Long car trips with kids can feel like a test of patience — snacks vanish, questions multiply, and “Are we there yet?” echoes through the backseat. But what if those drives could be something you all actually look forward to?
At Polyglot Tales, we believe everyday moments like car rides are perfect for sneaking in language learning without pressure or prep. Whether you’re headed to the beach, visiting family, or just stuck in traffic, these fun, easy language games will keep everyone entertained — and connected to your home language — without needing flashcards or fancy gear.
Here’s your ultimate list of car games for bilingual families in Australia that are guaranteed to turn “Are we there yet?” into “Can we play again?”
1. I Spy… with a Language Twist
The classic game gets a bilingual upgrade. Instead of just “I spy something green,” say it in your home language — “我看见一个绿色的东西” (Mandarin) or “Guardo qualcosa di verde” (Italian).
Even if your child only knows a few words, they’ll love joining in. Don’t worry about perfect pronunciation — it’s all about exposure and fun.
2. Language Bingo — Car Edition
Before your trip, list 5–10 things you might spot on the road: truck, stop sign, roundabout, cow, police car. Write them in your home language.
Kids check off items as they see them. Winner picks the next song!
3. Guess That Animal
One person thinks of an animal and gives clues in your home language:
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“It’s big and grey and has a trunk.”
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“It’s called hathi in Hindi.”
Try animal sounds too for some silly fun!
4. Say It Five Ways
Pick an object (dog, tree, car) and take turns saying it:
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In your home language
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In English
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In another language if you know one
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In a silly made-up way
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Using a phrase or sentence
Great for families juggling multiple languages.
5. “Would You Rather?” — Bilingual Edition
Ask funny “Would you rather…” questions and answer in your target language.
Example:
“Would you rather eat ice cream for breakfast or broccoli for dessert?”
Practice opinion phrases naturally and with laughs.
6. Find the Rhyming Word
Say a word in your home language and have your child come up with a rhyme — real or nonsense.
Example (Italian): gatto → matto, patto, batto
Fun, silly, and a creative way to play with sounds.
7. “Tell Me a Fact” Game
Take turns sharing facts in your home language:
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“Tigers have stripes.”
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“I have ten fingers.”
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“Nanna lives in Malaysia.”
Turn it into true/false for extra challenge.
8. Road Sign Challenge
Spot letters or numbers on signs and say them in your target language.
Example: “That sign says 60 — how do you say 60 in Japanese?”
Toddlers can focus on colours and shapes instead.
9. Memory Chain Game
Start a sentence: “I packed my bag and brought…” or “I saw on the road…”
Each person adds to the list in your home language, remembering the chain.
Miss one? Start fresh with a new chain!
10. Language “Simon Says”
Play Simon Says using commands in your home language:
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“Touch your nose!”
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“Clap your hands!”
For older kids, only follow commands prefixed by “Simon says” in your language.
11. Name That Tune – Language Edition
Play songs in your home language and pause mid-verse — can your child finish the line?
No playlist? Hum the tune yourself!
12. Quick-Fire Categories
Pick a category (animals, fruits, colours) and take turns naming words in your target language — as fast as you can.
Bonus Tip: Language Snack Packs for the Road
Prepare a little bag with a story book, a favourite toy, and a printed list of new words or phrases. Even flipping through a familiar story or pointing at pictures turns car time into language time.
Why These Games Work
The goal isn’t perfect fluency or grammar drills. It’s about building exposure, connection, and confidence in your home language — all while having fun as a family. Small moments add up.
And if the only phrase you hear all trip is “Are we there yet?” — teach them how to say that in your language, too. 😉
Need Books for Your Next Trip?
At Polyglot Tales, we curate children’s books in Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, Hindi, Japanese, and Italian — perfect for bilingual families in Australia. Our sturdy, travel-friendly books make it easy to bring stories and language wherever you go.