Fun Things to Do on a Road Trip

I’ve driven more miles across the West than I can count, and one thing I’ve learned is that the best trips aren’t just about the destination—they’re about finding fun things to do on a road trip along the way. Whether you’re crossing Colorado’s mountain passes or cruising Utah’s red rock country, the drive itself is where the memories happen. Here are some ideas that have earned their miles in my notebook.

Scenic Detours: The Easiest Fun

One of the simplest fun things to do on a road trip is to take an unplanned detour down a scenic byway. I’ve pulled off the interstate for a county road that followed a river for thirty miles, and that stretch became the highlight of the trip. Keep an eye on paper maps—GPS often misses the good stuff. The Million Dollar Highway in Colorado or Utah’s Scenic Byway 12 are obvious classics, but don’t overlook smaller routes like New Mexico’s Turquoise Trail. I once turned off for a sign that said “Ghost Town 8 Miles” and ended up exploring an abandoned mining camp for an hour. A detour costs maybe an extra hour, but it breaks the monotony and gives you a story. That’s the kind of fun that sticks. When you find a road with curves and views that demand you slow down, you’re exactly where you need to be.

Roadside Attractions That Deliver

Another reliable source of fun things to do on a road trip is stopping at quirky roadside attractions. Not every giant ball of twine is worth your time, but some places have genuine character. I’ve found that diners with hand-painted signs, small museums in former gas stations, and even state-line markers can make a stop feel like an event. The key is to lower your expectations and enjoy the weirdness. In New Mexico, the Very Large Array radio telescope is a surreal detour; in Wyoming, the Ames Monument off I-80 is a quiet piece of history. One of my favorite stops was a tiny diner in eastern Colorado that served homemade pie and had a wall covered in signed dollar bills. These stops don’t need to be famous—they just need to be yours. Pull over when you see something odd. You’ll rarely regret it.

Games and Passenger Activities

When the scenery turns flat or the sun goes down, you need backup fun things to do on a road trip that don’t require looking out the window. The license plate game is a classic, but I prefer audio books or podcasts that everyone in the car can follow. A shared playlist also helps—let each passenger pick a few songs. For longer stretches, I’ve found that a simple question game (“What’s the best meal you’ve ever had on a road trip?” or “If you could live in any town we’ve passed, which one would it be?”) can spark conversations that last for miles. Avoid screens if you can; they’re a distraction from the actual road trip experience. Instead, bring a deck of cards for rest stops, or a travel journal to jot down thoughts. These small activities keep the energy up and make the hours fly.

Food Stops Worth Planning Around

Food breaks are among the most satisfying fun things to do on a road trip. I make it a point to seek out local diners rather than chain fast food. The coffee is often better, and you get a feel for the place. In small towns like Monticello, Utah, or Trinidad, Colorado, the diner counter is a portal into local life. If you’re passing through a region known for something—green chile in New Mexico, cheese in Wisconsin—build a stop around it. I once drove an extra twenty miles just to eat at a bakery recommended by a gas station attendant. It was worth it. A good meal breaks the drive into chapters and gives you energy for the next leg. Don’t skip the pie.

Documenting the Drive

Taking time to capture the journey is one of the quieter fun things to do on a road trip. I keep a film camera in the passenger seat, but even a phone camera works. The trick is to stop deliberately—not snap from the window. Pull over at overlooks, rest areas, or just a wide shoulder if it’s safe. A photo of your car against a dramatic backdrop becomes the souvenir that matters. And journaling at a coffee stop for ten minutes helps you remember the small details that blur together later. Write down the name of that diner, the song that came on just as you hit the pass, the color of the sky at sunset. Those notes turn into stories you’ll tell for years.

Making Sure You’re Covered

None of these fun things to do on a road trip matter if you’re worried about what happens if your car breaks down or you have an accident. Before you head out, check your auto insurance policy. Make sure you have roadside assistance and enough coverage for the trip. A solid policy lets you focus on the road and the fun ahead. Some roads are worth slowing down for—and being insured means you can enjoy every mile without second-guessing. So pack your bags, pick a route, and go. The road is waiting.