7 Best Math Board Games For Kids
Math is a subject that many kids find challenging, but there are some great math board games out now designed to make this topic more fun and exciting.
Instead of practicing worksheets that are full of math facts, these fun games can help clear out complex math concepts while making the learning process enjoyable. Math board games for kids will help your child learn subtraction, addition, and multiplication while also teaching them strategic and critical thinking skills.
They also help children learn how to think more creatively, manage resources better and identify patterns. The best part about these board games is that you can bond with your child while teaching them the importance of teamwork.
In this guide, we will mention the 7 Best Math Board Games For Kids that will help your children to improve their mathematical skills.
Sum Swamp Board Game
Players : 2-4
Ages: 5+
Game Time: 20 minutes
Complexity: Low
Release Year: 2005
Sum Swamp is an easy-to-play math dice game. In this adorable game for kids, they are taught how to add and subtract numbers by playing against each other in a race to reach the opposite side of the Swamp first.
On your kids’ journey through the Swamp, they will learn how many spaces there are to travel by rolling three dice. When they roll the dice, they’ll use simple math equations to figure out how many spaces they need to travel each time.
The players roll three dice; two of them are numbers (1-6), and one is a function (+ or -). Then the player arranges them as a big number, function, and smaller number.
If the player’s answer was correct, then he will move forward the number of his answer. For example, for 4-2=2, in this one, the gamer will move ahead 2; however, if he gives an incorrect answer meaning no forward movement. The game includes spaces with different objectives to provide some variety.
The journey through the Sum Swamp can be tricky, as there are several shortcut spaces to go through but don’t get caught in the endless loop, where you might want to be prepared to spend a fair amount of time.
In this game, your child will learn basic math operations and Mental Math Skills & Recall as it helps children to do math without paper and pencil.
Pros
Encourage the competitive spirits of kids
Does not need reading skills
Practice addition and subtraction skills
Mental Math & Recall
Speed drills
Kids will learn turn-taking
Cons
Depends on a little luck
Your child should be familiar with numbers 0-12 to play.
Final Thoughts
If you want to develop math skills for your kids while they have a fun time, then Sum Swamp is your best choice. This game will help math learners to do simple equations in their heads. It is the perfect game for homeschool or classroom learning.
Math for Love Prime Climb
Players: 1-4
Ages: 10+
Game Time: 20-45 minutes
Complexity: Medium
Release Year: 2017
Prime Climb is an innovative board game that uses math to open a beautiful world of possibilities. In Prime Climb, players race to be the first to reach the center of the board while avoiding being knocked back by other competitors.
Highlighting the power of the prime numbers, it is a mathematical game that is full of creative thinking, which makes it both interesting as well as fun.
The game begins with the players controlling two pawns at the 0 circle. In this game, players take turns rolling two 10-sided dice and applying the values to their own pawns. The four basic operations are addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
To win the game, you must get both your pawns into the 101 circle exactly. Watch out for other players. If they land on you, you will be sent back to the start.
Also, there’s a chance to get some Prime cards on your journey, but only if you land on the red circles. Some of those Prime cards are helpful now, others will be more useful later in the gameplay, and a few are trouble.
Giving each of the prime numbers less than 10 a color is one of the great innovations of Prime Climb; for instance, 2 is orange, and 3 is green. After 10, each prime number is red.
Prime Climb is a game of decision-making and strategy that has you competing with your opponents to get your pawns to the safety of the board’s final number.
Pros
Color-coded game
Enhance decision-making skills
Encourage competitive spirit
Solve mass problems for kids
Cons
Not suitable for little kids
Final Thoughts
If your kids have a math problem, the Prime Climb board game is a great choice. The game has a really cool feature that helps kids who haven’t mastered math yet. With this color-coded board, they can use different colors to identify which answer is correct for them.
Money Bags Board Game
Players: 2-4
Ages: 7+
Game Time: 20 minutes
Complexity: Low
Release Year: 2007
Money Bags from the Learning Resources Brand is a fun way to teach your kids about money. It is an educational game that allows players to learn about money and the value of coins. The games package comes with a spinner, 100 plastic coins, play bills, markers, and dice.
During the gameplay, players will collect, count and exchange money from the game. When the game ends, the player with the most money will be the winner. Counting and critical thinking are necessary skills for this game.
The goal of this fun, unique teaching game is to earn cash by following the game instructions. In the Money Bags game, players move around on a board by rolling dice and spinning the spinner, and go towards the end.
When the player lands on a space, it will indicate how much money he has earned for his turn. The spinner is used to determine which coins can or cannot be taken from the bank. If it lands on no nickels, then you collect your money with any other currency except nickels.
Along the way, there are also special spaces where players get to pick up big money bags or exchange their exact change to the bank for an even better bonus.
Kids will love this game for practicing counting and strategic thinking. It also reinforces early money skills. this game is a fun, learning-filled addition to family game nights
Pros
Encourage critical thinking skills
Easy to learn
Fun and educational game
Enhance counting skills
Teach kids the value of money
Cons
Based on a little luck
Final Thoughts
Money Bags for a great game to have a fun time with your kids while teaching some valuable skills. This educational game teaches kids about the value of coins and dollar bills. It also improves their counting and critical thinking skills.
SMATH Game
Players: 2-4
Ages: 6+
Game Time: 45 Minutes
Complexity: Medium
Release Year: 2009
This crossword puzzle-style math board game will have your child sharpening their STEM skills while having fun. The game is adaptable to different skill levels and can be played by kids of different ages.
As the game is designed to be adjustable enough so that it can accommodate multiple skill levels based on what players know and how old they are, for instance, to make gameplay easier, all the division tiles can be removed.
Players will be able to improve their math skills by practicing addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. With up to four players, the gameplay allows for multiple extensions and different equations to build skills.
