I like to do to keep the fun going:
- Create a travel bin. I keep ours stocked with activities like I Spy sheets, puzzles, and favorite books. Check my collection of road trip activities for more.
- Use Road Trip Journal Printables. These are an excellent way for kids to document their journey and reflect on what they see.
- Plan regular breaks. We stop at parks or unique roadside spots to stretch and switch gears.
- Bring a snack box. Letting the kids choose their snacks beforehand makes them feel included and prevents hangry vibes.
Recommended Summer Printable Packs
Looking to keep the learning going during summer? I have a couple of printable sets in my shop that work great for car rides, quiet time, or when you need a solid 10-minute break.
Skills Kids Can Learn From This Road Trip Worksheets
These I Spy printables aren’t just fun—they help kids build valuable skills while they search and color.
- Visual discrimination. Spotting minor differences in objects helps sharpen focus and attention to detail.
- Counting and math practice. Tallying items gives young kids hands-on number recognition and counting experience.
- Fine motor control. Their pencil grip and control get a nice coloring or circling workout.
Road Trip Essentials To Prepare
Before we hit the road, I always double-check our list of must-haves to keep everyone safe and organized.
Ryhpez Car Trash Can with Lid – Leakproof Trash Bin Car Garbage Can, Collapsible Automotive Truck Organizer and Storage Bag Car Accessories for Women Men Road Trip EssentialsLISEN Retractable Car Charger, 69W USB C Car Accessories Adapter for iPhone 16 USB C Charger Fast Charging, Fathers Day for Gifts, Travel Essentials Gifts for Women Men, for iPhone 16 15 14 13 12HOTOR Travel Toiletry Bag w/Hanging Hook – Spacious Toiletry Bag Essentials for Women & Men, Makeup Bag/Big Comparment, Waterproof for Travel Accessories, Medium, BlackONEDONE Portable Baby Child Potty Urinal Emergency Toilet for Camping Car Travel and Kid Potty Pee Training (boy)ULEEKA Car Backseat Organizer with 10Band-Aid Travel Ready Portable Emergency First Aid Kit for Minor Wound Care with Assorted Adhesive Bandages, Gauze Pads & More, Ideal for Travel, Car & On-The-Go, 80 pc
Supplies Needed for the I Spy Car Travel Activity
You don’t need much, which is the beauty of it. Here’s what I suggest:
- Printer (I have this one)
- Paper
- Pencil
- Crayons or Colored Pencils
- Clipboard
- A zip pouch or folder to store everything
I have the HP printer 8710, but it’s not available anymore. It’s been running well for years now. Look for another HP Instant Ink-ready printer so that you can use their program to send you ink cartridges whenever your printer gets low on ink.
What’s included in the Road Trip I Spy activity pages?
The printable set includes five different challenges, ranging in complexity and style. It’s designed for kids from kindergarten to grade 3, so it works beautifully with a mix of readers and early learners.
Two Black and White Pages
The first one has five or six rows and features basic road trip images, such as a car, a tree, and some road signs. It’s simple enough for a younger child to color and identify.
The second version ups the challenge with more rows and a larger variety of images. It’s great for older kids or those who love a bit of a puzzle while they color.
Bright and Colored Pages
One page is easy to solve and is designed to be eye-catching, with clearly grouped items. It’s perfect for younger learners who need more visual cues.
Two more complex sets are available with more items, smaller images, and varied placement, making this a fun hunt. My daughter really enjoys testing her memory and scanning skills here. These keep kids engaged longer, and I love that they hold their attention while we’re stuck in traffic.
Fun Summer Activities for Kids to Try
Looking for more ways to keep the kids busy this summer? I’ve got a bunch of screen-free favorites we keep on repeat.
- Travel I Spy Printable
- Road Trip Activities for Preschoolers
- Road Trip Activities for Toddlers
- Summer Toilet Paper Roll Crafts by Homeschool Preschool
- 50 Things to do with the Kids this Summer by 3 Boys and a Dog
This printable I Spy travel game has been such a handy tool for us during travel.
Whether a 20-minute drive or an all-day journey, it helps keep the peace, supports learning, and gives me a small quiet pocket. I hope it does the same for your family.