Practicing Speech Therapy with your Kids on a Road Trip
Updated: Aug 25
In this article we will discuss:
Fun Games to Practice Speech with Your Kids While Traveling this Summer
As you are planning your summer activities and travels, keep in mind that speech practice can be done from just about anywhere. It just takes a little creativity in order to make it fun and effective.
Being in a car for an extended period of time with the kids can be hard on everyone, that is why we are so quick to allow our children to have “screen time.” So, instead of plugging in electronically (cell phone, tablets, etc.), allow for the drive to be an opportunity to bond, learn more about each other, and start quality conversations with your children.
Please keep in mind, the driver should always be concentrating on driving first and foremost, but when it is safe, they can maybe take part in some of the games listed below as well.
Practice speech skills during summer
Here are some fun roadtrip games we recommend:
1. Billboard Stories Game - Watch the billboards and take turns picking one to tell a story about. The story can be make-believe or a real memory. Limit the stories to a few sentences so that everyone can have multiple turns.
Possible areas this game targets include: narrative skills, language skills, listening skills, reading, vocabulary, articulation, turn taking.
2. Alphabet Game - Watch for letters and numbers on signs, license plates, buildings, etc. and call them out as you see them, and where they are to claim them as yours. Everyone plays individually, starting with A going all the way to Z, and then finds the numbers 1 through 10. The first person to find all the letters and numbers in order wins.
Possible areas this game targets include: phonological awareness and grapheme recognition (the letters that make the sounds of the word), reading, prepositions, direction words, adjectives, articulation.
3. I Spy - Take turns spying and guessing things outside the car. When it is your turn, select something and say, “I spy something… red (can use other describing words, e.g., sharp, scary, etc.).” The others in the car guess what it might be until someone guesses correctly. Then it’s that person’s turn to spy and give a clue.
Possible areas this game targets include: pronouns, carrier phrase* level articulation , vocabulary, turn taking, colors, adjectives.
*A carrier phrase is something you repeat, and add a word. “I like___,” or “There is a ____.” “I spy a____” is itself a carrier phrase, as you fill in the items that you see.
4. 20 Questions - Take turns thinking of something – it can be anything. The others try to guess what it is by asking up to 20 yes/no questions. Whoever guesses what it is before 20 questions is the winner and they get to choose something next. If no one guesses it in time, that player stumped everyone! They choose someone else to go next.
Possible areas this game targets include: vocabulary, asking/answering questions and question format, articulation, turn taking, categorization, and descriptions.
We hope you enjoy these ideas about how you can work on speech and language while in the car and traveling during these summer months. At Better Speech, we offer online speech therapy services convenient for you and tailored to your child's individual needs. Our services are affordable and effective - get Better Speech now.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I practice speech therapy exercises with my child during a long car ride without any materials?
You actually do not need any materials at all. Use the scenery outside the window to spark conversation, play verbal games like I Spy, or practice target sounds by naming things you pass. Repetition in a relaxed setting like a road trip is genuinely effective because children are engaged and not feeling pressured to perform.
What speech therapy games work best for toddlers who get bored or distracted easily in the car?
Short, playful games work best for toddlers. Try animal sound imitation, singing simple songs with repeated phrases, or naming colors and shapes of cars you spot. Keep each activity under two minutes and follow your child's lead. Variety and silliness go a long way toward keeping a toddler engaged and practicing without realizing it.
Can road trip practice actually make a real difference in my child's speech progress?
Yes, consistent daily practice in natural settings can meaningfully reinforce what your child is working on in formal sessions. Speech development improves with repetition and real-world context, not just clinic exercises. Even 10 to 15 minutes of intentional conversation or sound practice during a drive adds up over time and helps skills transfer into everyday life.
How do I know which sounds or words to focus on during car ride practice?
Check with your child's speech-language pathologist before the trip so you have a clear list of target sounds or vocabulary to practice. If you are not yet working with a therapist, Better Speech offers licensed speech-language pathologists with no waitlists and accepts many insurance plans, making it easy to get personalized guidance quickly. A quick session beforehand gives you a solid road trip game plan.
Is it okay to correct my child every time they mispronounce a word during our games?
Constant correction can make children self-conscious and reluctant to talk, which is the opposite of what you want. Instead, use a technique called modeling by calmly repeating the word correctly in your own sentence without drawing attention to the error. For example, if your child says 'wabbit,' you simply respond 'Yes, a rabbit! I see the rabbit too.' This keeps things positive and effective.
About the Author
Aycen Zambuto
I’m a seasoned educator in speech therapy with over six years of experience helping people navigate challenges in communication. Throughout this time, I’ve found joy in guiding individuals through a variety of therapeutic journeys, from toddlers with apraxia to seniors with dysphonia.
I’m passionate about demystifying this complex world of speech therapy and helping readers around the globe achieve clear and effective communication. When I’m not writing about speech, you’ll often find me reading, traveling or spending time with friends and family.