The SMATH board game is designed for kids aged 6 or older. In this fun and interactive game, players use the tiles in their racks to build crossword-style equations.
Adding and Subtracting are great to start with for beginners, while Division and Multiplication are ideal if your child wants more challenges.
The tiles have point values. Each tile has a point value written on the bottom right corner. The player will total up the point values of all tiles used in the original and new equations.
The gamer who has collected the most points at the end of the game will be the winner.
The SMATH board game package comes with 4 Game Racks, SMATH Game Board, 184 Playing Game Pieces, and Complete Instructions.
Pros
Enhance math skills for kids
Sharpens STEM skills from beginner to brainiac
Adjustable difficulty level
Crossword puzzle style of play
Cons
Kids have to know basic math skills to play.
Final Thoughts
The SMATH board game makes math cool and fun. It will improve your kids’ math skills while having an enjoyable time, practicing subtraction, multiplication, addition, and division more exciting than ever. Also, due to its adjustable difficulty level, the game can be challenging for kids of different ages.
Sums in Space Board Game
Players: 2-4
Ages: 5+
Game Time: 30-60 minutes
Complexity: Low
Release Year: 2016
Sums in Space Board Game will help kids to practice essential math skills; it is the basic building block of math for first grade students.
Little kids will love this math game that teaches them how to add and subtract numbers from 0-9, compare numbers ( greater than, equal to, less than)as well as odd and even numbers.
In this game, you and your team are on a space mission to collect shiny crystals when a black hole has formed on the horizon and is breaking apart the planet.
Your math skills are your surviving tools, so you need to use them in order to escape and head back home.
A dice is a tool used to add and subtract from 0-9 so that you can get back on your ship as fast as possible.
This fun and engaging game is perfect for 2-4 players. The cooperative mode encourages your child’s communication skills as they work together towards a common goal. Or players can choose to play it as a competitive game for a fast-paced race to the end.
The cooperative rules come with three difficulty levels ensuring that your child will keep learning while being interested in the new challenge for every skill level.
In the Sums in Space game, kids will keep learning while their imagination is inspired by their adventure through space.
Pros
Teach basic math skills
Fun math board games
Easy to learn
Both competitive and cooperative game
Three different levels to play
Cons
It is only an Addition and Subtraction game; older kids may need more challenging games.
Final Thoughts
If you are a parent looking for a way to help your kid practice essential math skills, Sums in Space Board Game is a great choice. Kids will learn basic math while having their adventure in space. It is a very fun game that can be played in both competitive and collaborative modes.
Hasbro Gaming Hi Ho! Cherry-O Board Game
Players: 2-4
Ages: 3+
Game Time: 10 minutes
Complexity: Low
Release Year: 2006
Hi Ho! Cherry-O Board Game is a fun and easy-to-play game; it is a great choice for preschoolers. This game is an updated version of the family favorite board game.
In this game, kids will pick fruit like apples, blueberries, or cherries and fill their baskets with them. The game is designed to help your child develop his math skills like counting, addition, and subtraction. They won’t even realize they’re practicing math during the game.
Players will take turns picking pretend cherries, blueberries, apples, and oranges from their tree. The number of fruits you can pick or put back is decided by a spinner.
When the spinner lands on a dog or bird, the fruit has to be returned back into its tree. If it’s landed in a spilled bucket, then the player will have to start playing again from scratch. The first player to fill his basket will win the game.
This math board game is perfect for 3 year olds kids and above, and it requires 2-4 players to play. Also, the game needs to be assembled by an adult, but once you have it together, your little ones will love playing against each other in this fun competition.
Hi Ho! Cherry-O Board Game package comes with a spinner with an arrow and base, 10 cherries, a gameboard, 10 blueberries, 10 apples, a basket, and instructions.
Pros
A fun game that challenges kids’ math skills
Helps kids practice counting and number recognition
Easy to learn with simple rules
Competitive game
Cons
Adult assembly required
Final Thoughts
Hi Ho! Cherry-O board game is a fruity fun way for kids to practice math skills. It keeps your kids engaged with math activities that will help them develop skills like counting, addition, and subtraction.
The next time your child is playing in the backyard, take a break to practice math skills with them. You’ll be surprised how much they will learn math without even noticing.
Monopoly Classic Game
Players: 2-6
Ages: 8+
Game Time: 60-180 minutes
Complexity: Medium
Release Year: 2017
The game of Monopoly is always fun for kids and students as they love to rack up the dollars. This classic board game is one of the best math games for kids. It teaches them about money. As they will learn how to add, subtract, percentages, and much more. It’s a great addition to any math game shelf.
Monopoly is a fun game for 8 years old and above, but it’s especially popular among teens and younger players. It’s a great game that gathers the whole family to have a fun game night.
This card game teaches players about economics, trading, and business. Players will try to acquire properties like land, buildings, and money.
In this game, you start with a few dollars, and then each player attempts to buy properties or trade them in order for more money. You’ll eventually own almost everything in order to win.
At the same time, Players are always looking for ways to ruin their opponents. Monopoly is an excellent strategy game for practicing problem-solving and decision-making skills.
This game has a few aspects that may be difficult for younger players, so parental guidance will be more helpful.
Pros
Kids can learn about business and economics
perfect for kids, adults, and the elderly
It can improve social and analytical skills.
Teach kids how to count money
Cons
Some of the elements of the game, such as jail, may not be appropriate for children, so parental guidance is suggested.
Final Thoughts
If you want a game to teach your kids the value of money and how to count it, this math card game is your best choice.
Monopoly is a fun and competitive game played by both adults as well as younger players. It’s easy enough that even your kids will have no problem mastering the rules, which means you’ll get to spend more time playing together.
