From timeless favorites such as Scrabble and Uno to more recent releases emphasizing conversation and bonding, these games are sure to engage every passenger in the car.
Regardless of your destination on a road trip, games serve as an excellent means to while away the long hours in the car and forge enduring memories.
The finest travel games should possess a compact and lightweight design for easy packing. They ought to cater to a broad spectrum of ages and interests while ensuring hours of amusement.
Keeping these criteria in focus, the timeless card game Uno emerges as our premier selection for the ultimate travel game. Its small size, universal appeal, and convenience make it a standout choice that can be effortlessly packed and enjoyed at any moment during the journey.
Yet, Uno isn’t the sole contender. We’ve also taken into account portable games across various categories. Ranging from traditional board games to Ping Pong-inspired challenges, here are the top travel games to accompany you on your upcoming road adventure.
The best travel board games
Purple Cow magnetic backgammon.
ne standout among the best travel board games is the Purple Cow magnetic backgammon set. Backgammon, revered as the national game in numerous countries throughout the Middle East and the Mediterranean, is brought to life in this portable rendition. With magnetized pieces ensuring they stay in place, players can enjoy this timeless game without the hassle of sliding components. Simply unfold the case, roll the dice, and commence play. Despite the compact size of the board, the strategic depth of the game remains intact.
Please note: While the magnets on the pieces may not be the strongest, they effectively maintain their position for the most part.
Product details:
- Number of players: 2
- Ages: 5 and up
- Minutes to play a round: 15
- Size: 6 x 3 inches.
Portable Puck Shot
Introducing the Portable Puck Shot, a compact hockey board game crafted with sturdy wooden pucks and housed in a Baltic birch wood case. Perfect for car trips, camping excursions, or cozy evenings in a cabin, this game offers entertainment for all, regardless of hockey fandom. Players will delight in the fast-paced action, achieved through a simple sling mechanism that propels wooden pucks across the board toward the opponent’s goal.
Please bear in mind: Due to its size and weight, the Portable Puck Shot game is better suited for road trips rather than air travel.
Product details:
- Number of players: 2
- Ages: 6 and up
- Minutes to play a round: 5
- Size: 17 x 10.25 inches.
Scrabble to Go
Enter Scrabble to Go, a compact rendition of the beloved classic. Scrabble’s enduring popularity is no mystery—it captivates players of all ages, stimulates mental faculties, and fosters lively discussions. This miniature iteration features snap-in tiles, enabling seamless gameplay even on turbulent car rides or for easy resumption after a pause.
Please note: The tiles in this compact version are smaller, which may require some adjustment for certain players.
Product details:
- Number of players: 2 to 4
- Ages: 8 and up
- Minutes to play a round: 25
- Size: 10.63 x 2.50 x 10.63 inches.
Best travel card games
Introducing Song Survivor
This travel card game serves as a fantastic icebreaker for singalongs during car rides or unwinding in hotels after a day of travel. Developed by the Black-owned small business Doin’ The Most, Song Survivor entails drawing cards featuring single words, prompting players to croon a song containing that word. If a participant stumbles over the lyrics or fails to recall a song promptly, they’re eliminated. Tailored for players (and vocalists) aged 13 and above, the game offers both easy and hard modes, allowing you to customize the challenge level.
Please consider: Not everyone may feel inclined to sing outside the confines of a shower, so it’s wise to gauge the enthusiasm of your fellow players before introducing this game.
Product details:
- Number of players: 2 and up
- Ages: 16 and up
- Minutes to play a round: 15
- Size: Travel size
52 Essential Conversations
This captivating travel card game centers around the enduring art of meaningful conversation. It’s a «social-emotional» learning experience aimed at stimulating dialogue about topics conducive to personal growth, enhancing social skills, and igniting creativity—benefits that extend to both children and adults alike. Packaged in a compact tin box, these cards are effortlessly portable, ensuring you can bring them along wherever you go.
Please note: While this travel card game is designed for players aged 5 and up, certain questions may skew towards more mature themes. If playing with a diverse age group, you can opt to omit or remove adult-oriented questions from the deck.
Product details:
- Number of players: 2 and up
- Ages: 5 and up
- Minutes to play a round: Not applicable
- Size: 3 x 2 x 1 inches
Uno
This beloved family card game promises just as much enjoyment on the road. Whether you’re competing head-to-head or with a large group, the objective remains simple: be the first to empty your hand of cards. However, success hinges on the luck of the draw. This version is conveniently housed in a durable tin for secure storage.
Please be aware: This iteration of Uno incorporates graphic symbols on the cards, ensuring players with colorblindness can participate with ease.
