Board Games on Vacation: Age-based ideas for tablet-free moments
You're on the ferry, it's hot, the kids have already explored the deck, you've had an ice cream and... only 20 minutes have passed. The kids start to fidget restlessly. You look around, not to admire the sea, but to come up with ideas. But there are none.
The easy solution? Let me guess... the tablet.
The alternative? It's so simple! A small (but very promising) board game that fits in your bag, doesn't need Wi-Fi and—if you give it a chance—trust me, it will reward you!
In this article, you'll find suggestions for portable board games, organized by age, that can turn even the most boring vacation moments into meaningful moments of connection.
What board game should I bring for my child on vacation? A guide by age
Ages 3–5: Their first board games
Look for matching and sequencing card games. They are small, with few pieces, and fit everywhere. They help develop skills like object recognition, classification, and understanding of sequence and order.
Examples: image matching cards with animals or colors, size sorting cards “from smallest to largest”, “find the same” games
Choose durable cardboard and simple illustrations, no reading required.
Ages 5–7: Storytelling everywhere
Try story dice. They are pocket-sized, lightweight, and often include plastic dice, story figures, and a small storage pouch. Children roll the dice and let their imagination unfold a story. These games enhance narrative expression in a fun and creative way.
Examples: storytelling dice, mini adventure cards, games with images and characters
Ideal for airplane, car, or ferry
