Easy-to-play games that liven up your drive
A fun road trip or a drive on the way to hang out.
At first you’re excited about the destination, but as the time in the car gets longer, you start to get bored, right?
In this article, we’ll introduce fun games you can enjoy during long drives.
They’re perfect for keeping kids entertained and for getting closer with friends or your partner!
These games are easy and convenient for anyone—from adults to children—so be sure to try them out the next time you’re in the car!
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Easy-to-enjoy games that liven up your drive (11–20)
Games of all ages and places
When it comes to the classic “Around the World” game, it’s a staple rhythm game that’s fun with a big group! You pick a theme, then take turns answering with something related to it while keeping the beat.
If you can’t come up with an answer or you fall off the rhythm, you’re up for a penalty! Even with easy themes like “things sold at convenience stores” or “animals at the zoo,” your mind can go completely blank once the game starts.
Since this game tests your calm and quick thinking, it’s perfect for car rides—no risk of everyone dozing off and leaving the driver struggling to stay awake!
No-Katakana Game
It’s a game where you’re not allowed to say any words written in katakana during a conversation.
In everyday chats, you actually end up saying a lot of katakana words without thinking.
When it comes to food, most Western dishes are written in katakana, and the titles of the most popular music right now are often in katakana too… totally possible to slip up, right? But staying silent because you absolutely don’t want to say one is not allowed! The point is to keep a “normal conversation,” which makes the game more fun.
One strategy is to deliberately ask questions that tempt katakana words.
A variation like a “no English words” game could be fun too.
Riddle game
You’ll surely come away with even greater respect for comedians and rakugo performers who can toss off riddling wordplay in a flash! This is a pun-riddle game that throws everyone into a panic when put on the spot.
The rules are simple: given a prompt, you “link” it to another word, and when asked, “What’s the heart of it?” you explain the reason behind the connection.
Watching the longtime cast of the TV show Shoten or the comedian Nezucchi answer so smoothly makes it look easy, but in reality it’s surprisingly hard to come up with good ones.
Why not experience firsthand, together, just how amazing these masters of laughter really are?
Mozzarella Cheese Game
How about trying a delightfully insane game where simply saying “mozzarella cheese!” sends everyone into fits of laughter? The rules are simple: multiple players take turns saying “mozzarella cheese.” The only condition is that each person has to say it with more enthusiasm than the person before them.
It’s a hilariously vague game where the criteria for “clearing” it is left up to the players themselves, but when you’re on a drive with close friends, even the silliest things can be a blast.
Give it your all and give it a try!
No-casual-speech game
If you’re getting bored with the usual games, try adding a “no casual speech” rule! When you’re playing UNO or cards with a big group, it’s easy to let casual phrases like “All right!” or “So close!” slip out.
Especially when you’re with classmates or friends you don’t normally use polite language with, you might not even notice when someone speaks casually.
Once the casual-speech chain reaction starts, your ordinary drive is sure to become a blast! Be sure to prepare some punishments too, like a paper fan smack.
Bamboo Shoot Gnocchi
The Takenoko Nyokki game starts with the cue, “Takenoko, takenoko, nyokki-kki!” After the cue, players thrust a hand into the air and call out in order: “One nyokki,” “Two nyokki,” and so on.
Anyone who speaks at the same time as someone else, or who ends up going last, loses.
It’s tricky: you might shout with too much enthusiasm and overlap, or hesitate to read the room and wind up last.
Try it with a large group for an extra challenge!
Easy, fun games to liven up your drive (21–30)
Lyrics Shiritori Game
A fun game where you play shiritori using song lyrics.
Sing a line from a song, then continue with lyrics from another song that start with the last character of the previous line.
It’s great for everyone from kids to adults—you’ll recall familiar tunes and discover new ones.
Not only for people who love singing, it’s also a chance to encounter songs you don’t know.
Perfect for karaoke, parties, and school activities.
Even those who aren’t confident singers will naturally smile—simple yet surprisingly deep.
Put your musical knowledge and creativity to use and have fun playing!
