Travel games from Noris
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By
Katharina D.
Long car journeys, waiting times at the airport or an evening on the terrace on vacation - often a real test of patience for children. Games for on the go are the perfect solution here: they banish boredom, provide entertainment and create shared memories. Their greatest strength lies in their flexibility. Unlike large board games, which require a lot of space and quiet, travel games are compact and uncomplicated.
Whether as a small game for the backpack or as a magnetic game for wobbly train journeys - they adapt to the journey, not the other way around. Terms such as travel game, bring-along game or pocket game usually mean the same thing: small, easily transportable games with simple handling.
The most important things in a nutshell
To give you a complete overview, we have summarized the most important advantages and aspects of travel games for you here:
Compact & lightweight: Travel games are designed to fit in any backpack, handbag or glove compartment.
Quick fun: The rules and set-up are usually simple and a round is played quickly - ideal for annoying waiting times.
Robust materials: The games are often magnetic, wipeable or made of sturdy material to withstand the demands of travel.
For all ages: From toddlers to teenagers, Noris has suitable games for on the go.
Promotes community: Playing together strengthens family cohesion and ensures positive experiences, even when traveling is stressful.
Versatile: Whether in the car, train, plane, restaurant or on the beach - the possible uses of travel games are almost unlimited.
What is a travel game, carry-on game or pocket game?
Terms such as travel game, carry-on game or pocket game are often bandied about, but what exactly do they mean? Essentially, they describe all games that are designed for mobile use. A classic travel game is characterized by small packaging and compact accessories. Pocket games are, as the name suggests, so small that they fit comfortably in your pocket and are therefore the perfect games for on the go. Bring-along games, on the other hand, are often small gifts or games that you bring to a party or a get-together with friends to have a good time together.
The ideal game locations and scenarios are as varied as the games themselves:
In the car, bus or train: magnetic games or quiz games are worth their weight in gold here.
On the plane or train: compact card or dice games fit perfectly on the small folding table.
In a restaurant or café: A small board game shortens the wait for your meal.
On the beach or on the terrace: robust, sometimes even waterproof materials ensure carefree fun outdoors.
The added value of travel games
Of course, the greatest added value of a travel game is that it is fun and relieves boredom. Who doesn't know the dreaded question "When will we finally get there?". Games for on the road offer a welcome distraction and turn stressful waiting times into valuable family time. But there are other positive aspects too. Take-away games bring people together at family gatherings or with friends. Everyone can pack their favorite game and discover new games together.
They also promote important skills through play:
Social interaction & communication: people talk to each other, laugh together and learn to stick to rules.
Cognitive skills: Depending on the game, logic, memory, strategic thinking or vocabulary are trained.
Fine motor skills: Especially for younger children, gripping and dexterity games train motor skills.
Frustration tolerance: Losing is part of playing. Children learn to deal with defeat and to try again in the next round.
Learning to win: Winning also needs to be learned - children learn how to be happy, congratulate others and enjoy success together.
Travel games for children of all ages
Now that we have clarified what travel games are and what advantages they offer, you can find out which travel games are suitable for which age, as the choice of the right game depends heavily on the developmental stage and abilities of the children. A game that captivates a primary school child can overwhelm a toddler and bore a teenager. That's why we have put together a selection of suitable games for on the go from Noris for every age group.
Toddlers (3-5 years)
At this age, games with simple rules and short playing times are best suited. The materials should be stable, easy to grasp and safe for health, as young children still often explore the world with their mouths.
Fishing game: A classic that promotes dexterity and concentration. Catching the little fish with the magnetic fishing rod is great fun and also works in a small space.
Catch the mouse and flea game: These simple games of skill provide quick fun and train fine motor skills, even when traveling.
Preschool age (5-6 years)
Children of pre-school age can already concentrate for longer, often up to 30 minutes. First learning games that playfully teach letters or numbers are ideal now.
Electric games: These games are fantastic for long car journeys. Although they require a stable base, they don't need a complicated set-up. Children can often play them on their own by finding the right answers with the contact pins. Our games for on the go such as Learn Electric, Children's Electric or My first Electric cover exciting topics such as animals & nature or arithmetic.
Primary school children (6-10 years)
Primary school children love challenges. The games for on the go can now have more complex game principles and promote logic, strategy and teamwork.
100 dice and puzzle games: This collection is a real space saver. Countless different games can be played with just a few dice and a block - from simple games of chance to strategic challenges.
Opposite game: A fun and educational game that expands vocabulary and requires quick thinking.
Teens & adults
Takeaway games for teenagers and adults can be more challenging. Quiz challenges, strategic duels and tricky puzzle boxes are very popular here.
Cine Buster & Music Buster: These quiz games are perfect for all movie and music fans. Packed in compact boxes, they test your knowledge and make for exciting quizzes - ideal for an evening in your vacation apartment.
