Primary Navigation Mobile

The best travel games for kids

  • Keep boredom at bay with these travel-sized games.
  • Great entertainment on long car journeys.
  • Check out our favourites below.
 

Written by Ryan Gilmore Published: 31 August 2022

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

11
top trumps minecraft
top trumps minecraft

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

11
cluedo travel pack
cluedo travel pack

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

11
monopoly deal
monopoly deal

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

11
john lewis battleships
john lewis battleships

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

11
travel boggle
travel boggle

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

11
orchard toys animal families
orchard toys animal families

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

11
100-pics-riddles-travel-card-game
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

11
backpacker
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

11
bananagram
bananagram

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

11
waddingtons-playing-cards
waddingtons-playing-cards

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