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About this activity
Keep children engaged on short drives and longer UK journeys by spotting changing scenery from the window. Play cooperatively from a verbal list or use the two-page printable tick sheet, choosing simpler colour and vehicle prompts for younger children and rarer signs or landmarks for older children. The game needs no loose pieces and can pause safely whenever attention is needed elsewhere.
Print & play
Printables to go with this activity
These printable sheets pair with this activity — print, then follow the steps above.
View printablesMaterials needed
- Printable spotting sheet or verbal list
- Pencil
Preparation time
2 minutes
How to play
- 1Choose six to twelve spotting prompts that suit the route and children’s ages, such as a red car, bridge, sheep, service sign, or wind turbine.
- 2Give each child a sheet or agree to play cooperatively, reminding everyone to stay buckled and look only through their own window.
- 3Call out each item when it is clearly visible and tick it once; an adult passenger can help younger children record finds.
- 4Pause at busy moments and add harder landmark, number, or alphabet prompts for older children on a longer journey.
Learning benefits
Best for
Tags
Seasons
Occasions
Key stages
Weather
SEN-friendly note
This activity can be adapted with fewer steps, visual prompts, quieter pacing, or a clear start and finish point. Offer choices and adjust sensory input to suit the child.
Safety note
Adult supervision is recommended. Adapt the activity based on your child's age, ability, and environment.