Games for fidgeting
Some children and adults always need to have something in their hands when traveling. This calms the nerves, helps with concentration and gives restless hands something to do. Fidget games are therefore ideal little travel games. The Tricky Cube, for example, is one such fidget toy. This cube is a tricky puzzle that can be solved by cleverly turning it back and forth. It keeps fingers and minds busy without making a lot of noise or taking up much space, but is more of an activity for slightly older children. The crocodile, on the other hand, is a hit with all age groups. As a small game of skill that provides a thrill, kids can test which tooth makes the mouth snap shut. A quick, fun game for in between. The Tricky Color Ball is more difficult again. Colored balls have to be pushed into the matching rings. A quiet but captivating game of patience that promotes concentration and logical thinking - perfect for on the go!
Selection criteria when buying
To find exactly the right game for your needs, you should pay attention to a few important criteria when buying.
Number of players & game/set-up time
Before the dice are rolled or the cards are shuffled, it's worth taking a look at the product description: Who is the game actually intended for? Is it for a cozy solo evening, an exciting duel for two or turbulent family fun with everyone together?
Games for 1: Pocket puzzles are a fantastic choice here, as they offer hours of solo puzzle fun.
Games for 2: Classic duels such as Flip4, Ship Sinking, Mikado or card games like Mau Mau are perfect for couples or siblings.
Games for 4: Games such as Kleine Fische, Mikado or Mau Mau can easily be played by a small group.
Games for 4+: Card games such as Bella Italia, Trick 100 or even the simple Mau Mau are suitable for larger groups or the whole family.
Accessories & completeness
Also check beforehand: Is everything you need to play included? Especially with dice or puzzle games, it is practical if dice or even a small pen with a pad are already included.
Difficulty level & rules
In addition to the accessories and number of players, it is also worth taking a look at the manufacturer's age rating - it serves as a reliable guide. If the whole family plays together, the choice should be based on the youngest player so that nobody gets frustrated and everyone enjoys playing. Many games also offer variants for different levels of difficulty, so that both beginners and experienced players get their money's worth. Games with a clear, simple set of rules are ideal for playing on the go, as nobody wants to study pages of instructions while on vacation. The best games are those whose rules can be explained in just a few minutes - and which ideally offer several game variants to ensure long-lasting fun.
Material & robustness
A good travel game is also robust. Look for weatherproof, wipe-clean materials and sturdy packaging. The CE mark guarantees that the product complies with European safety standards and does not contain any dangerous small parts for small children.
Card games for on the go
Card games are among the most popular and versatile games for on the go. They are light, handy and can be played practically anywhere - whether on the train, on the beach or at the kitchen table in your vacation apartment. Even a simple standard deck such as Mau Mau, Skat or Doppelkopf is enough to be prepared for any occasion. Quiz and puzzle cards such as the Cine Buster movie quiz provide even more variety. If you fancy something special, try card games such as Kleine Fische, Bella Italia or Trick 100, which provide a completely new gaming experience with their own rules and lovingly designed cards. And a card holder often proves to be a practical helper so that young children can also play without any problems.
Dice games: simple & universal
A few dice and a pen - that's all you often need to enjoy hours of fun. Dice games are the perfect companion for on the go, as they take up hardly any space and are ready to go in no time at all. With the practical dice sets from Noris, classics such as Kniffel, Ten Thousand or Mäxchen can be played at any time. Particularly practical: Simply put the dice, a small pad and a few pencils in a compact storage bag - so everything is together, safely stowed away and always ready to hand, whether in the car, on the train or at your vacation destination.
Games for on the go with little material
Sometimes you just don't have anything with you. No problem! Even without any equipment, you can pass the time creatively and playfully.
Puzzle and quiz games without equipment
Long car journeys can get pretty tough - but not if you have a few classic travel games with no equipment to hand:
"I see what you don't see": the absolute classic in the car. Promotes observation skills and vocabulary.
Word chains: One person names a compound word (e.g. "front door"), the next person has to form a new word with the second part ("door lock").
Vehicle bingo: Everyone chooses a car color or a number for license plates. The first person to see ten of them wins.
Of course, these are just a few examples - there are countless other ideas, and with a little imagination you can easily invent your own games.
Games with paper and pencil
A sheet of paper and a pencil are often all you need for great little games.
- City, country, river: A timeless classic that requires knowledge and quick thinking.
- Hangman: Who can guess the word before the stick figure has finished drawing?
Tic-Tac-Toe: The quick duel for two players that can be played on any piece of paper, no matter how small.
As you can see, the world of travel games at Noris is huge and varied. They are far more than just a remedy for boredom. They are mood enhancers, icebreakers and create wonderful moments together. A well-chosen travel game is therefore not only the best travel companion, but also an ideal gift for families and friends who love to travel and play. You can also browse through our other categories, such as classic games and family games, to find even more fun. ❤️🎲