Summer is the time when everything moves outdoors. Relaxing by the lake, evenings in a tent, or long car trips are all great opportunities not only to relax, but also to play a good board game.

But here the question arises: what board games are worth taking with you on a nature trip or vacation? It is important that they are compact, easy to learn, and resistant to travel conditions - after all, you will often have to play on a mat, a table outdoors, or even on the beach.

I'm sharing personally tested summer games that have saved me from boredom more than once and have become the highlight of evenings.

1. Games that fit in a backpack

When space is at a premium, we appreciate every extra ounce. These games may be tiny, but their entertainment value is huge:

• Dobble (or Dobble Kids) is a reaction and attention training game that can be played by both adults and children. The set includes only cards, no boards or figures.

• Love Letter is a super small game with deep decisions. Perfect for an evening out or a quick game at a coffee shop.

• UNO is a classic that everyone knows. It works anywhere, especially when there are more players.

• The Mind is a strange but engaging cooperative game where everyone tries to "sync" without words.

All of these games fit into a small box or even a jacket pocket, making them perfect for travel.

2. Nature-friendly: play on sand, grass or at the campsite

If you plan to play by the lake , in the forest , or while camping , it's worth considering games that aren't afraid of wind or water droplets:

• Hive Pocket – no board, made of large plastic figures. Non-slip, even if you play on grass or sand. A great choice for a couple.

• Qwirkle Travel is a smaller version of the classic Qwirkle. Sturdy wooden blocks, can be played directly on a table or rug.

• Story Cubes – cubes with pictures. Every time – a new story. No board, no space required, even the youngest family members can be involved.

If it's windy, it's a good idea to have a small box or plate to hold the cards or decks in so nothing flies away.

3. When traveling with children - who will involve them?

Children get tired quickly and often get bored on trips. A few appropriate games can help keep them focused:

• Karuba: The Card Game is a compact version of the popular game, perfect for families.

• Rhino Hero is a building game where you build towers with cards. It's fun even for adults.

• Sushi Go! is a fast-paced card game with a cute look and simple rules.

Most of these games are suitable for children as young as 5-6 years old, and they can take up at least 20-30 minutes on a trip.

4. Car or airplane games

When you're traveling a long distance or waiting for a flight, it's a good idea to have games that can be played even without a table :

• 20 Questions / Who am I? – a game without any physical tools. All you need is imagination.

• Just One (modified version) – ask each other words, the rest have to guess, but can only give one hint.

• Quiz-type games – question cards on any topic that allow you to test your knowledge and have a laugh.

Such games are great when movement is limited or there is nowhere to put the board.

5. How to choose the right game for the summer?

To choose a board game for the summer, pay attention to the following:

• Size and weight – will it fit in a travel bag?

• Components – will the game hold up if it gets wet, if the wind blows?

• Simplicity of the rules – are they easy to explain to new people?

• Game duration – can you play for a short time when you have a barbecue, hike or lake to go to?

Conclusion

Board games can be a great addition to your summer. Whether you're vacationing by the sea or spending a weekend in the countryside, a well-chosen game can bring everyone together around a table or rug and create unforgettable moments.

If you're looking for something to buy before your trip, we suggest you take a look at our collection of selected summer games .