This Easter, rediscover just how powerful play can be

With April’s holiday season upon us, there is no better time to add a few compact crowd-pleasing games to the travel bag. When it comes to road trips, family getaways, camping weekends or an afternoon at home, nothing brings laid-back fun and laughter quite like a game. It’s even better when that game fits easily into your backpack or tote.

From fast-paced card challenges to clever word puzzles, there are a variety of games that promise big laughs and bonding moments. Alongside the evergreen favourites like Spot it!, 5 Second Rule, Bananagrams and Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza, look out for the newly released Similo and Trio.

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Below are the hottest on-the-go games

1. Similo
A cooperative game that’s perfect for curious minds and sharp intuition, Similo sees players working together to guess a secret character from a set of cards, using subtle clues. With versions that include wild animals, myths, and history, it’s educational and endlessly replayable. The recommended age for Similo is ideal for 7 years and up, and designed for 2 or more players. It works great with two people and it can also be played with a larger group, making it ideal for family gatherings or travel.

2. Trio
Brand new and already gaining fans fast, Trio is a thrilling blend of memory, deduction, and speed. Players race to uncover three-of-a-kind sets—but it’s not as easy as it sounds. With just the right mix of strategy and surprise, Trio is perfect for quick rounds while you wait for the braai to get going or the car to fill up with petrol. Recommended for 7 years and up, it can be played with 3 to 6 players. Trio is great for both kids and adults looking for fast-paced fun.

3. Bananagrams
There’s a reason this classic word-building game remains a family favourite. Housed in a banana-shaped pouch, Bananagrams is like Scrabble without the board. It’s lightweight, fast to set up, and flexible for all skill levels, making it the ultimate travel companion. Bananagrams is recommended for ages 7 and up and can be played with 1 to 8 players. It’s perfect for solo word-building or fast-paced group play, making it a great fit for families, friends, or even some quiet downtime on your own.

4. Spot It!
Perfect for all ages, Spot It! is a rapid-fire game of matching symbols. Each card has exactly one symbol in common with every other card, and it’s up to you to spot it first. Easy to learn, highly addictive, and ideal for testing your reflexes between destinations. It’s a must-pack.

5. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza
If you haven’t yet reached out to claim the stack of cards in a competitive frenzy, you’re missing out. Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza is hilarious, high-energy, and made for families who love to laugh. Fast hands, quick thinking, and a good sense of humour are all you need.

6. 5 Second Rule
Name three things in five seconds—how hard could it be? When the pressure’s on and the timer’s ticking, your mind might just go blank. 5 Second Rule is fast, silly, and full of “Did I really just say that?” moments. Great for older kids, teens, and grown-ups.

7. CATAN Dawn of Humankind

For families looking to settle in for a deeper, more strategic experience, the latest version of the legendary board game CATAN has just landed—CATAN: Dawn of Humankind. Taking players back to the origins of civilisation, this reimagined classic introduces new gameplay, fresh mechanics, and an exciting twist on the original. It’s slightly bigger to carry, but well worth making room in the boot. Recommended for ages 10 and up and is best played with 3 to 4 players, up to 6 players with expansions.

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