Hasbro Gaming 5 Alive Card Game, Portable Travel Card Game for Road Trips, Camping and Picnic Tables Ages 8+
Hasbro Gaming 5 Alive Card Game, Portable Travel Card Game for Road Trips, Camping and Picnic Tables Ages 8+
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Why you'll love it
- Slim 3.62 x 5.62-inch card box slips into a purse, glovebox, or carry-on for true portability
- Easy-to-learn rules let 8-year-olds and grandparents play together with no steep learning curve
- Press-your-luck wild cards create unpredictable, laugh-out-loud moments that keep kids re-engaged
- Reinforces mental arithmetic (running total under 21) while feeling like play, not homework
- 108-card set supports 2-6 players so it flexes from one-on-one sibling play to full family nights
- Two play modes (standard and sudden death) plus team option prevent the game from going stale
Perfect for
- 30-minute family game night after dinner
- Keeping kids occupied on long car rides and road trips
- Vacation or hotel-room entertainment that fits in a carry-on
- Birthday party or sleepover activity for mixed-age kids
- Quick classroom or after-school math-based warm-up exercise
FUN CARD GAME FOR THE FAMILY: Get ready for a super-fun, fast-paced, and unpredictable card game. Break out the game at parties, for fast fun on weeknights, and game night with the family
KEEP IT UNDER 21 TO STAY ALIVE: Players have to keep the running total under 21 to stay in the game. If they go over, they flip an Alive card. Lose five lives and you're out
THINK FAST, TAKE RISKS: Do what it takes to survive 5 Alive! Players need to strategize, take chances, and press their luck as they try to get rid of their cards as quickly as possible and force their opponents to flip
WILD CARDS: The twist is in the wild cards! Players can play them to save their life, or zap their opponents' life
FUN FAMILY CARD GAME: The game is easy to learn and fun for just about everyone! It's a great indoor activity for 2-6 players and makes a great travel game for kids ages 8 and up
Frequently Asked Questions
Can 5 Alive be played on a patio or outdoor dining table?
Yes. The cards lay flat and the game requires only a small surface, so a patio table, picnic bench, or even a tailgate works well. Just keep the box out of direct sun to prevent warping.
Is the deck durable enough for camping and outdoor conditions?
The cards are standard coated card stock that handles normal outdoor play. For dusty or sandy campsites, store the deck in a zip bag between rounds to keep grit off the cards.
Will a breeze blow the cards around at an outdoor table?
A light breeze can lift individual cards, so we recommend using a rock, drink, or small container as a card weight, or playing in a sheltered spot like a screened porch.
Is this game small enough to bring on a backpacking trip?
At 3.62 by 5.62 by 0.1 inches and only a few ounces, it is one of the lightest entertainment options you can pack and fits in a pocket, daypack, or dry bag.
Can I play it at the beach without ruining the cards?
You can, but sand is the main enemy of any card game. Play on a towel, keep the box closed when not in use, and bring a small brush to clear sand off the cards between rounds.
Is 5 Alive a good game for a road trip?
It is one of the best road trip card games because the compact box fits in a glovebox or center console, the rules are simple enough to explain at a rest stop, and rounds finish in under 30 minutes so you can switch drivers and passengers easily.
Can it be played on an airplane tray table?
Yes. The card size is small enough to manage on a standard economy tray table, and the game is quiet enough not to disturb seatmates.
Will the game work in a hotel room with no table space?
Yes. You can play on a bed, on the floor, or on a single suitcase. The game needs only enough space for a row of cards and a small discard pile.
How is 5 Alive different from a typical travel card game like Skip Bo?
Both are portable, but 5 Alive uses a running total under 21 mechanic and wild cards rather than a stacking and sequencing system, so the strategy and feel are distinct.
Should I bring this on a camping trip instead of a deck of regular playing cards?
If you want a structured game with built in rules, bring 5 Alive. If you want flexibility for solitaire, poker, or whatever the group invents, bring a standard deck. Many campers bring both because the boxes are equally compact.
What if the cards get a little damp from outdoor humidity?
Air drying them flat on a towel for an hour usually resolves light moisture. For wet conditions, store the deck in a waterproof bag or hard case as a precaution.
Does the game work well for a backyard BBQ with mixed ages?
It is well suited to BBQs because rounds are short, the rules are easy to teach on the spot, and the 2 to 6 player range handles a typical family plus a few guests.
Can the deck survive being left in a hot car?
Short exposures to heat are fine, but extended storage in a hot car can warp cards. Bring the box inside after each outing to keep the deck in good shape.
Is 5 Alive a good fit for a picnic at a public park?
Yes. The compact box travels easily in a picnic basket, the game requires no setup beyond shuffling, and it works on a blanket as well as a table.
Will other park goers be bothered by our game?
It is one of the quieter outdoor games because it involves no dice, no loud pieces, and no timer, so it is unlikely to disturb nearby groups.
Does the game work at dusk or in low light conditions?
It is a printed card game, so you will need enough light to read the numbers and colors. A phone flashlight, lantern, or headlamp is enough to extend play into the evening.
How do you actually play 5 Alive?
Each player tries to keep a running total under 21 by drawing numbered cards. Wild cards can either save you or zap an opponent out of a life, and each player starts with 5 lives. The last player with lives remaining wins.
How many players can play at once?
The game supports 2 to 6 players in standard mode, and the team variant lets you split larger groups into pairs.
What are the two play modes?
Standard mode is the full game with the 5 life system, and sudden death mode is a faster elimination variant where a single mistake ends your run. You can also add the team play option to either mode.
Does this work with other Hasbro card game decks?
It is a standalone game and does not require or officially combine with other Hasbro decks. You can certainly shuffle in extra cards for house rules, but the official gameplay uses the 108 card set included.
Is 5 Alive compatible with players who do not speak English?
The cards use numbers and basic symbols, and the rules are short enough to translate. With a quick verbal walkthrough, non English speakers can play without issue.
What is included in the box?
The box contains a 108 card deck, a quick start rules sheet, and the storage box itself. No batteries, accessories, or add ons are required.
Is this game safe for households with pets?
Yes. The cards and box contain no toxic materials, sharp edges, or small parts that pose a pet hazard beyond typical paper products. Keep the deck put away if you have a pet that chews paper goods.
How long will the cards last with regular family use?
With normal handling and proper storage, the deck holds up for years of regular family play. Card wear depends mostly on how clean and dry you keep your hands and how the deck is stored between sessions.
What is the difference between a card game and a board game for family night?
Card games like 5 Alive are typically faster to set up, more portable, and shorter per round, while board games usually offer longer, more strategic play sessions with a larger footprint. Many families keep both on hand for different occasions.
