15 Family Road Trip Moments Every ’90s Kid Remembers
Here's a look back at the ordinary moments every ’90s kid experienced on long family road trips.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
In the 1990s, family road trips were a major part of childhood. Without smartphones or GPS, kids and parents had to find their own ways to stay entertained and get through the drive. These shared experiences created memories that many people still remember clearly today.
1. Calling “Shotgun” for the Front Seat
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Before leaving the house, kids would try to claim the front passenger seat by yelling “shotgun.” If two kids said it at once, there would usually be a small argument about who said it first. Parents sometimes made rules like taking turns or basing it on age. Even when it caused fights, everyone still did it every time.
2. Using Paper Maps to Navigate
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Before GPS devices, families used large paper maps to plan their routes. If a turn was missed, the driver would have to pull over and recheck the directions. Sometimes, the map reader gave wrong instructions, leading to longer drives or confusion. These moments often made parents stressed while kids stayed quiet in the back seat.
3. Listening to Cassette Tapes on Repeat
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Most families had a small collection of music tapes that they played during every trip. Songs would be played over and over, and sometimes the same album would last for hours. Rewinding a favorite song had to be done carefully, and tapes sometimes got stuck. Even so, the music helped pass the time and created a calm atmosphere in the car.
4. Playing the License Plate Game
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Kids looked out the window, trying to spot cars from different states. Some brought notebooks to keep track of each new plate they found. It was one of the few quiet activities that could last a while. Rare plates were exciting to see and often started conversations among siblings.
5. Eating Fast Food at Rest Stops
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Families often stopped at fast food places along the highway for a quick meal. The food was eaten in the car or at outdoor picnic tables nearby. The meals were simple, usually burgers, fries, and soda. These stops were a break from driving and gave everyone time to stretch their legs.
6. Asking “Are We There Yet?” Again and Again
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Kids asked this question more than once during every trip, sometimes just minutes apart. Parents usually gave vague answers like “almost” or “soon.” The drive always felt longer than expected. This question became a normal part of every trip, even if it annoyed the parents.
7. Arguing or Playing with Siblings in the Back Seat
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Siblings shared the back seat, often sitting too close together. Small fights would start over space, toys, or snacks. Sometimes the arguments turned into games or jokes that passed the time. Parents usually had to ask everyone to calm down at some point.
8. Playing “I Spy” to Pass Time
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This game was a simple way to stay occupied during quiet parts of the drive. One person picked an object and gave a clue based on its color or shape. The others had to guess what it was. It was easy to play but didn’t usually last very long.
9. Drawing Shapes on Foggy Windows
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When the windows fogged up, kids used their fingers to write or draw on the glass. It usually happened early in the morning or during rain. Parents asked them to stop because it left marks on the window. Most kids kept doing it anyway because it was fun and passed the time.
10. Needing a Bathroom at the Worst Time
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Someone always had to use the bathroom when the nearest rest stop was still far away. Parents had to either drive faster or look for a safe place to stop. These situations caused stress but were common on long drives. They were often remembered afterward as part of the trip.
11. Sleeping in Awkward Positions
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Kids slept during parts of the drive, even if the seats weren’t very comfortable. They leaned against doors, used jackets as pillows, or rested their heads on siblings. Sleeping helped the time go by faster. But when they woke up, they usually felt sore or confused about where they were.
12. Taking Brochures from Visitor Centers
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Rest stops often had racks full of brochures for local attractions and landmarks. Kids picked them up even if there were no plans to visit those places. The pictures and colors made them interesting to look at. By the end of the trip, the car often had a pile of brochures no one needed.
13. Stopping at Roadside Attractions That Disappointed
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Billboards advertised things like giant statues or small museums. Parents sometimes agreed to stop, thinking it would be a fun break. The attractions were usually small and didn’t take long to see. Still, they added variety to the trip and gave the family something to talk about later.
14. Eating Snacks That Melted in the Heat
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Kids brought snacks like chocolate bars, gummy candy, or chips. On hot days, the food often melted or got sticky. The car seats ended up with crumbs, wrappers, or spills. Parents told kids to clean up, but some messes stayed until the trip ended.
15. Feeling Relieved to Finally Get Home
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After hours or days of driving, the moment the car pulled into the driveway was the best part. Everyone felt tired but happy to be back in their own rooms. The car was messy and needed cleaning, but no one wanted to do it right away. The trip was over, and the memories stayed.