The 10 best holiday games

Ahoy there!

It is that time again! The sun is in the sky and the temperature is rising, which can only mean one thing: the holidays are coming! With these ten games you are guaranteed a good time, whether you are in a hotel, on a campsite or simply enjoying a staycation!

Read on and discover what you can play this holiday!

Number 10: Hitster Bingo

Hitster Bingo is a cheerful, musical party game that combines the classic bingo concept with well-known hits. Instead of numbers, you listen to snippets of famous songs and try to match them on your bingo card. The game is easy to learn and brings lots of fun, especially at parties or family gatherings.

The combination of recognising music and the traditional game of bingo is what makes Hitster Bingo shine. It is a fun way to test your music knowledge while having a great time with friends and family. Whether you are a music lover or just looking for a fun game for a party, Hitster Bingo has entertainment for everyone.

Number 9: Qwixx

Qwixx is a fast and addictive dice game, made for players who like a combination of luck and strategy. The aim is to cross off as many numbers as possible on your score sheet, choosing which dice to use. The game is easy to learn, and every round brings new chances and challenges.

What makes Qwixx so much fun is that all players are constantly involved. Even when it is not your turn, you can profit from other players’ rolls. This makes for a dynamic game and keeps everyone sharp. Qwixx is ideal for beginners and experienced players alike and is a welcome addition to any game night.

Number 8: The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Trick-Taking Game

If you want to travel through Middle-earth as a pair, pick up The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Trick-Taking Game. It is a trick-taking game that follows the story of the second book, card by card. You play with two or solo, so even on a quiet evening at the campsite you can get it on the table.

You will pick up the rules quickly, but every round asks something of you: when do you throw away a strong card, and when do you hold on to it? If you already know the trick-taking game based on The Fellowship of the Ring, this is the standalone sequel. You do not need that first part to play it. Please note: the cards are in English.

Looking for more games for two? Then read our blog the best games for 2 people on holiday.

Number 7: Scout

Scout is a unique card game in which you take on the role of a circus director who wants to put together the best show. What makes this game special is that you are not allowed to rearrange the cards in your hand, which leads to interesting strategic choices. Each card has two possible values, depending on which way up you hold it, which gives the game an extra dimension.

During the game you try to play sets of cards that beat those of your opponents. If you cannot, you can ‘scout’ cards from the table and add them to your hand, making your future moves stronger. The game is quick, exciting and full of surprises. Made for players who love small card games with a creative twist.

Read SpeelHart’s in-depth review of Scout here too!

Number 6: Codenames

Codenames is a brilliant word game in which you not only have to think creatively, but also have to learn to trust your team’s intuition. Split into two teams, you play spies who try to make contact with their own agents in the field through secret clues. Sounds complicated? It is not too bad, and that is exactly the strength of this game: easy to learn, endlessly engaging.

You give your teammates a single word and a number. That one word has to lead them to several other words on the table. But choose your clue carefully, because the enemy is listening… and one wrong guess can cost you the game if you accidentally point to the assassin. Codenames brings tension, lots of laughter and surprisingly good conversations. It is an excellent game for larger groups, evenings with drinks or a relaxed Sunday afternoon.

Number 5: Halli Galli

Halli Galli is the kind of game that always brings excitement to the table, and quite often a few slightly bruised fingers. In this lightning-fast reaction game, players take turns flipping over cards showing different kinds of fruit. As soon as there are exactly five of the same fruit on the table, it is time to slam the bell in the middle. Whoever reacts fastest wins the cards.

Halli Galli is easy to pick up, and it is amazing how fanatically you are playing it within a few minutes. Children, adults, grandmas: suddenly everyone is on high alert. It is an energetic mix of attentiveness and speed that you will want to play again and again. Made for families with young children, but secretly also a favourite among fanatical ‘big’ kids.

Number 4: Keezenspel

Keezenspel is what you get when you cross Ludo with a game of nasty tricks, but with just a little more satisfaction. It is familiar and surprising at the same time. You play in teams and try to be the first to get your pawns safely ‘home’. But you do not do that by rolling dice, you do it by playing cards. And that is exactly where the chaos begins.

The strength of Keezenspel lies in its simple rules and constant tension. Do you play a swap card at the right moment? Do you capture an opponent’s pawn? Or do you let your partner escape just in time? It is teamwork with a wink, because even within your team things can get heated. Made for family evenings or long weekends, because it stays fun however often you play it. And yes: it is also the only game where, after three rounds, you still cheerfully say: “all right, one more”.

Number 3: Dixit Disney

Dixit Disney is a dreamy mix of imagination, storytelling and the magic of Disney. In this game you use beautifully illustrated cards to tell a story, or rather: to give a hint. The other players try to guess which card you meant, while also playing their own cards to send the group down the wrong track.

As with everything Disney, the key lies in the atmosphere. Every card breathes its own fairy tale, and you will recognise characters from classics as well as modern favourites. Because you make up stories or give hints based on what you feel or think, you get to know each other better in a surprising way. Made for families, groups of friends and anyone who loves a game with a soft edge.

Creative, warm and different every time, just as a good story should be.

Number 2: Sky Team

Sky Team is a cooperative game for exactly two players in which you have to land a plane together. Sounds simple? It is not. Without talking to each other, as pilot and co-pilot you try to keep all sorts of critical aircraft systems under control. Think speed, heading, flaps, landing gear, coffee, OK, not that last one, but believe us: you have your hands full.

Every turn feels incredibly intense! As if you are really working at Schiphol. By placing dice you work towards a safe landing, but the restriction on communication means every signal counts double. The tension rises with every turn, and when you are finally safely on the ground, it feels like a real achievement. Made for pairs who love working together under pressure, or who want to test how well they really understand each other.

Number 1: Everdell Duo

Everdell Duo is the intimate two-player little sibling of the much-loved Everdell. Together with your woodland critters you build a beautiful village in a lush valley. But make no mistake: despite its cute looks, this is a strategy game. Every card you play and every resource you collect contributes to your perfect woodland community.

What makes Everdell Duo really strong is how well it suits two players without losing any depth. You are constantly planning, building and reacting to what your opponent does. And while you do, you look out over a board full of atmospheric illustrations, woodland critters and cosy buildings.

The game is as relaxing as it is challenging, and the replayability is huge. Ideal for couples, friends or anyone who loves heading out into nature as a pair, on the table, that is.

With these 10 best holiday games, you are guaranteed to take fun and adventure with you on your travels! Each game offers something unique, whether you love strategic challenges, creative stories or friendly interaction. These games bring not only entertainment, but also connection and lovely memories with family and friends. Enjoy the summer!