We’re definitely a game family and I love taking along a game when we travel.
Whether we’re hanging out at the airport, enjoying a little down time at our hotel or AirBnb, or waiting for our food at a restaurant, it’s nice to have a game to whip out and play together.
Plus, a familiar game can be really comforting in an unfamiliar setting.
Here are some of our favorite easy-to-transport games to take along when we travel!
Favorite Travel Games for Kids and Families
Spot It. This one is a favorite – you can play with just a few people or a whole crowd and it’s quick and simple to pick up (in fact, one time we were on a double date with some friends and while we were waiting for our table, we walked down to a toy store that had this out and the four of us played several VERY competitive rounds. It’s truly fun for all ages).
Sushi Go. I really started loving this game last year – it’s a small deck but does require a bit more time since you play three rounds so you’ll want a bit more time (perfect if you’ve got some time to burn!).
Cover Your Assets. This is probably our most oft-played travel game. I’ve played endless rounds with my girls while we waited for the car’s oil to get changed, every day on our Hawaii trip back in 2019 and at countless family reunions and friend trips. It’s fast paced and fun and everyone in our family can play it!
Yahtzee. This is a classic and all you need is a scorecard and some dice! We’ve been playing this one for YEARS as a family, plus it’s a great way to practice a little bit of math. Yamslam is a similar idea although the box is a bit big for easily transporting.
Dutch Blitz. This is basically the same as Wackee 6 or Nerts and it’s a fun speed game that can accommodate a lot of players! Just beware – it can get intense!
Gnomin’ Around. We took this one to Japan and my girls played it on the airplane (the nine cards BARELY fit on the seat back tray tables). This is probably my very favorite card game and we’ve played it on dozens of trips over the years – it always earns a spot in my backpack or purse!
Monopoly Deal. My interest in playing regular Monopoly is zero (no time for that!) but this card version is super portable and way more fun. Tally and I played this over breakfast daily for weeks at the beginning of last school year and I never got tired of it.
Zeus on the Loose. This was a new to us game on our Japan trip and we played it pretty much every day – the girls learned it the first morning while we were still getting ready and then we played a few rounds every morning and evening at our Airbnb – definitely a hit!
Bananagrams. Bart and I have been playing speed scrabble together or with friends since the earliest days of our marriage and Bananagrams is an easy way to take it on the go in that that fun banana shaped zipper pouch!
Set. I grew up playing this pattern spotting game and now my girls love to play it too. This is a great one for a group or just two people (in fact, Tally loves to play it on her own!).
The Bears and the Bees. This Grandpa Beck game is always a hit and it’s so beautiful. You’ll need a big flat spot to play it since you’re building out an increasingly big hive, but it’s a great one to take along to an Airbnb.
Any other favorite travel games? I’d love to hear what’s been a hit with your family when you travel!
R says
Happy Salmon is my new favorite game. Quick, fun, easy to learn and bonus it’s a great ice breaker that f you have new friends over.
Sally Shelton says
Tenzi is a great one! Especially with the card deck.
Kelly Kline says
Tenzi, YES! That is a good one. My new favorite is SKYJO. You need a flat space, kitchen table size, to play. Kept a youth group busy and laughing for hours. You get better as you play at using strategy to win. SO fun!
Kathy says
I would love a video of how to play the assets game from your family 💕👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Janssen Bradshaw says
Grandpa Beck (the game maker!) has one: https://www.grandpabecksgames.com/pages/cover-your-assets
Ifiknew says
My newly turned 4 year old loves spot it (thanks to one of your previous posts!). Which of these do you think would be appropriate for him at his age i.e rules aren’t too complicated
Janssen Bradshaw says
Try Cover Your Assets, Gnomin’ Around, and Bears and the Bees – those are all ones my kids have been able to play at 4.
Candace says
We took Gnoming Around to Costa Rica a couple of summers ago and when I went through security at the LA airport they took it out of my bag and inspected it with a very confused look :> Love Grandpa Beck games!
Diana @ Bumps Along the Way says
We have played SO MUCH Monopoly Deal since we got it 2 months ago. Our 5 year old is especially vicious at it. And it’s a great transition activity when coming home from school or whatever, gets us all used to being around each other again!
Diana says
Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza is one of our favorite games. It’s a fast paced game of skill and doesn’t require a lot of space.
Jennifer Wenzel says
Genius Square is our fav for travel games!
Mandi says
You have to try Trash Pandas 🙂
Melissa Roth says
Sleeping Queens and Dragonwood are great also. Thanks for the list.
Helen says
We love Five Crowns – even my six year old loves it!! It can get very competitive when the whole whānau (family) gets together!
Lynette Ballard says
We love genius square! The kids play it when they wake up early while we are camping. It can be played alone or with another player. Gnomin’ around is my absolute favorite also! We opted for cover your cookies instead of cover your assets, and Grandpa Becks team did an incredible job on it. We love it, and even the three year old can steal cookies!