As a parent, you’ll want to have a few car games that you can suggest to pass the time. Here are some games suggested by readers:

• Memory Magic: Jeff and Penny Waack, of Wausen, Ohio, have found this is a great way to improve children’s memory. Choose any subject (vegetables, animals, names of cities or states). The first person names one item—for example, corn. The second person repeats the first item and adds another: “Corn, tomatoes.” This continues until someone mixes the order or forgets one item.

• Scavenger Hunts: Give each child a pencil and paper. Have them make up a scavenger hunt of 20 items that might be found at the next stop. You may want to set some limits to your hunt. For example, one hunt might include only things people wear. Another might include colors and makes of cars. When the children arrive at the rest stop, make sure they know where it’s safe to look before they set out.

David Diller, a reader in Dayton Ohio, uses this game with his children. He says it fills time in the car and promotes exercise (or at least brisk movement).

If you don’t take a car trip this summer, these games work just as well when you’re waiting in line at the bank or the grocery store.

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