12 Math Board Games for Kids of All Ages

Math board games are educational tools that reinforce core math skills through interactive play. Unlike flashcards or apps, these games help develop number sense, strategy, and confidence in math, which makes them a valuable resource for parents, caregivers, and teachers alike.

Below, we’ve rounded up 12 of the best math board game ideas for kids of all ages, along with tips for choosing the right one for your child’s needs.

Best Math Board Games for Younger Kids (Ages 3-6)

The games below are colorful, simple to understand, and full of opportunities to practice counting, number recognition, and basic addition and subtraction.

Here’s a closer look at some of the best board games that teach math for ages 3 to 6:

Monkey Math

Monkey Math is a hands-on balancing game that builds number recognition, counting skills, and an early understanding of equality. As kids hang numbered bananas to keep the monkey balanced, they explore the concept that both sides of an equation must have equal value.

How to play Monkey Math:

1. Set the monkey on a flat surface.
2. Choose a number card and solve the problem shown.
3. Hang the correct number of bananas on each arm to balance the scale.
4. If the arms stay level, you’ve solved the problem!

Zingo! 1-2-3

Zingo! 1-2-3 is a fast-paced number recognition game that works like a fun twist on bingo. Using a tile-dispenser, kids match numbers and simple equations to their playing cards.

With its short rounds and competitive play, this game makes practicing basic math skills, like number recognition and early addition, both exciting and effective.

How to play Zingo! 1-2-3:

1. Each player gets a Zingo! card with numbers and illustrations.
   
2. Slide the tile dispenser to reveal two number tiles.
   
3. Match any tile to your card and call it out.
   
4. Cover the matching space with the tile.
   
5. The first player to fill their card wins!

Sum Swamp

Sum Swamp takes kids on a math-filled adventure through a swampy game board. Players roll dice to solve simple math problems and move through twists, turns, and silly obstacles.

Children develop confidence with numbers up to 12 as they practice addition, subtraction, and learn to recognize odd and even numbers in an enjoyable format.

How to play Sum Swap:

1. Roll two number dice and one operation die (plus or minus).
   
2. Solve the equation and move your game piece forward that many spaces.
   
3. Land on special squares like “Even” or “Odd” to change direction or take a shortcut.
   
4. The first player to reach the end of the swamp wins!

Hi Ho! Cherry-O

Hi Ho! Cherry-O is a classic board game that turns counting into a playful fruit-picking challenge. Players race to pick all the fruit off their tree and fill their basket.
This game helps young children practice counting and basic subtraction. It also supports fine motor skills and patience while teaching turn-taking.

How to play Hi Ho! Cherry-O:

1. Each player starts with 10 cherries on their tree.
   
2. Spin the spinner to find out how many cherries to pick and place into your basket.
   
3. If you land on a dog, bird, or spill, you may need to return cherries to your tree.
   
4. Collect all 10 cherries in your basket, and you’re the winner.

Best Math Board Games for Elementary Age Kids (Ages 7-10)

At this stage, kids are building more advanced math skills like multiplication, division, logic, and problem-solving. The board games below challenge them while keeping the learning lighthearted and fun.

Money Bags

Money Bags is a money-counting game that teaches kids how to recognize coins, make change, and practice basic financial literacy. Players earn money for completing chores on the game board.
This game helps develop coin recognition, addition, subtraction, and real-world money skills.

How to play Money Bags:

1. Spin the spinner to find out which chore you’ll “complete” and how much money you earn.
2. Collect the correct amount using different coins (no pennies allowed!).
3. Land on spaces that challenge you to think creatively about how to make exact change.
4. The player with the most money at the end of the game wins. 
   

Qwirkle

Qwirkle is a tile-based game where players match shapes and colors in lines, similar to a simplified version of Scrabble. Though not a traditional math game, it encourages logic and pattern recognition.

Through Qwirkle, children can practice spatial awareness, logical sequencing, and strategy — these are fundamentals of effective math reasoning.

How to play Qwirkle:

1. Draw six tiles and take turns placing them in lines that share a common attribute (same color or same shape).
2. Score points based on the number of tiles you connect.
3. Use strategic placement to block opponents and build high-scoring lines.
4. Once all the tiles are played, the highest score wins.

Proof!

Proof! is a fast-paced mental math card game where players race to find math equations using cards laid out on the table.

