Let’s face it, there are always going to be some students who complain that math is boring. Luckily, there are plenty of opportunities to put aside the worksheets and make it more exciting. Math board games are a fun way for kids to practice their math skills. They may not even realize they’re learning since they’ll be having such a good time playing. There are options for toddlers up to teens, and some games can even be customized to the players’ ages and ability levels. Whether your students are swatting flies, traveling through space, or making their way through a swamp, they will be practicing math concepts along the way with these great math board games!
1. Math Swatters!
We love how versatile this game is since there are a number of different ways to play including head-to-head or solo. Little friends will love getting their hands on one of the four bright-colored “swatters” and whacking the flies.
Buy it: Math Swatters! at Amazon
2. Sums in Space
Since a lot of kids love outer space, we think this game will hold their attention. The Even Stevens Twins and Captain Odd Duck help early elementary–age students work on basic addition and subtraction skills while also teaching greater-than/less-than, as well as even and odd numbers.
Buy it: Sums in Space at Amazon
3. Clumsy Thief
In this multi-award-winning game, students race to see how quickly they can find two money cards that equal $100 while also stealing from their friends. This game is probably best suited for first through third grades since students will need to have a good handle on basic addition before playing.
Buy it: Clumsy Thief: The Crazy, Fast-Paced Money Game at Amazon
4. Proof!
We love how versatile this game is since the rules can be adjusted based on age, skill level, and number of players. We also love that it can be played by older kids since it can include multiplication, division, and even square roots.
Buy it: Proof! at Amazon
5. The Genius Square
Perhaps more of a puzzle than a math game, though we think the same skill set is definitely required. Players roll the dice, place blockers in those corresponding coordinates, then race to complete the rest of the puzzle.
Buy it: The Genius Square at Amazon
6. Adsumudi
This game is best suited for students ages 8 to 12 and includes star rankings on each card to indicate difficulty level. Since working in math workbooks can get stale fast, this game provides a fun alternative that allows kids to learn while having lots of fun too.
Buy it: Adsumudi at Amazon
7. Fraction War
The best math board games have straightforward instructions that make them easy to learn and fast to play. Just split the deck, play your cards, and the larger fraction collects.
Buy it: Fraction War at Amazon
8. Jump 1
With two levels of difficulty, this game will be perfect for preschoolers while also keeping elementary-age students entertained. Math board games that have eye-popping colors and fun illustrations like this one will be sure to keep kids’ attention.
Buy it: Jump 1 at Amazon
9. Tiny Polka Dot
Deal all the cards face up, then take turns matching pairs from different suits with the same numbers. This game is especially versatile since there are a whopping 16 different games included in one small box!
Buy it: Tiny Polka Dot at Amazon
10. Smath
Think Scrabble but with numbers instead of letters! Players take turns making crossword-style equations and then adding up their totals based on their tiles played.
Buy it: Smath at Amazon
11. Little Bud Kids Counting Pegs
Made of nontoxic, solid wood, this Montessori-style game will stand the test of time. Toddlers will love using the pegs to work on counting and number recognition while slightly older kids can use the boards for beginning math.
Buy it: Counting Pegs at Amazon
12. Sum Swamp
Players must race through the swamp while completing math challenges and meeting swamp creatures along the way. We think kids will love this game, but don’t just take our word for it: There are over 5,000 five-star reviews on Amazon!
Buy it: Sum Swamp at Amazon
13. Prime Climb
This game has won numerous awards and has been included on several best-of lists. We love that the game will prove challenging even for teens since strategies can range from simple to complex.
Buy it: Prime Climb at Amazon
14. Exact Change Card Game
This game is perfect for upper elementary or even middle school since younger students may struggle with the concept of making exact change. We love that it teaches a real-life skill while also enforcing basic math concepts.
Buy it: Exact Change Card Game at Amazon
15. Target
Unlike some math games, this one can be customized based on the skill level of the players, making it perfect for any age. You will definitely see your students’ math scores improve after playing this game!
Buy it: Target at Amazon
