Since we play so many games in our family, you might imagine we have some favorite travel games. Since I can't pick just one favorite, you are getting six recommendations for the best and funnest travel games for kids. (Lucky you.) As you know, I make it a point not to use electronic screens to keep my kids busy when we travel and games like these, as well as plenty of books, have been lifesavers!
One of my standby strategies is to fill our carry-on bags, or the car, with brand new games for the kids. The new-ness peaks the kids' interest, and the games keep them busy! I know these choices will inspire you to engage in a little old-fashioned, screen-free family time during your vacation travels!
Note: this post contains affiliate links that may earn commission; a few of the games were sent to us by the manufacturer. All opinions are my own, of course.
Kids Travel Games
As you go through this list you'll find selections for different ages. I've included the manufacturers' recommendations, but I tend to find that kids younger than the recommended age can also play.
Amaze!
Find it: Amazon
This clever single person brain teaser is 16 mazes in one. It just so happens that my 11 year old ADORES mazes and he picked up this nifty puzzle right away. The maze tray includes 4 sliders. You set the sliders in one of 16 arrangements (ranging in difficulty from easy to hard) and then use the pointer to make your way through the maze. Convenient for travel, the arrangements are printed on the back of the tray so you don't have to pack anything else. Recommended for ages 8 and up.
WordARound
Find it: Amazon
In WordARound, players race to read words spelled out in a continuous ring. It's harder than it sounds and lots of fun. The game is recommended for ages 10 and up, although when he was as young as 8, my older son beat me handily on several rounds. He was so proud of himself when he bested me, especially when he found the harder words before I did! I love how the game gave him confidence. WordARound is very portable but kids must be able to read in order to play. It's a nice game for adults, as well.
Spot It, Jr.
Find it: Amazon
Spot It has was one of those toys I slip into my purse as I headed out the door to a restaurant and it also served for many years as a much need distraction as early as when my son was 4 years old! There are lots of versions of this clever matching game. Among them, the Alphabet and Numbers and Shapes versions are great for early learning games for ages 3 and up and the Spot It! Basic Spanish looks fun for kids learning a foreign language. There are 5 different ways to play and the tin of cards is super-lightweight and easy to carry. Ages 4 and up.
Uno Card Game
Find it: Amazon
You all know about Uno, right? It's a classic and one of my favorite on-the-go games since both my sons, despite their 4 year age difference, can play it equally well. It packs up small and you don't need a large playing space. What's not to love? There is an interesting deck that is waterproof and durable, but unless you are playing in a mud puddle or going on some serious backpacking adventures, I think the original will serve you just fine. Ages 7 and up.
Magnetic Build-It Set
See all the options: Amazon
The brand Mudpuppy has a ton of these magnetic building and dress-up kits in a variety of themes, like dinos, trains, space and fairies, so you will be able to find a kit with just the right fit for your child. My kids adored using their imaginations to build their own scenes and the magnets prevent the frustration of a lost piece. Ages 3 and up.
Spirograph
See all the options: Amazon
Okay, this isn't actually a game. But I was sucked into buying this travel version because of the nostalgia factor! I adored Spirograph when I was a kid. I originally thought that my then-8 year old would prefer it and it would be too hard for my then-four year old, but it was the opposite. The younger brother was the one who was really into Spirograph, although he did need assistance. I think that's just more due to the interests of my kids, rather than the age. Obviously loads of older kids (and nostalgic parents) will enjoy the design fun of Spirograph. Ages 8 and up.
MORE TRAVEL GAME IDEAS FOR KIDS:
Packing a couple of dice opens up a whole new world of fun, especially if you play some of these best dice games for kids.
Just want to take a deck of cards? Clock solitaire will add a new twist to your child's solitary play.
Fanny Harville says
I am in total agreement re: "electronic tranquilizers" (love that phrase!) and travelling. We drive from NC to MN every summer with only books, card games, and conversation. And it's a great point that parents can reframe the trip as a luxurious time to focus on our kids; I look forward to doing lots of reading aloud with N. when we travel. The Scavenger Hunt is a great idea! I have to remember to do that.
