My friends, family and I are game people. There's often nothing more fun than getting together a bunch of friends, some drinks, and board games. I've compiled a list of my favourite games for road trippers, lake lovers, and happy campers based on the level of effort you feel like putting into your experience (aka. thinking. If you're drinking, you may want to start at the bottom of the list and move up as the night progresses).
For in the Car
Portable and safe.
Most Likely To - This is an easy game to play with a group of friends on the road as you don't need to physically look at anything to play! Passengers can take turns reading the cards, and everyone votes on who is most likely to end up in a given scenario. It's a lot of fun and can go for a while!
94% - Yes, it's an app, but it's gotten us through many a road trip. In this game you are given a category and attempt to guess what 94% of the population thought fit in that category. It's a great time, and can spur some fun stories from friends as you go! It's available on Apple and Android!
For minimal focus
These are the types of games you can play while holding a conversation simultaneously.
Deer in the Headlights - This is an easy card and dice game that is fun and silly to play, and is won largely by luck, so it's not hard to focus on. Goal: run out of cards first.
What do you Meme - This game performs at it's best when the humans playing it have a knowledge of memes and their context, but the background knowledge isn't necessary to have an awesome time! It's played in a kind of Cards Against Humanity format with a judge and everyone chooses their best caption for a set meme. It's a hilarious time.
Joking Hazard - Not a game for the easily offended, but if you're familiar with the Cyanide and Happiness comics, you already knew that. In this crazy game you build a comic and the crowd votes on the funniest. Sure to bring you a perfect blend of funny moments and cringey ones.
For when you want to get into it
Focus on the game, and the good times.
Telestrations - This one is a hit with anyone! I've played it everyone from my tipsy friends to my grandma and the game morphs depending on who is playing. It works best with groups of 6-8 people, but it still works with less. It could even be played in a larger group if you grabbed some paper for the extra people. It's a fun mix of the telephone game and pictionary, and is one of the only games that has ever had me in tears from laughing.
Dutch Blitz - I had to through in this one. As a girl of German-Mennonite heritage, I grew up playing this absolute banger of a game. It is competitive as all heck and very fast paced. Be sure to clear the table of sharp objects before you play.
Cover your Assets - This is a new game to me and a fun one at that! All you need is the cards it comes with so it's compact for travel. It can also get pretty competitive, but doesn't require as much on the spot quick thinking as Dutch Blitz. All you gotta do is keep your "friends" from stealing your money. (Your fictional money. This isn't poker)
For full on game nights
All the brain power required.
Codenames - Codenames will have you attempting to develop a psychic connection with your teammates as you try to get them to guess a series of words based off one tiny clue invented by you! For a relatively un-complicated game, it sure is a thinker!
Stumblewood - This is a simple, but fast-paced game that requires your undivided attention as you try to memorize the path that will lead you out of a dark forest. You'll also look silly as the game has you literally hop in your seat and use the foam tools it provides to find your way out.
Exit - Have you ever wanted to do an escape room without having to leave your house? I have! The Exit games can only be played once, but are priced low enough to make you want to buy them again and again! I have only played the one linked, but would love to try more! As a group of 4 we had a great time unraveling the mystery that proved to be challenging even at the easy level!
Outside Inside Trout Lake Cribbage Board - If you're a crib player, this is simply the cutest cribbage board ever. Forget the boring rectangle board, and instead, weave your way on paths over bridges to a little cabin on the lake! It makes a fantastic gift as well.
Let me know what you think of this list! Comment your favourite games below, and if you want a list of games I would skip!
Love ya,
Tara
@itstaradelaney