7 Great Board Games to Play on Vacation

There’s no denying that sightseeing is one of the best parts of a vacation, or that hikes are pretty much a requirement when it comes to nature retreats, but both can be exhausting! At the end of the day—once everyone is settled in for the night and cozy in their PJs—board games are the perfect way to continue the fun and recharge at the same time. Here is a list of great board games to try on your next trip with friends or family. Some of them don’t technically involve boards, but they’re still lots of fun!

1. Taboo – ages 13 and up

The object of Taboo is to get your teammate(s) to guess as many secret words as possible before time runs out. The twist is that you can’t use any of the obvious clues listed as “taboo.” How would you get your team to say “allergy” if you can’t give them hints like sneeze, cough, pollen, spring, or season? This game forces you to think outside the box (pun intended).

2. Sorry – ages 6 and up

A well-known classic, Sorry! is perfect for family game night. The goal is simple: get all your pawns all the way around the board and into the safe zone before anyone can stop you. That’s easier said than done when other players can bump you or toss a Sorry! card your way at any time and make you start all over again!

3. Scattergories – ages 13 and up

Put on your thinking cap! The Game of Scattergories is a fast-paced game that challenges you to think of anything within a category that starts with the letter rolled on the die. (What’s a hobby that starts with Q???) You can only earn points if your answer is different from all the other players, so you’ll have to get creative!

4. Set – ages 10 and up

There’s no taking turns in Set; this card game is one that everyone plays at once. Players race against each other to spot 3-card sets that are either all the same or all different in each individual feature (shape, color, shading, and number). The rules take a little time to grasp, but once you get it, it will be hard to put it away!

5. Apples to Apples – ages 12 and up

Another great game for both children and adults, Apples to Apples is all about making comparisons. Each round, the judge flips over a green adjective card (which could say something like “creative” or “awkward”) and the other players select one of their red cards (with nouns or actions such as “James Bond” or “paying taxes”) that best matches the description. Without knowing which cards belong to whom, the judge then chooses a winner. Answers can be serious, silly, or sarcastic. Everyone takes turns being the judge, so the winning cards vary based on personal taste, adding an extra challenge. (Check out Apples to Apples Junior for ages 9 and up.)

6. Outburst – ages 3 and up

Outburst is a game of lists. There are 10 words listed on each Topic Card, and players take turns trying to guess as many of them as they can before time runs out. How many of the 10 “Cars Rich People Drive” can you guess in a minute? There are quite a few variations of this game, from Outburst Junior to Ultimate Outburst. Each has its own unique categories and updated rules, so you can choose the best one for your group.

7. HedBanz – ages 7 and up

HedBanz is a fast-paced, kid-friendly game that has players asking “yes” or “no” questions to figure out the image on their cards—the cards tucked into their headbands that everyone can see but them! Be the first player to guess the image on your card and win. It’s a simple game that's easy for children and adults to enjoy.

With so many board game options out there, this list could go on and on. Whichever your favorites, make sure to make room for them the next time you’re packing for a girls’ weekend away or that family vacation you’ve been planning. Games are a great way for new acquaintances to break the ice, old friends to reconnect, and the whole family to spend quality time together without distracting electronics—and without requiring too much physical activity after a busy day of exploring.