Product details:
- Number of players: 2 to 10
- Ages: 7 and up
- Minutes to play a round: 15
- Size: 3 x 2 x 5 inches.
Exploding Kittens
Easy to learn and uproariously entertaining, Exploding Kittens puts a playful twist on the concept of Russian roulette. Players draw cards, strategically employing special «immunity» cards to evade the dreaded «exploding kitten» card. With its compact size and absence of additional components, this card game guarantees laughter-filled moments during your travels.
Please note: While this card game is currently available in English, versions in other languages, including German, Spanish, Italian, and French, are in development.
Product details:
- Number of players: 2 to 10
- Ages: 7 and up
- Minutes to play a round: 15.
Best travel games for adults
Introducing Pepper Pong
A portable fusion of ping pong and pickleball, Pepper Pong stands out as one of the premier travel games for adults. Compact enough to fit into a shoebox, this game can be set up in seconds virtually anywhere. Simply place the foldable net, referred to as a Fence, on a picnic table or any flat surface, and you’re ready to play. With three different ball sizes, known as Peppers, players have the flexibility to adjust the intensity of their gameplay. What’s more, purchasing this portable travel game contributes to a charitable cause, as the makers pledge to donate a set to a recovery center or addiction-focused homeless center with each sale.
Please note: While there’s no official age requirement for Pepper Pong, players should be capable of handling a racket. Additionally, a flat surface is necessary for setting up the game.
Product details:
- Number of players: 2 to 4
- Ages: 3 and up
- Minutes to play a round: 15
- Size: 12 x 7 x 4 inches
The Hygge Game
Derived from the Danish concept of coziness, Hygge, this portable travel game comprises 300 thought-provoking questions aimed at fostering meaningful conversations among friends and family members. Whether played during lengthy car rides or in the intimate ambiance of a candlelit restaurant, The Hygge Game aims to spark enjoyable and thoughtful connections.
Please be aware: Some questions delve deep into personal topics, which may surprise individuals accustomed to more superficial discussions.
Product details:
- Number of players: 2 and up
- Ages: 14 and up
- Minutes to play a round: 15
- Size: 5.70 x 5.70 x 1.80 inches
Parents Are Human
Similar to The Hygge Game, Parents Are Human is a card game designed to promote understanding and strengthen connections. Tailored for immigrant families, this deck features 50 question cards and 20 action cards in English on one side and another language on the reverse (Arabic, Chinese, Punjabi, Spanish, and Thai), making it an ideal addition to family road trips.
Please note: Some reviewers suggest that replayability with the same group may be limited.
Product details:
- Number of players: 2 and up
- Ages: 13 and up
- Minutes to play a round: Not applicable
- Size: 3.81 x 2.81 x 1.44 inches
Where Should We Begin
Based on relationship therapist Esther Perel’s Where Should We Begin podcast, this traveling card game is tailored for adults seeking to deepen their connections. Featuring cards with prompts such as «A dream I’ve never shared» and «One of the things that is keeping me up at night,» this game offers a structured yet approachable way for travel companions to learn more about each other.
Please note: Some players prefer to forgo the dice and draw cards randomly from the deck instead.
Product details:
- Number of players: 2 to 6
- Ages: 18 and up
- Minutes to play a round: Not applicable
- Size: 9.4 x 4.9 x 2.6 inches
Best travel games for kids
Introducing Nex Playground
Revolutionizing family entertainment on the go, Nex Playground offers a compact game console perfect for travel. This vibrant cube utilizes motion sensors, operated with controllers or wearable gear, to facilitate family-friendly competition. Simply plug Nex Playground into a TV and access a library of over 20 games and experiences, ranging from lively dance-offs to spirited sports competitions, and even activities like frolicking with beloved cartoon characters in puddles.
Please keep in mind: To fully enjoy Nex Playground, you’ll need approximately 8 feet by 8 feet of floor space, as the game involves movement. This might pose a challenge in cramped hotel rooms or other confined spaces.
Product details:
- Number of players: Up to 4
- Ages: 5 and up
- Minutes to play a round: 5
- Size: 2.83 x 2.83 x 2.83 inches
Kanoodle Ultimate Champion
Hailing from TikTok fame, Kanoodle Ultimate Champion is a puzzle game that easily accompanies you on your next road trip. Featuring over 500 puzzles and a timer, this game challenges players to utilize problem-solving and spatial reasoning skills to beat the clock.
Please note: This game requires two AAA batteries for operation.
