Cartoon of a boy in a car, looking out of the window and holding a bingo sheet
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Window Bingo

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Window Bingo is a low-effort, high-fun game that’s perfect for long journeys, train rides or simply sitting by the window on a rainy day.

Make a bingo-style grid with items children might spot outside — like sheep, trees, roundabouts, buses, bridges, birds or wind turbines. As they see something on their sheet, they cross it off.

It’s a great way to develop observation and focus, and gives young children a fun way to stay engaged with the world outside. You can draw simple pictures for younger kids, or write words for confident readers.


Materials

  • Paper or card
  • Pen or pencil
  • Clipboard or something firm to lean on (optional)

Tools

  • None

Steps

  1. Draw a simple grid on a piece of paper (e.g. 3×3 or 4×4).
  2. Fill each square with something the child might spot out the window. Keep it age-appropriate — you might include cows, bicycles, stop signs, or clouds.
  3. Hand it to the child with a pencil or pen, and challenge them to spot as many items as they can.
  4. Celebrate when they get a line or full house — or keep it relaxed with no scoring at all.

Variations

  • Theme Bingo: Try versions based on a theme — e.g. colours, nature, transport.
  • Sticker Version: Let children place a sticker over each spotted item instead of ticking.
  • Collaborative Play: Use the same sheet as a family and work together to complete the grid.

Why It’s Great

  • Encourages Focus – Helps children stay alert and mindful of their surroundings.
  • Flexible & Portable – Can be played anywhere, with minimal prep.
  • Customisable for Any Age – Easily adapted to reading level and environment.

Tried this activity?

We’d love to hear how it went!

Got a clever twist or fun idea to add?

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