20+ Best Travel Games for Kids

Traveling with kids can often transform a journey into an adventure filled with wonder, excitement, and sometimes, a bit of chaos. Keeping little ones entertained on long drives, flights, or train rides is crucial for a peaceful trip. The best travel games for kids not only serve as fun distractions but also encourage cognitive development, creativity, and family bonding. These games are designed to be portable, easy to set up, and engaging for children of all ages. From classic card games that fit in your pocket to innovative apps that turn your mobile device into an interactive learning tool, there's a wide variety of options to suit every family's needs and travel style.

Classic Travel Games

1. I Spy: A timeless observation game where players take turns guessing an object one player has spotted, using only the initial clue, "I spy with my little eye, something that begins with...". It sharpens attention to detail and requires no equipment, making it perfect for travel.

2. 20 Questions: Players think of an object, animal, or person, and their companions have 20 questions to guess what it is. This game encourages deductive reasoning and creativity, and is easily played in any setting.

3. License Plate Game: A car trip classic where players spot license plates from different states and track them on a list or map. It's educational, promoting geography knowledge and observational skills.

4. Travel Bingo: Customizable bingo cards feature items one might see on a trip, such as specific types of vehicles, animals, or road signs. Players mark off items as they spot them, aiming to complete a row or pattern. This game keeps players engaged and attentive to their surroundings.

Portable Board Games

1. Magnetic Chess: A compact, travel-sized chess set with magnetic pieces that stick to the board, preventing game disruption. It offers a classic strategic challenge for two players.

2. Travel Scrabble: A smaller, portable version of the beloved word game, with a foldable board and snap-in tiles. It's ideal for language lovers and wordsmiths on the go.

3. Carcassonne: A tile-based board game that's easy to transport and set up, where players build medieval landscapes by placing tiles and deploying followers. It combines strategy with simple rules.

4. Uno: A fast-paced card game that's simple to learn and comes in a compact form, making it perfect for travel. Players match colors or numbers, using special action cards to outsmart their opponents.

Educational Games

1. Brain Quest: A series of question-and-answer cards covering various subjects such as math, science, and English, tailored to different grade levels. It's designed to be educational and fun, perfect for keeping minds active on the road.

2. National Geographic Challenge: A trivia game that tests players' knowledge of geography, animals, and world cultures. It's engaging and informative, making learning about the world exciting.

3. Timeline: In this game, players attempt to correctly place historical events, inventions, or discoveries on a timeline. It's compact, educational, and challenges players' historical knowledge.

4. Bananagrams: A fast-paced, portable word game where players race to create interconnected words grid-style. It enhances vocabulary and spelling skills, suitable for all ages.

Tech-based Games

1. Heads Up!: A digital guessing game where players guess the word on the screen from their friends' clues. It's lively and entertaining, perfect for group play during travel.

2. Geocaching: An outdoor recreational activity, where participants use a GPS receiver or mobile device to hide and seek containers, called "geocaches," at specific locations marked by coordinates all over the world. It's adventurous and educational.

3. Duolingo: A language learning app that makes mastering a new language fun, with bite-sized lessons and rewards. It's ideal for travelers looking to learn phrases and words in the language of their destination.

4. Monument Valley: A visually stunning puzzle game that takes players through fantastical architecture and impossible geometries. It's captivating and can be played offline, making it perfect for long trips.

Creative and Imaginative Games

1. Story Cubes: Roll the dice and make up stories based on the images that come up. It's a compact, portable game that stimulates creativity and can be played solo or in a group.

2. Pictionary Air: A digital twist on the classic drawing game, players sketch in the air with a special pen, and the images appear on a connected device's screen. It encourages imagination and can be hilariously entertaining.

3. Travel Journaling: Not a game per se, but a creative activity where travelers can sketch, write, or scrapbook their journey. It's personal and imaginative, encouraging a deeper connection with travel experiences.

4. Mad Libs: A phrasal template word game where one player prompts others for a list of words to substitute for blanks in a story, resulting in humorous stories. It's simple, portable, and fosters creativity.

Interactive Card Games

1. Exploding Kittens: A highly strategic, kitty-powered version of Russian Roulette. Players draw cards until someone draws an Exploding Kitten, at which point they are out of the game unless they can defuse the kitten. It's fast-paced and fun.

2. Skip-Bo: A skillful strategy card game where players create sequential stacks of cards. The game is engaging, with players constantly thinking ahead to outmaneuver their opponents.

3. Phase 10: A rummy-like card game with a challenging and exciting twist. Players must complete ten specific phases to win, requiring strategy and luck. It's compelling and can be played by 2-6 players.

4. Codenames: A social word game with a spy theme, where players work in teams to contact their secret agents. It's accessible, requiring deduction, teamwork, and critical thinking, making it a favorite for group travel.

Tips for Playing Games While Traveling

The best travel games to ensure entertainment during journeys include compact, engaging options like card games, travel-sized board games, and digital games on mobile devices. Card games like 'Uno' or 'Exploding Kittens' provide endless fun with simple rules. Travel-sized board games, such as 'Ticket to Ride' or 'Catan,' are designed for portability, allowing easy setup anywhere. Digital games on smartphones or tablets offer a wide range of choices, from puzzles like 'Candy Crush' to strategy games like 'Plague Inc.,' accessible at your fingertips.

For solo travelers, puzzle books, handheld gaming consoles, and single-player apps ensure entertainment without the need for companions. Multiplayer apps and portable gaming devices also allow groups to connect and play together, even in tight spaces.

Always choose games based on the length of the journey and the interests of the players. Opt for games that require minimal setup and can be paused and packed away easily. Remember to pack spare batteries or power banks for electronic devices to avoid running out of power mid-game.

In summary, the best travel games are those that match the travelers' preferences, fit the travel context, and provide engaging, flexible entertainment options for all ages.

FAQs on Best Travel Games for Kids

Q: What are the best travel games for young children?
A: The best travel games for young children include magnetic puzzles, coloring books, and picture bingo. These games are engaging and easy to manage on the go.

Q: How can travel games benefit kids during long trips?
A: Travel games keep kids entertained and can significantly improve their attention span and cognitive skills during long trips.

Q: Are digital games a good option for kids while traveling?
A: Yes, digital games are a good option for kids while traveling, especially educational apps that are both entertaining and informative.

Q: What should I look for when choosing a travel game for kids?
A: When choosing a travel game for kids, look for portability, age-appropriateness, and minimal pieces to avoid losing them.

Q: Can travel games be educational?
A: Absolutely, travel games can be educational, offering opportunities for kids to learn about geography, language, and math in a fun and interactive way.

Q: How do I keep travel games organized on a trip?
A: Keep travel games organized on a trip by using pouches or zippered bags to store individual games and labeling them for easy identification.