Travelling with children is a daunting prospect for even the most experienced parents. Whether the journey is taken via planes, trains and automobiles –ensuring your little ones are fed, watered, and perhaps most importantly, entertained, is no simple task.
Though card game classics such as Uno and Top Trumps were perfectly plausible entertainment options for children in the late 90s and early 00s, there’s been some significant innovation in the world of travel-sized card and board games in recent years.
This development of Gen-Z approved games, alongside the technological strides taken in the world of portable game consoles has resulted in an entirely new world of travel-ready entertainment to explore.
Likewise, brain-bending IQ games rivalling the likes of that one Brain Training Nintendo DS game, have entered the conversation. Brightly coloured and brilliant for stimulating some subtle mathematic and literacy skills, these kinds of games are available as both electronic and screen-free options.
Gone are the days of mindless Subway Surfing and Doodle Jumping – for there’s a way to keep your kiddos happy and mentally stimulated, all the while avoiding having their eyes glued to a saturated screen for hours on end.
From kooky avocado-themed card games to IQ-boosting puzzles via the Nintendo Switch Lite, keep scrolling for our round-up of the best electronic and screen-free travel games to keep the kids entertained on whatever journey you’re embarking on. Bon Voyage!
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Electronic travel games for kids
Nintendo Switch Lite Handheld Console
Age range: 3+
The modern answer to the ever-iconic Game Boy, the Nintendo Switch Lite now reigns supreme in the world of portable game consoles. Available in a range of colours for under £200, the Switch Lite is a fantastic, compact, and lightweight travel companion for your kids – who can engage in multiplayer play just like the DS days of ‘ole.
Designed specifically for handheld play on the move, the Switch Lite is compatible with all of your regular digital Nintendo Switch games – meaning you won’t have to purchase them twice if you’re already the proud owner of a full console.
If your kiddo wants to stay in touch with their pals over the school holidays, you can even purchase Online Membership plans via Nintendo. This will allow them to enjoy online game play with multiple friends at a time.
Buy now £199.99, Argos
Bandai Tamagotchi
Age range: 8+
Even though the world has moved on from the vast majority of 90’s and 00’s games, there’s one miniature digital wonder that has witnessed something of a renaissance in recent years.
The Tamagotchi is the original cyber-pet which must be looked after and cared for by its owner, or else they might get sad – and even stinky. Your little one will feed them digital food and snacks, play electronic mini games with them, clean-up after them and even discipline them when they’re naughty.
Measuring just 4cm, these tiny egg-shaped toys can attach to keyrings and backpacks for easy access. They also come in a wide range of colours and character styles to suit your child’s taste and colour preferences.
Buy now £12.99, Amazon
VTech 80-606064 Educational Game Console
Age range: 4-10 years
If you’re looking for a console which prioritises educational games and activities, look no further than this nifty product from VTech. Unlike any other gaming console we’ve seen, the Vtech provides 360-degree gaming with various controls for swiping, turning, pressing, and clicking. As confusing as this might sound, fear not – for the relevant controls will light up depending on which game your little one wants to play.
The console comes equipped with 14 play activities with different difficulty levels, 11 learning games and three pre-installed virtual pets to enjoy.
Buy now £31.51, Amazon
Screen-free travel games for kids
Ridley's | Avocado Smash
Age range: 6+
With over two thousand positive reviews from families across the globe, it’s fair to say that Avocado Smash is a smash-hit. A hilarious and fast-paced card game perfectly sized for travel, it’s essentially a re-imagined version of the classic game of Snap. Suitable for two or more players with average rounds taking around 10 minutes to complete, this is fast-paced game for the whole family to enjoy.
Buy now £11.99, Amazon
Gibsons Connecting London Game
Age range: 8+
If your kiddo is into all things London-related, this the game for them. Strategy-based and suitable for up to six players at a time, this Transport for London themed game prompts gamers to build the Zone 1 London Underground map. Players score by connecting famous stations and landmarks, and the first player to complete their Underground sign takes the crown.
Buy now £15.00, John Lewis
Smart Games - IQ Fit
Age range: 6+
A travel-sized puzzle game designed to get the cogs whirring in your brain, the IQ Fit comes equipped with an array of brightly coloured 3D puzzle pieces and a puzzle book full of 120 challenges to enjoy, ranging from easy to expert-level.
Buy now £10.00, Amazon
Monopoly Hasbro Gaming Grab & Go Game
Age range: 8+
We know what you’re thinking – Monopoly has far too many bits and pieces to make a suitable travel game. Thankfully, the innovators over at Hasbro have created a version of Monopoly specifically designed for use on the move by shrinking it down. We just wouldn’t recommend playing during turbulent plane or car journeys.
Buy now £6.40, Amazon
Bananagrams
Age range: 7+
A much-loved classic, Bananagrams never gets old. Portable and packable thanks to the iconic banana-shaped pouch, Bananagrams can be played solo or in groups, depending on how competitive you are. If you’re playing by yourself, enjoy creating endless word combinations until you run out of letters. If in a multiplayer game, race against one another to build your crossword grids in record time.
Buy now £12.80, Amazon
Hasbro Guess Who Grab & Go Travel Game
Age range: 6+
Another absolute classic which has been shrunk down to travel size, Hasbro’s Guess Who can be played for hours on end, with an array of characters to choose from. This set includes two game trays, 40 face cards, a deck of mystery cards and a game guide in case you’re unfamiliar with the rules.
Buy now £5.00, WH Smith
Asmodee | Dobble
Age range: 6+
Yet another twist on the classic game of Snap, Dobble features an array of spherical cards which display a range of different symbols. Every card is different, though each will have one matching symbol with any other card. The first to spot the matching symbol wins the set. Action-packed and designed to be a race, you’ll be playing Dobble for hours on end.
Buy now £9.00, Amazon
