Discover the Best Board Games for Every Player
How to Choose Travel-Friendly Family Games
Traveling with family can be fun - but only if everyone stays entertained. The right travel games can turn long waits and bumpy rides into quality family moments. Here's how to pick games that are compact, durable, and fun for all ages:
- Compact & Portable: Look for games that fit easily in your bag - card games, magnetic games, or mini versions of board games are great options.
- Durable Materials: Choose games with sturdy pieces that won’t get lost or damaged during travel.
- Age-Appropriate & Flexible: Pick games suited for your kids' ages, or those with adjustable difficulty to include everyone.
- Quick Setup & Playtime: Opt for games that don’t take long to set up or play, perfect for short travel breaks.
- Storage Solutions: Use plastic containers, zip bags, or mint tins to keep game pieces organized and safe.
Examples:
- Karakum (card game): Lightweight and quick to play.
- ICECOOL (magnetic game): Great for ages 6+ with fun, interactive gameplay.
- Doodle Rush (writing game): Simple materials, creative fun for all.
Pro Tip: If space is tight, consider digital game apps like Asmodee Digital or Board Game Arena for portable fun on your devices.
Keep these tips in mind to pack the perfect games for your next trip!
Best Small Board Games for Traveling
What Makes a Good Travel Game
When picking travel games, focus on options that can handle the bumps and jolts of travel while entertaining players of all ages and group sizes. These features are key to keeping everyone engaged despite tight spaces or unpredictable conditions.
Build Quality
Look for games made with durable materials that can handle the wear and tear of travel. Water-resistant pieces, sturdy packaging, and secure designs are ideal. Magnetic or plastic-coated pieces are great for preventing movement during bumpy rides. Also, make sure the game works well with different player dynamics.
Player Ages and Group Sizes
Pick games that are easy to play for younger kids - simple rules and tough pieces are a must. For older players, choose options with more strategy to keep things interesting. Games that can adjust to different group sizes are a great way to ensure everyone can join in, no matter the mix of players.
Types of Travel Games
Travel games are designed to combine easy portability with fun, making them perfect companions for trips. Here are some popular types that work well for travel.
Card Games
Card games are lightweight and versatile, making them ideal for travel. A great example is Karakum, which offers quick and entertaining gameplay for families on the go. These games are often designed with durable materials to withstand frequent use.
Magnetic Games
Magnetic games tackle the problem of losing pieces during travel. Thanks to built-in magnets, the pieces stay securely in place, making them perfect for bumpy rides or turbulent flights.
Dice and Writing Games
These games require only a few simple components, like dice or a pad and pen. Take Doodle Rush, for instance - it uses minimal materials to deliver fast-paced, creative fun.
Compact Versions of Bigger Games
Miniature versions of popular board games are tailored for travel. They keep the core gameplay intact while fitting into small spaces, like an airplane tray or a car seat.
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Best Games by Age Group
When picking travel games, it's smart to think about what works best for each age group.
Games for Ages 3-5
For younger kids, go for simple games with big, colorful, and sturdy pieces. Magnetic parts can help keep everything in place while traveling.
Games for Ages 6-12
Kids in this age group will enjoy games with a bit more challenge, but nothing too complicated or time-consuming to set up. Examples include Karakum for fun card play, Doodle Rush for fast-paced creativity, and ICECOOL, a compact and award-winning game from Brain Games Publishing.
Games for Ages 13+
Teens often appreciate strategy and deduction games that are small enough to carry but still offer an engaging experience in a short amount of time.
Multi-Age Games
For groups with a mix of ages, pick games with simple rules but adjustable difficulty levels. Look for games labeled with ages like "6+" or "8+" to ensure everyone can join in.
Game Storage for Travel
Keeping your travel games organized and in good condition is key to enjoying them for years to come.
Storage Containers
Clear plastic containers with secure lids are a great way to keep small games organized. Look for options with these features:
- Compartments: Keep pieces sorted and avoid mix-ups.
- Moisture resistance: Protects games from spills or humidity.
- Snap-lock lids: Keeps everything securely in place.
- Transparent material: Makes it easy to find the game you need.
For card games, hard plastic cases can prevent bending and water damage. Small fabric pouches with drawstrings are perfect for storing dice and tokens. If you like crafting, try making your own storage solutions.
Homemade Storage
Everyday household items can double as game organizers. Here are a few ideas:
- Mint tins: Great for small dice or card games.
- Pencil cases: Perfect for magnetic travel games.
- Zipper bags: Use various sizes to separate game components.
Want to get creative? Try these DIY solutions:
- Clear cosmetic bags: Sort game pieces by color or type.
- Elastic bands: Bundle cards and boards together neatly.
- Bubble wrap: Add extra protection for fragile items.
Digital Game Options
If you're short on space, digital versions of games are an excellent alternative:
- Asmodee Digital: Offers official digital versions of classics like Ticket to Ride and Pandemic.
- Board Game Arena: Access over 500 licensed board games directly in your web browser.
- Tabletopia: Features a variety of family-friendly games with multiplayer options.
Digital games save space and still let you enjoy social gaming. Many platforms offer free and premium plans, and some even support offline play.
Where to Buy Travel Games
Once you've figured out how to store your travel games, the next step is deciding where to buy them.
Brain-Games.com Selection
Brain Games has some great perks for shoppers:
- Free shipping on orders over $65 USD
- 5% rewards points and a 10% discount for newsletter subscribers
- Lifetime guarantee on games published by Brain Games
- A 14-day exchange policy
Popular Picks:
- The ICECOOL® Universe series – compact and sturdy, perfect for travel
- Karakum – a portable card game available exclusively from Brain Games
- Magnetic games and logic cards that are easy to carry
Game Store Shopping
Local game stores offer unique benefits, like expert advice, the chance to physically inspect games, and instant availability. Staff can help you choose based on:
- Family travel needs
- Age-appropriate options
- Space constraints
- Desired playing time
Many stores also have display copies, so you can check out the size and quality of a game before buying.
Other Retailers
Here’s a quick breakdown of other places to shop:
| Retailer Type | Advantages | Things to Consider |
|---|---|---|
| Online Marketplaces | Huge selection, competitive prices | Check seller ratings and shipping times |
| Educational Toy Stores | Focus on quality, age-specific options | Smaller selection of games |
| Bookstores | Convenient locations, curated options | Often higher prices, limited variety |
If you’re shopping online, make sure to double-check:
- The game’s dimensions and weight
- What’s included in the box
- Return policies
- Customer reviews about durability
- Shipping estimates
Use these tips to find the perfect travel games for your next adventure!
Summary
When choosing travel games for your family, focus on options that are compact, sturdy, and fit the age range of your group. Portability is key - look for lightweight games that won't take up much space. Durability is also important to handle the wear and tear of frequent travel.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Age suitability: Pick games that match the age range of your players.
- Quick playtime: Opt for games that allow for shorter, flexible sessions.
- Storage options: Protect your games with sturdy containers or cases.
- Group size flexibility: Choose games that work well with different numbers of players.
Brain Games offers some excellent travel-friendly options:
| Game Type | Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Karakum | Card-based, compact design | All ages, quick rounds |
| ICECOOL Universe | Durable, magnetic components | Ages 6+, longer play sessions |
| Logic Cards | Pocket-sized, no setup needed | Solo or group play |
Brain Games also provides a 14-day exchange policy, so you can ensure the game fits your travel needs. For international trips, magnetic and card-based games are especially useful - they save space and still deliver plenty of fun.
