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Road trip apps: 7 best ways to combat boredom

Camping guides

Road trip apps: 7 best ways to combat boredom

Camplify Team
Road trip vibes: Campervan parked up at a stunning lakeside spot, ready for adventure.

There’s nothing better than hitting the open road with the windows down to explore all the sights along the way! But let’s face it. There are going to be some long stretches of road and before long, you might hear the words, “I’m bored” echoing from the backseats. It’s time to let technology ensure everyone stays entertained on that next drive with these 7 apps to keep you busy on a road trip!

Best apps to keep you busy on a road trip

Download all kinds of apps to pass the time while you travel!.

1. Audible

Want to dive into a whole new world in between destinations? Audible is one of our absolute must-downloads when it comes to apps to keep you busy on a road trip. Choose from all sorts of audiobooks that can offer up hours of entertainment, including kids stories, meditations, memoirs, documentaries and more.

While the app itself is free, you will have to pay depending on the books or podcasts you choose. The good news? You can enjoy two free trial books to work out whether or not it’s for you!

Features:

  • Listen to thousands of audiobooks, podcasts and more

  • Download, stream and listen to books offline

iOs download

Android download

2. Trivia Crack

If your passengers prefer some healthy competition, then this app is guaranteed to keep you all busy on the road. The questions are left up to the friendly spinner, Willy, and there are six different categories to be chosen from to keep the entertainment going.

The first to get the six crowns wins (at least for that round)! You can even create your own questions about where you’re travelling and sights you see along the way for some added fun.

Features:

  • Hundred of thousands of questions

  • Create your own questions in the Factory

  • Collectable card collection

iOs download

Android download

3. Pictoword

Here’s a game that will put the entire family (or friend group) to the test - and is one of the best apps to keep you busy on a road trip. The concept is simple: the player will see two pictures, such as ‘sand’ and a ‘witch’ and they have to combine the pictures to make a word.

If they get stuck, they can ask for help from the rest of the car. You can play a knockout round and crown a winner at the end.

Features:

  • Lots of trivia categories

  • Word guessing games of varying difficulty

  • Play solo or with friends

  • Play online and offline

iOs download

Android download

4. The Great NZ Bingo Bonanza

Is there anything better than setting the entire car to a bingo challenge?! Simply explore all the different bingo cards on offer, and you can even filter by region, budget, travel style and more.

Get five squares in a row and you win! Just click and tick a square and keep track as you go. You can play as a family or against each other in a competition. The game can change each day of your journey as well.

Features:

  • Play bingo while you explore

  • Win rewards

iOs download

Android download

5. DUAL!

If you’re looking for a way to keep the kids in the back entertained and out of your hair, set them both up on devices and ready to duel!

They can shoot from one screen to the other, and pick from a number of competitive or cooperative (for those times you want them to get along) modes: dual, deflect and defend. You will need to purchase the full version (for just one player) to play the latter two.

Features:

  • Three game modes: Duel, Deflect and Defend

  • Stats, achievements and leaderboards

iOs download

Android download

6. Word Search - Crossword Game

If you’re after the game that you or the kids can play solo for a little break, then this is the perfect challenge. With thousands of words to explore, it’s the game that keeps on giving. You can test your word skills as you hunt through all the puzzles and enjoy a little quiet time while travelling.

Features:

  • Hours of play

  • Clues to power your progress

  • Daily challenges and trophies

iOs download

Android download

7. Spotify

Would any list of apps be complete without Spotify?

Depending where you’re driving, you might find reception cuts in and out rendering the radio useless. Spotify is the perfect way to combat this and keep the whole family happy. Take it in turns to pick the favourite tune or podcast to keep everyone bopping away and enjoying the ride.

It’s also the perfect mood setter once you reach your destination and set up camp for the night. Spotify is free, but if you want to download playlists and podcasts for family road trips without ads, you’ll have to pay.

Features:

  • Play your favourite songs

  • Create playlists, or enjoy those made by experts

  • Have music recommended for you

  • Use Data Saver mode to use less data

Download Spotify

Keep the whole family busy on your next road trip

Hit the road with hours of entertainment ready to go.

Avoid the repetitive ‘’Are we there yet?’’ and make sure to download these fun apps to keep you busy on a road trip! You can entertain the whole family with exciting games, educational challenges, or some chilled-out meditation. Alternatively, check out theseroad trip games for two!

What’s more, these free camping apps for iPhone and Android users are here to help you find the perfect place to set up camp! And once you're there, check out these fun camp games for large groups!

Need a van for your New Zealand road trip? Camplify offers campervan hire on the North Island and South Island. When you hire a van from local owners through our online platform, you’ll enjoy lots of advantages:

  • Comprehensive hire insurance

  • Nationwide AA roadside assistance

  • 24/7 customer support

  • All members are verified

By hiring with Camplify, you are also helping local families who share their van on our platform and supporting many local companies across New Zealand in addition to ours. So we are very grateful to you.

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