Steph says
Great post! I love the scavenger hunt! We'll be heading to Germany next summer and we're hoping to get a flight that leaves at bedtime. I'm soooo nervous about a 12 hour flight with a 6 and not-quite-two year old. We'll be doing a lot of driving in Germany so we need to travel light. I don't really want to lug a dvd player with us everywhere we go!
Christy says
Great ideas. We don't use electronics on airplanes, but we do use them for long car rides (over two hours). I know it's terrible and I don't even know why I'm admitting it!!!! I remember driving across the country as a kid playing games. We do that too, but the DVD player keeps us sane after a while.
Jen says
No need for judgement, you said it yourself, keeps you sane! My son is too young for some of those games and books can only keep his attention so long on a 6 hour flight. We use short iPad shows in between books and snacks. I find when traveling can be stressful, this is great for everyone.
Erica MomandKiddo says
I think that's a great way to break it up, Jen! Keeps things interesting, and helps them stay engaged. The longer the trip, the more variety is needed, for sure.
Aly in Va says
I tend to agree with the electronics. We're the only family in our neighborhood without TV's attached to the backseats of our minivan....something I'm very proud of, if I may say so.
Raising a Happy Child says
I hope you had a good trip! I admit freely to using "electronic tranquilizers" on airplane rides, because ours are LONG. 6 hours one way is a long time to keep daughter entertained, at least at her age. In fact, it's about the only time when she watches longer movies or several DVD episodes at once. We do use audio books/games/conversation in the car.
Bronwyn Joy @ Journeys Of The Fabulist says
On planes, we tend to use screens. It's just so hard to keep them going for 8+ hours otherwise, especially if I'm travelling with two on my own, when every plane is more or less the same. It's a bit easier with my daughter, who doesn't mind your typical travel games, but my son tends to view most of these as a form of torture (he's getting much better over the past year, plus he's starting to read!).
That said, the flight map is probably the #1 choice for our kids as well. Something fascinating about it.
We have a lot less screen time if there's more adults or if it's just a short hop and I definitely agree that if they're somewhere they can get a view from the window they should darn well appreciate the view. In fact, I think it's a really good way to cushion culture shock - they can observe first from a safe distance.
Erica MomandKiddo says
It's all about the flight map!! 🙂
Catherine says
We drove from Michigan to southern California last summer - 13 days and almost 3500 miles (side trips along the way) and no electronics. We had a great time, but I did forego any leg room because of the activity bag I had for the kids. They were both 4 at the time; in 2 months we will be making the return journey and I'm trying to think of some fresh ideas. The kids still can't read, but they do spend a lot of time looking at books - I pick up lots of used paperback picture books at the used book store/library store - I like them because they are so thin, and it is ok if they get a bit mangled along the way. We also rely on magnetic toys, doodle pads and solitaire type games - Smart Games makes a few that we like. I'm going to try rush hour though. One of our biggest problems is the stuff that falls on the floor... Because of the stopovers, we also had some hotel specific activities, such as sticker mosaics.
Erica MomandKiddo says
That is quite the feat, Catherine! My kids have always been much easier in car rides than airplane rides but since we don't have a car we don't do it very often.
Jen says
Chuckling at the Northern Hemisphere idea of long trips! Our annual jaunts to visit family in Europe require a 26 hour plane trip followed by 6 hours in a train. We use books, toys, games, treats, craft activities, alcohol (for the parents!) and lots of screens!
Erica MomandKiddo says
Ha! I would definitely resort to screen time (and alcohol) if I was on a 26 hour plane trip!
Andrea says
Oh please do tell. We will be making a very similar trip length wise. We will be traveling with a four year old and her first time!
Katerina says
My twins are 5 ans they're already rocking the Spirograph - which makes me ridiculously happy for some reason. Thanks for these recommendations, we love playing games here too!
Erica says
That's great!