Car journeys as a child can be incredibly dull. There is only so much to see from a window and boredom really starts to kick in. Sure, you can plonk an iPad in their hands, but it’ll eventually need charging and you don’t want kids with square eyes.
Traditional board games don’t really work here either. There usually isn’t the space in the back to play with any comfort. Thankfully, there is now a plethora of pint-sized travel games that will have your children (hopefully) playing quietly and politely. Most popular board games now come in travel size (although we won’t hold our breath for a car-based version of Twister).
We’ve found some of the best travel-sized kids games on the web, so they’ll have something to do on your next extended journey.
The best travel games for kids
Unofficial & Independent Guide to Minecraft Top Trumps Card Game
Price: £6.66 | VIEW OFFER
The playground favourite for a reason, not much can get close to a classic game of Top Trumps. Easy to transport and quick to learn, a game of Top Trumps will keep your kids entertained on a long journey. We’ve chosen a fun Minecraft set here, but there are so many available, so there’s sure to be one perfect for your children.
Pros:
• Hours of simple fun
• Easy to transport
Cons:
• Be careful of allowing food or water near the cards
Hasbro Gaming Cluedo Grab & Go Game
Price: £8.10 | VIEW OFFER
Move over Agatha Christie and Jessica Fletcher, Cluedo is the best whodunnit and now comes in a travel size. Part of the Hasbro Grab & Go series, it’s ideal for long car journeys and can be easily stored when not in use.
Pros:
• A classic board game
Cons:
• Requires three to play
Monopoly Deal Card Game
Price: £6.00 | VIEW OFFER
A traditional game of Monopoly can go on for days and can create an atmosphere similar to the Cold War between families. This card-based version claims it’ll be a 15-minute game and will come in handy on a long journey. It is also easy to play in the back of a car. Just be prepared for all-out anarcho-capitalist war in the rear seats.
Pros:
• Fun and engaging card game
Cons:
• This game will lead to arguments
John Lewis and Partners Travel Battleship
Price: £5.00 | VIEW OFFER
Battleship is a classic for so many reasons, so we’d recommend this travel set for long car journeys. A fun game of strategy, it’ll also help teach your children about concentration, problem-solving and attention.
Pros:
• Hours of fun
• Teach them the skill of co-ordinates
Cons:
• Only two can play at a time
• Good luck finding any pieces that go astray
Boggle Classic
Price: £13.00 | VIEW OFFER
A simple game all about words, Boggle will help your children improve their vocabulary while having fun. Shake the dice and set the timer and see who can make the most words in the time limit. It’s a bit like Countdown for children.
Pros:
• Easy to play
• Improve their vocabulary
Cons:
• Lid can be hard to remove
Orchard Toys Animal Families Mini Game
Price: £7.36 | VIEW OFFER
If you’ve got young ones and are wanting a game that is safe for them to play and also educational, then there are a host of options from Orchard Toys. We’ve selected the Animal Families, but most focus on matching up cards.
Pros:
• Great for younger kids
Cons:
• Good luck finding any cards that go astray
100 PICS Riddles Travel Card Game
Price: £8.00 | VIEW OFFER
Riddles are a great way to involve everyone on a long journey and keep your mind sharp. Some of the riddles read more like bad dad jokes, but they’ll still pass the time. This set contains 100 riddles and includes anagrammed answers for even more fun.
Pros:
• Perfect for adults of any age
Cons:
• Riddle supply will be exhausted rather quickly
Backpacker
Price: £10.99 | VIEW OFFER
A fun geographical game for people of all ages, Backpacker is all about who can collect the most ‘photographs’ while travelling a card-based world. Pocket-sized and easy to play on the move, it’s a clever choice.
Pros:
• Very easy to transport and store
• Fun to play at any age
Cons:
• Game can take a bit of getting used to
Bananagrams Word Game
Price: £12.99 | VIEW OFFER
Become the top banana with this game by using all of your letters up first. The game is simple but fun and will help expand their vocabulary. The banana packaging is also a touch of genius.
Pros:
• Fun and educational
Cons:
• Not the easiest to play in small spaces
Classic Red and Blue Twin Pack Waddingtons Number 1
Price: £3.61 | VIEW OFFER
There are infinite games you can play with a simple set of playing cards. From snap and go fish to crazy eights, there will always be a new game to keep them entertained. This twin pack from Waddingtons is of excellent quality and means you can keep one for yourself.
Pros:
• Simple but endless
Cons:
• Not the most sophisticated game
