Family road trips can be the highlight of the summer, filled with adventure, bonding, and new memories. But for families traveling with teenagers, long hours in the car can sometimes bring eye rolls, boredom, and an overreliance on screens. At Eagles Market & Gas, we know how important it is to make your journey just as enjoyable as your destination. That’s why we’re sharing five easy, screen-free tips to keep teens engaged on road trips and turn your travels into a shared experience the whole family will remember.
1. Plan Road Trip Roles for Everyone
Giving teens a sense of purpose during the trip can make a big difference in their engagement. Assign them fun or meaningful roles such as:
- Navigator – Have them use a printed map or travel guide (yes, go old school!) to help with directions or choose scenic detours.
- Snack Manager – Let them be in charge of packing, purchasing, and distributing road trip snacks from stops like Eagles Market & Gas.
- Music DJ – Create a rotating playlist where each family member adds songs to the road trip soundtrack.
- Photographer – Hand them a digital or disposable camera and challenge them to document the journey creatively—think quirky selfies, roadside attractions, or family candids.
Involving teens in the road trip planning and execution gives them ownership over the experience, turning it into a family team effort rather than just “time in the car.”
2. Schedule Active and Interesting Pit Stops
To keep teens engaged on road trips, schedule frequent and purposeful stops every 1.5 to 2 hours. Make stops more than just bathroom breaks—transform them into mini-adventures.
Ideas include:
- Visiting quirky roadside attractions or historical markers.
- Hiking a short trail at a state park.
- Having a picnic lunch at a scenic rest stop.
- Taking a detour to a local farmer’s market or community event.
Let teens research and vote on upcoming stops using a travel brochure, state tourism website, or tips you can pick up at local stores along the way (Eagles Market & Gas included!). Active breaks help release pent-up energy and provide an outlet for exploration, which teens typically enjoy more than passive riding.
3. Introduce Travel Games and Challenges
Travel games are not just for little kids—they can be surprisingly fun for teens when adapted appropriately. Consider introducing:
- Scavenger Hunts – Create a list of things to spot (a car with a broken headlight, a billboard with an animal, a license plate from a faraway state) and reward the winner with a special snack or privilege.
- “Would You Rather” Rounds – Go beyond silly questions and include thought-provoking ones that stimulate conversation.
- Road Trip Bingo – Make a custom bingo card based on your travel route.
- The Story Game – Build a story as a family, with each person contributing one sentence at a time.
Teens are often more willing to play along when they see adults engaging too. Games can create shared laughter and help fill the time between destinations with connection rather than silence or screen time.
4. Create a Travel Journal or Scrapbook Project
Encouraging teens to document the trip creatively—through a travel journal, scrapbook, or even a social media-style log without posting—helps them engage with the experience meaningfully.
Options include:
- Drawing or writing entries about each day’s highlights
- Collecting receipts, tickets, or small mementos to glue into a notebook
- Recording daily “highs, lows, and laughs”
If they’re tech-savvy, they might even enjoy creating a video diary using clips along the route. The key is encouraging active reflection and storytelling—shifting the focus from consuming content to creating it. When teens are involved in capturing the memories, they’re more present for the moments that matter.
5. Stock Up on Surprise Supplies
One of the easiest ways to keep teens engaged on family road trips is to add the element of surprise. Make a stop at Eagles Market & Gas before you hit the road and put together a “Mystery Bag” filled with small, unexpected treats and trip activities. Items can include:
- A new book or magazine
- Puzzle games or brain teasers
- Quirky road trip trivia cards
- Temporary tattoos, stickers, or crafts
- Unique snacks or drinks they’ve never tried
To keep the excitement alive, hand out one item per hour or for each state line you cross. These surprises can serve as screen-free entertainment and also provide talking points or mini-celebrations along the way.
And remember—giving teens a chance to choose a few of their own favorite snacks and items from your Eagles Market & Gas pit stop can make them feel part of the journey from the start.
Turning Road Trips Into Family Memories
Finding ways to keep teens engaged on family road trips doesn’t mean eliminating screens entirely—it means providing alternative experiences that encourage them to look up, participate, and connect. These shared moments and spontaneous adventures are what build lasting family memories.
At Eagles Market & Gas, we’re proud to be part of your summer travel tradition. Whether you’re filling up your tank, grabbing local treats, or taking a quick break before the next leg of the journey, we’re here to make your road trip smoother—and more memorable.
So, the next time you hear, “Are we there yet?” remember that the road is full of possibilities.
Final Tip: Make Eagles Market & Gas Part of Your Road Trip Experience
Located conveniently in Eagle Point, Oregon, Eagle’s Market & Gas is more than a gas station—it’s a community hub and a perfect road trip stop for families. With clean restrooms, a wide variety of snacks and drinks, locally made products, and a friendly atmosphere, we help make every part of your journey enjoyable.
Visit us before your next summer road trip and let us help you stock up on everything you need to keep teens engaged on family road trips—from snacks to ideas and everything in between. Plan your route, fuel your fun, and let the summer memories begin. Visit eaglesmarketandgas.com to learn more.