8 great board games you can play anywhere

Oh, what a wonderful world outside… The best way to celebrate summer is to go camping, to the beach, to the forest, or to take a nice hike. Birds chirping, water rushing, sun warming your skin, it’s a great change of pace from stuffy weekends gaming inside.

But after a few hours of those stunning natural views, you may find yourself a bit… bored. Wouldn’t it be great if you could bring more than just a pack of playing cards or a book for entertainment? There’s no need to daydream of your console or game table back home. We’ve compiled a list of eight great board games that are compact, have less components to lose, and are playable just about anywhere.

Discover new ways to have fun this summer. Choose from family games, two-player strategies and party games that are great for groups.

Hive Pocket

Gen42 Games

On a trip, you may find that only one person is keen to join in a particular game. You can challenge them to play a game of Hive Pocket! This is the smaller version of (Hive) It is a good option to play if you want something familiar, but also portable. Your objective is simple: completely surround your opponent’s queen piece. Games move fast, but don’t underestimate this tile placement game – strategies and blocking tactics keep gameplay fresh.

The 26 tiles come in a handy pouch so you’re less likely to lose them. Every piece you play also stays on the “board” until the end of the game so there are no loose pieces to keep track of. Play anywhere – on a beach towel, a flat piece of wood, or even a picnic bench. We think that the tiles with bug themes are best used outdoors. Enjoy some strategy under the summer sun by taking it with you!

Dice Of Pirates

Photo: Thing 12

Can’t find a flat surface to roll on? How to play Dice Of Pirates all you need is the game’s “box”.

The game takes the same amount of space as a mint tin, which means you can bring it anywhere. There is a small bag of tokens, a pirate ship, and seven dice — not much to keep track of even out on a summer trip. You’re ready to play! Every die is different: the more you match, you get more tokens. The dice can be rolled in the tin or on any other surface to earn tokens and gain control over the ship.

Gameplay is quick, allows up to six players, and is easy for kids and folks who don’t often play board games to learn and enjoy. It’s definitely a great way to spice up a long day on the beach or pass some time while traveling this summer.

Cubeo

Image: Marek Kolcun

Cubeo The game can be played by two players and is very portable. You only need 12 dice with six sides and a surface that’s flat to play. First to combine their dice into a total of six or more wins. To gain an advantage, you can either block the opponent’s dice or put down your own to earn points.

The game is quick and simple to learn. And you already own all of the necessary equipment. You can find the rules on-line and add your dice to the bag. (We recommend two colored sets of 6 six-sided die) This is a great last-minute item for your summer vacation. Take it on a hike for some trailside fun that fits in your pack and is easy to play even on the ground… if you don’t mind dusting off your dice.

Cult following

Bravely Told Games

Select Cult following This is the perfect party game to play this summer. Each time, some players combine prompts they have in their hand to form a ridiculous group. The group listens and then decides what cults they will join. The round is won by the person who can get two new followers in the shortest time. The game’s creative story-telling keeps it interesting for players of all ages (and the many onlookers).

Small box and few cards makes the game portable, and perfect for use outdoors. Playing outside, you can discard used cards in the lid of the box. Bring it camping to get that cult-initiation feel. Play a couple of rounds around the campfire after darkness.

Find it on Macy’s or Amazon for $18.29

Similo

Horrible Guild

If cults aren’t your jam, SimiloIt’s a good choice. It comes with a wide variety of characters, including animals and mythological or historical figures. Take your favorite deck and two to eight people for this co-operative deduction game. You can use cards as clues for other players to guess who you are. You lose if the other players rule out your character, but everyone wins if they correctly guess!

It is easy to play this game with your children, family, or friends on the move. It’s possible to mix and match cards from two different sets for an added challenge. Since it’s just a single pack of 12 cards, you can really play anywhere. Deduce on the beach or by your campsite.

Happy Salmon

Image; NorthStar Game Studio

When you’ve had enough time lounging in the sun, get up and move with Happy SalmonThe game is played without turns. Players simply choose an action to perform (such as a highfive or swapping positions) from the deck, and then find someone who matches. You can perform an action when you match someone and then move onto the next card. First person to have no cards left wins.

The game comes inside a fake fish about the size of a banana, so it’s fun and easy to take to the beach or river (or anywhere else). There are also no parts to lose, as the game only contains cards. You can play with your family or up to six of your friends. It’s a great game for everyone and it is funny to watch or play in public.

Coin Age

Tasty Minstrel Games

Don’t want to take a bag from the car to your favorite summer spot? It’s still possible to play Coin Age.You can begin an epic area-control duel on just one card using the change in your pocket. Placing coins on the board will allow you to control spaces, and earn victory points. Whoever ends up with the highest score wins.

This is the best complex gameplay you could want for a single card “board”. It’s quick, a true microgame, and packs a ton of strategy into every match. The card can be printed out and played on a flat surface. You can take it with you to the beach, to a poolside or on a plane to reach your final destination. Lost a piece? It’s just a few cents and a single card you can replace.

Here you can download the instructions for print and play. Make sure to have coins on hand!

Escapees

Fowers Games

If you can’t get enough deduction, Escapees It’s a game that you must play. Bring it camping, picnicking, or on beach trips for an epic two-player chase that’s easily playable on any flat surface. The detective tries to catch the fugitive by following a clue trail. The first person to achieve their objective wins.

It’s fun, easy to learn, and a short time investment for a game on the go. It’s a great game to play with friends, older children, or family. Plus, there aren’t loose pieces to lose in the sand or dirt. Don’t forget to share this with your friends. ClueTry this game to relieve boredom while enjoying some time outdoors.