Best travel games for kids: car, train and restaurant games that pack small

The best travel games for kids are small, quick to set up and do not have pieces that roll under the seat. Cards and pocket puzzles win every time. Here are our favourites, and how to choose.

What are the best card games for travelling?

• Rat-a-Tat Cat, Sleeping Queens and Sushi Go! are quick and easy to learn.
• Slamwich is a fast, silly flipping game.
• Cockroach Poker is a bluffing game for older children and families.
• Zeus on the Loose is a push-your-luck game with maths.
• Scout is a clever small card game for older players.

What are the best puzzles for travelling?

• IQ Fit and IQ Circuit are one-player pocket puzzles.
• Puzzling Obscurities is a set of matchbox puzzles.
• Down the Rabbit Hole is a magnetic puzzle.

What about word and story games?

Bananagrams Duel is a word game for two. Rory's Story Cubes: Intergalactic inspire stories from dice.

What about learning games?

History Heroes card games (Romans, Space, Scientists and more) are small and educational.

What about audio?

For screen-free listening on long journeys, see the Yoto Mini and our Yoto cards guide.

Tips for playing on the move

• Pick games without small pieces.
• Use a tray or book as a table.
• Keep a small bag of games within reach.

FAQ

Which games work for two players?

Check the player count on each page, and see Bananagrams Duel for two.

Browse travel games.