Budget-Friendly Portable Games for the Kids

It's a familiar scene. You pull into a rest stop during a long car ride to see a young child struggling to wrench his hand free from his mother's grip. His face is flushed from exertion. He lets his body go limp and is refusing to walk. You are a witness to the full-blown tantrum. You cast an eye to the back seat of your own car. The kids are quiet, happy and content. Are your kids naturally that good? While you like to think so, you know that your pre-trip planning is at least partially the reason for the good behavior. You stocked the glove box of the car and your purse with portable games and gadgets. Card games, discovery maps and portable electronics, just to name a few. In fact, you never go anywhere without at least 2 of these items because you know at least once a day you'll need it. Whether it's running errands, sitting in a restaurant, waiting in an airport or going for a long car ride, it's an opportunity to engage, entertain and maybe even teach the kids something new.
Below are our recommendations for budget-friendly portable games for the kids.