If you’re embarking on a long family road trip, having engaging activities for all ages is key to avoiding backseat boredom. In this article we explore 5 games that are perfect for any travel scenario, from quick-playing card games like Dobble and Exploding Kittens to the compact and portable version of a classic, Travel Monopoly.
So read on for some road-tested recommendations that will have everyone entertained from the first rest stop to your final destination. (no, Money Train 2 slot isn’t on this list)
Bananagrams
Bananagrams is a great word game to bring along for any road trip. Unlike Scrabble which requires a board, Bananagrams can be played anywhere since all you need are the letter tiles stored in its iconic yellow banana pouch. It’s super lightweight and compact too so it doesn’t take up much space in the car.
The game is easy to learn but provides fun challenges. Each player starts with a handful of letter tiles that they have to use to form words interconnected in a crossword style grid. The first person to use all their letters shouts “Bananas!” and wins. But others can call out “rotten banana” if they spot a mistake in your words.
With 2 to 8 players, it keeps everyone entertained whether you’ve got just a couple people riding together or a whole carload. Games only take around 15 minutes too so you can squeeze in multiple rounds. Plus, because it’s just tiles there’s no board to worry about on bumpy roads.
The fast pace of racing to build words makes Bananagrams a lively option compared to slower games. Yet it still exercises your vocabulary and spelling skills. Best of all, almost anyone can join in the fun from young kids to grandparents. So next road trip be sure to pack this classic word game that’s always a hit no matter who’s in the car.
Dobble
Whether you’ve got a car full of kids or just a couple friends riding along, Dobble is sure to keep everyone entertained on any road trip. This card game challenges your observation skills and reflexes as you race to find the one matching symbol between any two cards.
Each round someone flips over the top card and you scan your hand for the symbol that connects the two. Then it’s a mad scramble to be the first to yell it out and slap your card down before the others. The different mini-games like “Hot Potato” where you try passing off your card keep things lively too.
What makes Dobble so travel-friendly is its compact metal tin. All 55 cards easily stash inside to avoid getting lost or damaged during your drive. At rest stops it’s simple to pull out and get a quick game going no matter where you are. And at only 15 minutes per round, you can fit in multiple matches before hitting the road again.
Exploding Kittens
If you’re looking to liven up your drive with some friendly competition and laughter, then pack Exploding Kittens for your next road trip. This card game is like a hilarious version of Russian Roulette where the goal is avoiding those dreaded Exploding Kittens.
Each turn you’ll draw cards hoping it’s not the one that “explodes” and eliminates you from the game. But with attack cards that let you send kittens to others or steal defuse cards for yourself, it also pays to be a little ruthless! The art alone featuring the Oatmeal’s adorable yet mischievous cats is worth the price of admission.
What makes Exploding Kittens perfect for traveling is its compact size. The whole game packs into a small box that easily fits any car’s cup holders or backseat pocket. And at only 15 minutes per round, you can squeeze in multiple matches before arriving at your destination.
Travel Monopoly
Travel Monopoly is a version of the classic board game that combines the competitive property buying and trading with a global travel theme that makes every game feel like an adventure.
The best part is its foldable game board and compact carrying case mean it takes up hardly any room in the car. Setup and play is also simple enough to enjoy at rest stops between destinations. Players race around the world map collecting iconic spots like Paris, Tokyo and New York. Along the way, you’ll pick up passport stamps and face challenges from the travel journal cards.
Some might ask for favorite vacation stories while others could demand you pay “lost luggage” fees. The ever-changing scenarios are almost as fun as the friendly rivalry over who will become the richest world traveler. And unlike traditional Monopoly, games wrap up in under an hour so you can fit in multiple rounds before hitting the road.
