Travelling with children can be an adventure in itself! Whether you’re setting off on a long car journey, flying abroad, or heading off on a weekend break, having the right travel games on hand can make all the difference. Compact, mess-free, and easy to pack, these portable travel games are perfect for keeping little ones entertained on the go.
Here are 10 brilliant travel games for children that are ideal for planes, trains, and automobiles.
1. E-Doodle Pad
Perfect for: Ages 3+
The E-Doodle Pad is a totally reusable colour tablet for drawing, writing, and doodling! It feels just like paper and can be used again and again, making it ideal for on-the-go inspiration. The 10″ pressure-sensitive writing area comes with a stylus and allows little ones to doodle in vibrant colour. When it’s time to start again, simply press the button to delete. Lightweight and portable, it easily fits into bags for car trips, flights, or restaurant outings. It can be used in landscape or portrait orientation.
2. IQ Digits
Perfect for: Ages 7+
IQ Digits is a stimulating game of logic and problem solving for one player, utilising number-shaped playing pieces. Choose from 120 challenges, place the starter pieces on the game grid, then fit the remaining pieces so that certain squares add up to the numbers shown in the challenge. It’s a clever and fun brain workout, suitable for older children and adults. The lidded game grid keeps everything neatly contained, making it a perfect travel companion. With four levels of difficulty, from starter to master, it helps develop concentration, problem solving, and logical thinking. A handy booklet includes all solutions.
3. Brainbolt
Perfect for: Ages 7+
Brainbolt is a portable, travel-sized game that harnesses the power of your brain. Think fast and memorise your way to victory with this blazing-fast, light-up memory challenge. Play solo or go head-to-head with a friend. Simply watch and remember the pattern of lights, then press each button in sequence to win. With solo, head-to-head, timed play, and advanced modes, it offers endless replayability for older children and adults. Requires 3 x AAA batteries (available separately). Lightweight and easy to pack, it’s perfect for flights, car trips or holiday downtime.
4. Placemat To Go – Butterfly
Perfect for: Ages 3+
Superb quality and brilliant for travelling or restaurant entertainment, the Placemat To Go is both practical and fun. It comes in a yellow mini cotton tote bag and includes a double-layered cotton placemat printed with butterflies. One side is for colouring in, and the other is for copying designs or doodling. A pack of 10 double-ended, machine-washable felt-tip pens is included, featuring both fine and thicker tips. Once coloured, simply machine wash to remove the ink, ready to be used again and again. An excellent creative activity for children of all ages, perfect for use when out and about.
5. Magneti’book – Crazy Faces (Boys)
Perfect for: Ages 3-8
A great travel activity, this creative desk-style box opens to reveal a magnetic backdrop scene with mix-and-match magnetic shapes to create crazy boys’ faces! Children can copy the enclosed cards or invent their own wacky designs. The sturdy box doubles as both storage and play surface, making it perfect for car journeys, flights or hotel stays.
6. IQ Gears
Perfect for: Ages 7+
Get your brain into gear with this game of problem solving, logic and gears! Choose from 120 challenges (solutions included!), place the starter pieces on the game grid, then fit the remaining pieces so they all fit and make the relevant gears turn. The lidded game grid keeps everything neatly stored, making it perfect for travel. With five levels of challenge, ranging from starter to wizard, it stimulates concentration, problem solving, and logical thinking, and offers a fun challenge for older children and adults alike.
7. Mancala
Perfect for: Ages 8+
Enjoy the timeless game of Mancala with this beautifully crafted wooden set. It features a smooth, hinged wooden playing board and colourful wooden stones. Simple to learn yet wonderfully strategic, it’s perfect for two players. Full instructions are printed on the box, and its compact, folding design makes it ideal for travel and holidays.
8. Mini Solitaire
Perfect for: Ages 5+
This classic solo game comes in a compact circular wooden case, complete with bright red pegs. All the pieces store neatly underneath the playing board in a felt-lined tray, keeping everything tidy and secure while travelling. Full instructions are included, making it a brilliant little game to pop in your bag for holidays, car journeys or restaurant outings.
9. Shut The Box
Perfect for: Ages 5+
A challenging traditional game that combines skill, chance, and quick mental arithmetic. Simply throw the two dice and flip down the numbered boxes that match the score – for example, roll a 9 and shut boxes 6 and 3, or 8 and 1. The aim is to close all the boxes! The set includes a wooden playing box with felt base, nine flip-down numbers, two dice, and complete instructions. Easy to learn and highly addictive, it’s great fun for one or more players and ideal for travel.
10. Travel Board
Perfect for: Ages 4+
Everything younger children need to stay amused on journeys is all neatly packed into a compact art case. Inside, you’ll find a magnetic whiteboard with erasing cloth, four pens, and 14 magnetic pieces. There’s a space for everything, making it easy for little ones to carry and store their own set. Children can draw freely or use the magnets to create pictures, providing hours of creative entertainment at home or on the move.
Top Tips for Travel Games:
- Choose games with self-contained storage.
- Avoid loose pieces that can easily be lost.
- Opt for screen-free options to reduce screen time.
- Pick games suited to your child’s age and interests.
With a little planning, travel time can be transformed from stressful to enjoyable. These portable travel games help keep little hands and minds busy, making journeys part of the fun.
Looking for more travel-friendly toys? Explore our full range of travel games at Mulberry Bush.