Product details:
- Number of players: 1
- Ages: 7 and up
- Minutes to play a round: 15 to 30
- Size: 5.75 x 2 inches
Play Monster Take ’N Play Bingo
Perfect for keeping kids engaged for hours, Play Monster Take ’N Play Bingo offers a portable bingo experience. The animal-themed bingo cards are conveniently housed in a metal case for easy storage and transport. Players take turns spinning the spinner and placing magnetic markers on the matching animals.
Please be aware: The magnetism of the marker pieces might not be very strong, but this game remains an excellent choice for its affordability and entertainment value.
Product details:
- Number of players: 2
- Ages: 4 and up
- Minutes to play a round: 5
- Size: 1 x 6.50 x 6.50 inches
Pass the Pigs
Families are in for a delightful time with Pass the Pigs, an adorable dice game featuring pig-shaped pieces. Roll the pigs to score points, aiming to be the first player to reach 100 points. This game requires only a flat surface to play and comes neatly packed in a small plastic storage case, perfect for slipping into a backpack.
Please note: Due to small parts, Pass the Pigs may pose a choking hazard for younger children.
Product details:
- Number of players: 2
- Ages: 7 and up
- Minutes to play a round: 15
- Size: 1.63 x 4.25 x 9.25 inches
Our Review Process
When it comes to selecting the best portable travel games, we adhere to a meticulous evaluation process to ensure that our recommendations meet the needs and expectations of travelers. Here’s how we assess and curate our list:
Size: We recognize that travel games should be compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry on road trips or flights. It’s imperative that these games are small and light enough to effortlessly fit into suitcases and carry-ons without adding unnecessary bulk.
Multiplayer: Since the essence of travel games lies in keeping everyone entertained, we prioritize games designed for two or more players. Whether you’re traveling with family or friends, multiplayer games ensure inclusive and enjoyable experiences for all.
Fun-factor: Travel games serve as invaluable companions during periods of downtime, transit, or unexpected delays. Therefore, we place a premium on games that offer high entertainment value and can stave off boredom effectively. We carefully select games that appeal to a diverse range of ages, interests, and preferences, ensuring there’s ample variety to sustain interest throughout the journey.
By adhering to these criteria, we curate a selection of portable travel games that are not only compact and multiplayer-friendly but also guarantee hours of fun and engagement for travelers of all ages.
Tips for Buying Games for Travel
When selecting games for travel, consider the following factors to ensure you choose the perfect entertainment companions for your journey:
Size of the Game
Size is a crucial consideration when it comes to travel games. Whether you’re traveling with just a carry-on suitcase or trying to avoid bulking out your checked baggage, opt for games that come in a compact case small enough to fit into a backpack. While on road trips, you have more flexibility and can accommodate larger games, especially if you’re driving your own vehicle.
Game Ratings and Popularity
Check the ratings and popularity of the games you’re considering. Reviews from fellow travelers with similar travel styles and companions can provide valuable insights into whether a particular game will meet your needs. Look for games that have garnered positive feedback and appeal to a wide audience.
Players’ Ages
Ensure that the travel games you select are suitable for everyone in your group. Maximizing fun means packing games that cater to all age ranges. Consider bringing a variety of games—one for spending quality time with the kids and another geared towards adults—for a well-rounded entertainment experience.
Time it Takes to Play a Round
Take into account the time it takes to complete a round of the game. Some travelers may have shorter attention spans or prefer games with quicker gameplay, while others enjoy more leisurely experiences. Choose games that align with the preferences of your travel companions to ensure everyone stays engaged and entertained.
By considering these tips, you can confidently select travel games that are the perfect fit for your journey, guaranteeing hours of enjoyment for everyone involved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there travel-sized board games?
Yes, there are numerous travel-sized board games available. Many classic and unique board games have been adapted into compact versions specifically designed for travel. Some of these travel-friendly modifications include using magnets to prevent pieces from sliding off the board and providing carrying cases to keep everything organized and contained.
How do you know if a game is good for traveling?
When assessing whether a game is suitable for travel, consider its design and components. Card games with a sturdy carrying case and board games that don’t feature too many loose parts or are magnetized tend to be excellent options for travel. Additionally, evaluate the size and weight of the travel game’s carrying case to ensure it fits comfortably among your other belongings.
What are the best travel games for an airplane?
The best travel games for airplane journeys are those that are compact and can be comfortably played within the confines of an airplane tray table. Look for games that don’t take up more room than a typical tray table and can withstand turbulence. Additionally, choose games that are easy to pick up and put away quickly, in case you need to accommodate your fellow passengers or respond to any in-flight disruptions.