How to Design Car Games for Kids

Write down ideas. As you begin to design car games for kids, write down each idea as you come across it. As you develop each game, write out directions and all the pieces or materials needed to play the game. Gather the directions and materials and place them in a large manila envelope or other small container for easy travel.

Use simple pieces. When traveling, simple is best. If a game requires lots of small playing pieces, numerous cards or complicated directions, it will likely cause more frustration than it will relieve.

Design pencil and paper games. With a little creativity and some nostalgia, you can design numerous pencil and paper games to keep children occupied for hours. To reuse a game, print it out on the computer and laminate it. Then your children can play and replay the games using a dry erase marker. Alternatively, type up the directions and place them in an envelope, and use a notebook of blank paper to draw the game board each time. Some great pencil and paper games include battleship, tic tac toe, mazes, crossword puzzles, word searches, license plate games -- finding all 50 states, finding each letter of the alphabet or watching for personalized plates, or car bingo -- use objects you'll see along the road instead of numbers or letters.

Create string games. There are myriad games that can be played with a loop of string. Cut a string about 3 feet long, tie the ends together, and start searching for fun string games. Cats cradle and witches broom are two of the most popular games to play with a string loop.

Make markers attachable. One easy way to attach markers such as bingo markers or playing pieces is to use hook and loop fasteners on each piece. Look for commercial strength fasteners for a secure hold.

Use neat craft materials. Plan activities that use no glue, contain few pieces and create little mess. Pipe cleaners make a great car game for kids, as they are versatile, attach to themselves and require no glue or scissors. Aluminum foil can make a huge variety of different objects, from snowman sculpture to swords. Markers used to decorate old socks help create a backseat puppet show.

Use classic game pieces. When designing travel games for kids, don't ignore the classic game pieces. Grab two to five dice for a variety of games, including the classic dice rolling game where the players try to get four of a kind, a full house, or a straight. Playing cards are another classic game piece that can be used in a variety of ways -- and none of those ways need be the traditional casino-style card games.

Make educational games. Think educational fun for car games. Flashcards and learning games are generally popular, especially when intermixed with other games for variety. Try playing concentration, noun games and flash card games.