Are you looking for fun ways to pass the time on a long flight without wifi? With no access to the internet or ability to stream movies and shows, having offline entertainment ready is key. The good news is there are plenty of engaging games you can play that don’t require any wifi or data.
If you’re short on time, here are some quick ideas for games to play on a plane without wifi: crossword puzzles, sudoku, solitaire, drawing games, reading, word games, and trivia games. But if you want more details, keep reading below for our top 10 game recommendations to help make your next flight fly by.
In this comprehensive guide, we will provide detailed descriptions of the best games for adults, kids and families that can help keep you entertained and engaged throughout your journey. Whether playing solo or with a group, these screen-free and wifi-free games are perfect for passing the time while traveling high in the skies.
Card and Board Games
When it comes to passing the time on a plane without wifi, card and board games are a classic choice. These games not only entertain but also bring people together, making the flight more enjoyable. Here are some fantastic card and board games that you can easily play while soaring through the sky.
Uno
Uno is a timeless card game that is perfect for playing on a plane. With its simple rules and fast-paced gameplay, it’s easy to see why Uno has remained popular for decades. The goal of the game is to be the first player to get rid of all your cards, but be careful, as opponents can hit you with wild cards and reverse the game’s direction.
Uno is compact, lightweight, and can provide hours of fun in the air. Don’t forget to pack this classic game in your carry-on!
Playing Cards
A deck of playing cards is a versatile and portable option for plane entertainment. With a deck of cards, you can play a wide variety of games such as Poker, Blackjack, Crazy Eights, and Solitaire. Whether you’re playing with a friend or challenging yourself to a solo game, playing cards are a fantastic way to keep yourself entertained during a long flight.
Plus, they take up very little space in your luggage or carry-on bag.
Bananagrams
Bananagrams is a word game that is perfect for word enthusiasts. The game consists of letter tiles that you use to create interconnected words. The goal is to use up all your tiles before your opponents. Bananagrams is compact and comes in a small pouch, making it easy to carry and play on a plane.
This game is not only entertaining but also helps improve vocabulary and mental agility. Challenge your seatmate to a game of Bananagrams and see who can come up with the most impressive words!
Paper and Pencil Games
When it comes to entertaining yourself on a plane without wifi, paper and pencil games are a classic choice. These games require minimal supplies and can provide hours of fun. Here are three popular paper and pencil games that are perfect for passing the time during your flight.
Hangman
Hangman is a word-guessing game that tests your vocabulary and deductive skills. One player thinks of a word and draws a series of blank spaces representing each letter. The other players take turns guessing letters. If a guessed letter is in the word, it is filled in the corresponding blank space.
If the letter is not in the word, a part of the hangman is drawn. The goal is to guess the word before the hangman is completed. Hangman is a challenging and engaging game that can be played with just a pen and paper.
Dots and Boxes
Dots and Boxes is a strategic game that involves connecting dots to form boxes. The game is played on a grid of dots, and players take turns drawing lines between adjacent dots. When a player completes a box, they write their initials in it and take another turn.
The game continues until all the boxes have been formed. The player with the most boxes at the end of the game wins. Dots and Boxes is a simple yet addictive game that is perfect for playing on a plane without wifi.
Tic-Tac-Toe
Tic-Tac-Toe is a timeless game that can be played anywhere, including on a plane without wifi. The game is played on a 3×3 grid, and the objective is to get three of your symbols (either X or O) in a row, either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
Tic-Tac-Toe is easy to learn and quick to play, making it an ideal choice for short flights or when you’re looking for a quick game to pass the time.
Solo Games
Sudoku
Sudoku is a classic number puzzle game that is perfect for passing the time on a plane without wifi. It requires logic and problem-solving skills as you fill in the empty spaces on a 9×9 grid with numbers from 1 to 9.
Sudoku puzzles come in varying levels of difficulty, allowing players of all skill levels to enjoy the game. You can find Sudoku puzzles in newspapers, puzzle books, or even download Sudoku apps on your phone or tablet.
Crossword Puzzles
Crossword puzzles are another popular choice for solo entertainment during a flight. These word-based puzzles challenge your vocabulary and knowledge as you fill in the intersecting letters to complete words and phrases. Crossword puzzles can be found in newspapers, magazines, and puzzle books.
There are also crossword puzzle apps available for download, allowing you to enjoy this brain-teasing game on your electronic devices.
Word Searches
If you enjoy searching for hidden words, then word searches are the perfect game for you. These puzzles consist of a grid filled with letters, and your goal is to find and circle the hidden words within the grid. Word searches come in a variety of themes, such as animals, food, sports, and more.
You can find word search puzzles in books, magazines, or even print them out from websites that offer free puzzles.
Memory and Trivia Games
Two Truths and a Lie
This classic game is perfect for passing time on a plane without wifi. To play, each person takes turns telling two true statements about themselves and one lie. The rest of the group has to guess which statement is the lie.
This game helps you get to know your fellow passengers and provides lots of laughs as people try to come up with convincing falsehoods. An awesome way to spark conversation and work those brain cells!
20 Questions
20 Questions is one of the best games ever invented to play on a plane. One person thinks of a person, place or thing, and the rest of the group has 20 chances to ask yes or no questions to try to guess what it is.
This simple game has infinite possibilities and really makes you put your thinking cap on. You’ll be amazed at how a few pointed questions can quickly zero in on the answer.Expect lots of “Aha, I should have guessed that!” moments.
I’m Going on a Picnic
This memory game starts with one person saying “I’m going on a picnic and I’m bringing…” and naming an item that starts with A (like apples). The next person repeats the phrase, adding an item starting with B (like bananas).
Play continues around the circle, with each new person reciting the list in order and adding a new item for the next letter of the alphabet. This game pushes your memory skills to the limit as the list grows longer and longer.
By the time you reach Z, everyone will be impressed (and amused) by the super long picnic list.
Games for Kids
License Plate Game
One classic game that can keep kids entertained for hours is the License Plate Game. The goal of this game is to spot license plates from different states or countries and keep track of them. The person who spots the most unique license plates wins.
This game is not only fun but also educational, as it helps kids learn about geography and different places. To make it even more exciting, you can create a leaderboard and give prizes to the winners.
I Spy
Another timeless game that requires no Wi-Fi is I Spy. This game is perfect for kids of all ages and can be played with just a few items. One person looks around the plane and selects an object. They then say, “I spy with my little eye, something that is…” and provide a clue about the object’s color, shape, or location.
The other players take turns guessing what the object is until someone correctly identifies it. This game not only keeps kids engaged but also helps develop their observation and critical thinking skills.
Storytelling
Storytelling is a great way to unleash the creativity of kids during a flight without Wi-Fi. One person starts a story with a sentence or two and then passes it on to the next person. Each person adds on to the story, creating a fun and imaginative tale.
This game not only keeps kids entertained but also helps them practice their storytelling and listening skills. Plus, it’s a great opportunity for some laughs and giggles as the story takes unexpected twists and turns.
Conclusion
Long flights with no access to wifi do not have to be boring. With some preparation and creativity, you can pass the time enjoying fun, engaging games without needing any internet connectivity. From classic card games like Uno to creative storytelling games for kids, there are plenty of screen-free options to keep you entertained at 30,000 feet.
Next time you have a lengthy journey ahead with spotty wifi, try out a few of the games on this list. Bring a deck of cards, some paper and pens, or print out game boards before your flight. Entertaining yourself and your travel companions with these wifi-free games can make your next airplane ride feel quick and enjoyable.