Through repeated play, children can improve their arithmetic fluency and feel more confident in basic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

How to play Proof!:

1. Lay out nine number cards face-up.
2. Players race to create a valid math equation using three or more cards.
3. Shout out your equation and, if it’s correct, collect the cards.
4. Refill the grid and keep playing. The player with the most cards wins!

Yahtzee

Yahtzee is a classic dice game that blends luck and strategy. Players roll dice and aim for specific combinations like three of a kind, full house, or a Yahtzee (five of a kind).
This game supports addition, probability thinking, and decision-making skills.

How to play Yahtzee:

1. Roll five dice up to three times per turn.
2. Choose the best scoring category based on your dice (e.g., total of all sixes, full house, etc.).
3. Record your score and pass the dice to the next player.
4. At the end of 13 rounds, the highest score takes the win.
   

Best Math Board Games for Older Kids (Ages 11 and Up)

Older kids are ready for more complex math concepts like prime numbers, algebraic thinking, and advanced logic. The following board games for math skills are perfect for challenging their minds in a creative way.

Karak

Karak is an adventure board game where players explore a dungeon, collect treasure, and battle monsters using dice and strategy. With each turn, Karak helps develop logic, mental calculation, and tactical thinking.

How to play Karak:

1. Take turns adding new tiles to explore the dungeon.
   
2. Roll dice to battle monsters and collect loot.
   
3. Keep track of hit points and manage your resources.
   
4. When the game is over, the player with the most treasure is the winner.

Prime Climb

Prime Climb is a visually rich math game where players use prime numbers and operations to climb a colorful number board to reach 101.
This game reinforces multiplication, division, factorization, and an understanding of number patterns.

How to play Prime Climb:

1. Roll two dice and use the numbers to move your pawns forward using any combination of addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division.
2. Land on a prime space to gain a Prime Card or use strategy to bump opponents.
3. Reach exactly 101 with both pawns to win!

Equate: The Equation Thinking Game

Equate puts a math twist on Scrabble—players build equations instead of words using number and symbol tiles. It’s great for practicing mental math, order of operations, and equation-building!

How to play Equate: The Equation Thinking Game:

1. Draw a set of tiles with numbers and operations.
   
2. Take turns placing tiles on the board to form correct equations.
   
3. Score points based on tile values and placement strategy.
   
4. The game ends with a win for the player who scored the most points.

Mathological Liar

Mathological Liar turns players into math detectives, using word problems to spot the character with the false alibi. It builds logic, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.

How to play Mathological Liar:

1. Read the character cards, each containing a math-based alibi.
   
2. Solve the math to test whether their story adds up.
   
3. Identify which character is lying based on incorrect math.
4. Players earn points for spotting the liar correctly.
   

How to Choose the Right Math Game for Your Child

Choosing the right board games that help with math starts with matching the game to your child’s age and current skill level. Younger children usually  benefit from games that focus on the basics, like number recognition, counting, or simple addition and subtraction. As kids grow, they’re ready for games that involve more complex concepts such as multiplication, division, strategy, and logical thinking.

It’s also important to look for games that mix learning with genuine fun. The best math games don’t feel like extra homework — they feel like playtime. Games with colorful pieces, silly characters, or fast-paced action tend to keep kids coming back for more, which naturally leads to more learning.

It’s also a great idea to pick games that can grow with your child. Some math games offer different levels of difficulty or ways to play, so your child can keep using them as their skills improve. This means the game stays fun and challenging over time.

Summary

Math doesn’t have to be a source of frustration or boredom for kids. It can become something they look forward to, and math board games are a great way to make that happen.

Use this list of math board game ideas as a starting point to find the right fit for your home, classroom, or therapy session. And remember — when kids are having fun, learning tends to stick.

FAQs About Math Board Games

How can math board games help improve my child’s math skills?

Math board games allow kids to practice core skills, like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and problem-solving in a hands-on way. Because the learning is embedded in play, children don’t even realize they’re building math fluency.

How often should kids play math board games?

Playing math board games just once or twice a week can lead to real improvement. What matters most is being consistent. A quick 15-minute session (one or two sessions a week) can help your child build math skills. It’s the routine that counts.

Where can I buy math board games for kids?

You can easily find math board games at major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target. Some games also offer downloadable or app-based versions for added convenience.