Parents naturally want what’s best for their children, while what every kid loves is having fun. That’s why the moment you throw in interactive and educational math games, this becomes a match made in heaven. Children who engage in mathematical plays outside of the classroom setting build their logical thinking and problem-solving abilities. But that’s not all. Introducing such activities early on can plant a seed for scientific interests, which can later transform into STEM learning. It also helps them develop better motivation and focus, which comes in handy as they navigate through their educational journey and life.
Yet, anyone who has looked around will realize that there’s just one small problem. There are so many online math games that it can become time-wasting to test them all and find the best fit for your kid. But, no worries. We have gone through that hassle for you and have picked out the best 13 fun math games that are a hit with kids and parents.
Online Math Games
There are many websites that offer wide selections of fun online math games for kids of all ages and grade levels. Some of them feature various levels of problem-solving activities and diverse tasks like math word problems games, multiplication games, and time games, to mention a few. Here are some of our favorite picks for your child’s games-based learning!
1. Math Playground
With games aimed at students from 1st grade to 6th grade, Math Playground is a treasure trove of free online math games for kids. The games are focused on specific, grade-wise topics, allowing your kids to hone one skill at a time and build on subjects as they master them.
You will also find a number of different types of game tasks with cool accompanying videos, from logic games to story math games and even arcade-style math games. Chances are that once your kids get started on any of the lively brain workout challenges, they will get lost in the fun for hours.
2. PBS KIDS Math Games
We all had that favorite kid’s show character that we loved while growing up. For your children, that might be Daniel Tiger, Peg and Cat, or any of the characters from Sesame Street. At PBS Kids, children in pre-k to 3rd grade can learn about math with their favorite PBS characters. This website is full of fun math games designed to keep them engaged while learning math skills. And it’s completely free!
3. MathGameTime
This is another platform with tons of math games online for free, all organized by grade level and subject. Game levels on this site range from pre-k to middle school. And if you are like me and find yourself wishing that math concepts can be explained to you like you’re 5 (we’ve all been there), you will definitely find this site helpful.
4. Get the Math
Who said we never get to use the math from school in the real world? Just show them this site with a diverse collection of math games for kids. Run by thirteen.org, it aims to relate concepts from the classroom to their real-life application. It roots math topics, such as algebra, in the real world.
Here, your kids can finally grasp how professionals use math in fields like music, fashion, and video games. Your kids will also tackle different interactive challenges related to these careers, helping to reinforce the lessons.
5. Fun Brain
Similar to other websites with free online games for kids, Fun Brain has games aimed at each grade level, from pre-k all the way to 8th grade. It includes everything from addition and subtraction to solving more complex tasks.
In addition to these games, there are also readings and videos explaining concepts offered, as well as a “Playground” with interactive stories that teach math concepts at various grade levels.
Fun Math Game Apps
There’s a game-based app for everything, and that includes apps that offer a diverse range of free math games for kids. You can also find paid and freemium apps in this category available on both the App Store and Google Play. We collected a list of some of our favorites — all of them are available for free!
1. Monster Math
In this math game for kids, the student learns basic arithmetic skills, while helping Maxx, the friendly monster, explore, fight enemies, and save his friend Dextra. There is also a multiplayer mode that allows kids to compete with others online as they learn.
This app is leveled from 1st to 3rd grade and is available for free on both the App Store and Google Play.
2. Splash Math
This math app takes a visual learning approach to math concepts for kindergarten to 5th grade. Each grade level has a specific curriculum, and kids work through the exercises at their own pace, reaping virtual rewards.
It’s available for free on the App Store.
3. Prodigy Math App
This app features a gamification of a wide collection of math activities suitable for kids. From addition and subtraction to basic measurement and data tasks, it covers a full range of skills your kids need to complement their classroom learning. They go on quests and have epic, fun adventures while solving math problems.
You can download it on the App Store or on Google Play Store.
4. Moose Math
This free math games for kids app is tailored to children ages 3-7. Created by the makers of Khan Academy Kids, this app takes kids on a “mathematical adventure” based on Common Core State Standards. Parents can monitor progress through a “report card.”
This app is free on the App Store and Google Play.
Easy DIY Math Games
Imaginative DIY math games are a great, inexpensive way to channel antsy energy into productive, educational practice. There are a number of different ways you can create a fun math game.
Here are a few ideas for games that can be tailored to use a variety of math concepts.
1. Math Twister
Some simple modifications to the classic game Twister can make it a great tool to practice mental math and reinforce arithmetic skills. Using post-it notes, assign different numerical answers to each color.
Spin the wheel, and give the players a math problem where the answer matches the color that you spun! You can test multiple math concepts by assigning different math tasks to each body part.
2. Multiplication Touch
This game is a cross between Scrabble and a multiplication table. Each player draws tiles with answers and has to fit them onto the grid in the correct location, but you must place a tile adjacent to an existing tile.
This game can be modified to work for any mathematical operation that can be expressed in a grid.
3. Math Tic Tac Toe
Who doesn’t love a Tic Tac Toe game? You can recreate this classic experience by making each square in the 3×3 grid have a math problem. The kids take turns picking a square and answering the question inside. If they get the answer right, they place their X or O in that square.
If they get it wrong, they don’t put anything in the square. The first player to get three Xs or Os in a row wins.
4. Math Board Game Race
You can incorporate math into any board games your kids enjoy by creating a bank of questions and picking a question depending on what number they roll on the dice.
They have to correctly answer the question in order to move forward!
Final Words
A games-based approach to studying is a great way to practice math while having fun with family. Still, learning new topics is best done with a live math teacher. An experienced tutor can adapt to your kids’ unique learning pace, style, and even interests! When newer topics take a while for a student to grasp, our expertly trained instructors will make sure to slow down and guide your child through it.
Juni’s online math classes for kids are built for middle and high school students who want to reinforce their skills and get ahead in mathematics. We offer math courses for all kids ages and experience levels, from Elementary Math all the way to AP Calculus. Read more about our math courses and curriculum, or speak with a Juni Advisor today by calling (650) 263-4306 or emailing advisors@learnwithjuni.com to learn more about Juni’s math courses and our approach to children’s learning.
