6 Best Math Games for Elementary and Middle School Kids

Looking for fun ways to teach kids math? Here’s a quick guide to the best digital and offline math games for kids of all ages. These games help build essential skills like number fluency, spatial reasoning, and problem-solving while keeping learning engaging. Whether you prefer apps or hands-on board games, there’s something for everyone.

Top Picks:

• Funexpected Math (Ages 3–7): A digital app with personal tutor and lessons covering numbers, shapes, and logic.

• Thinky Games (Ages 4–8): Interactive puzzles for logical thinking and problem-solving.

• Inkwell Games (Ages 6+): Affordable print-and-play games for hands-on math practice.

• Dino Math Tracks (Ages 6–10): A dinosaur-themed board game teaching place value and arithmetic.

• Tsuro (Ages 8+): A strategy game focusing on spatial reasoning with quick 15-minute rounds.

• Ticket to Ride (Ages 8+, 6+ for First Journey): A board game blending math, geography, and strategy.

Quick Comparison:

These games combine learning and fun, helping kids develop math skills while enjoying quality time. Whether you prefer screen-free activities or interactive apps, these options fit different learning styles and budgets.

1. Funexpected Math

Funexpected Math is a digital learning platform designed specifically for kids aged 3–7, offering a fun and engaging way to build foundational math skills. The curriculum evolves as children grow, tailoring activities to their developmental stage:

The app delivers impressive results, with studies showing children can achieve 18 months’ worth of learning progress in just 6 months of use[1]. Two 15-minute sessions per week are enough for progress, which makes it a manageable addition to any routine.

One of the app's standout features is its personalized AI tutor, which adjusts to each child’s pace and needs. With over 10,000 tasks across 675 lessons covering more than 50 topics, the platform ensures a wide variety of learning opportunities.

Activities are designed using a "low-floor, high-ceiling" approach, meaning they’re accessible to beginners while offering challenges for advanced learners[2].

A mom shared her experience with the app:

"My daughter's Montessori teacher says her engagement with math themes has increased wildly. I think your product makes a huge difference in children's lives. All children should have access to Funexpected Math."
– Melis [1]

Beyond basic arithmetic, Funexpected Math also helps kids develop logical thinking, spatial awareness, and problem-solving skills.

"I have a math background myself and I wanted to find an app with a wide curriculum. Smth about logic and geometry, not just counting. And this one was the perfect choice. I see how my daugther starts to understand even complex concepts."
– Jon Favertt969 [1]

The platform's impact hasn’t gone unnoticed. In February 2025, it won the Best Original Educational App award at the Kidscreen Awards, on top of multiple other international awards[3]. Trusted by more than 100,000 families across 60 countries and available in 16 languages, Funexpected Math is truly reaching a global audience of young learners.

Next, we’ll take a closer look at Thinky Games and how it builds upon these concepts.

2. Thinky Games

Thinky Games takes math learning to the next level by combining interactive puzzles with engaging gameplay. This platform offers a wide range of digital puzzle games aimed at developing mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills. The games are accessible across various platforms, including Windows, Mac, Linux, iPad, Android, and PlayStation 5, making them easy to use for young learners everywhere.

The collection is thoughtfully designed to cater to different learning styles and skill levels, with games grouped into categories based on their focus:

One standout game is Can of Wormholes, which features over 100 puzzles. Its hint system stands out by turning requests for help into learning opportunities through mini-puzzles [4].

Another gem is SpreadCheat, a game that blends basic arithmetic with a vibrant retrowave aesthetic. By integrating math concepts into its gameplay, it makes learning feel effortless and fun.

Thinky Games is constantly refreshing its puzzle library, ensuring there’s always something new to explore. Plus, the platform offers a newsletter that includes a free Thinky game. Each game is carefully chosen to balance educational value with engaging play, making math more accessible and enjoyable for kids.

Next, we’ll explore how Inkwell Games broadens the scope of math challenges.

3. Inkwell Games

Inkwell Games takes a creative approach to teaching math by offering instant, high-quality print-and-play games. Their platform focuses on making educational resources easy to access and implement across different learning environments. For instance, their game Raging Bulls is available for just $2.00 [5].

Here’s a quick breakdown of what sets Inkwell Games apart:

This print-and-play model offers a refreshing alternative to digital tools. By engaging students in physical play, it strengthens math skills while providing a screen-free, flexible, and reusable way to learn. Whether at school or home, these games fit seamlessly into various educational settings.

4. Dino Math Tracks

Dino Math Tracks brings math to life with a dinosaur-themed board game that grows alongside your child's abilities. At $24.99, this game has garnered a 4.4 out of 5-star rating from 370 Amazon reviews [6].

The game comes packed with fun, interactive components:

• A vibrant game board

• 16 dinosaur game pieces

• 72 math problem-solving cards

• 5 dice

What makes Dino Math Tracks stand out is its clever way of teaching place value. The game gradually introduces children to mathematical concepts through three levels of difficulty. Players start with ones and tens, then progress to hundreds and thousands [7]. This step-by-step approach ensures kids can begin where they feel comfortable and advance as they gain confidence.

Each turn challenges players to practice counting, arithmetic, and place value while also boosting strategic thinking and problem-solving. Its compact, board-game format provides a refreshing screen-free activity, and the dinosaur theme adds a layer of fun to math practice.

5. Tsuro

Tsuro, priced at $40.00 [8], is a path-building board game that combines math and strategy in an engaging way. With an impressive 4.8 out of 5 stars from 4,241 Amazon reviews [9], it’s a favorite among families. Although it’s recommended for ages 8 and up, kids as young as 5 or 7 often find it enjoyable and easy to grasp. The game’s design subtly reinforces math skills while keeping the experience fun and interactive.

The gameplay is simple yet engaging. Players take turns placing tiles to extend paths on the board, all while avoiding the edges. It’s intuitive enough for younger kids but still offers enough depth to challenge older players. Since the game requires little to no reading, it’s accessible to a wide range of skill levels.

Playing Tsuro enhances spatial reasoning, problem-solving, and strategic planning. For younger players, open-handed play (where decisions are made collaboratively) can make the game even more approachable.

With rounds lasting just 15–20 minutes, Tsuro keeps kids engaged while sharpening critical thinking and planning skills. Up next, we’ll dive into Ticket to Ride and how it brings math learning to life in a unique way.

6. Ticket to Ride

Ticket to Ride is more than just a board game - it’s an engaging way to blend geography, strategy, and math skills into one fun package. Priced at $43.99 [10], it has earned an impressive 4.8 out of 5 stars from 26,774 Amazon reviews [10], proving it’s both educational and entertaining.

The game’s design naturally incorporates math. Players calculate route points, consider probabilities when drawing cards, and use spatial reasoning to decide between direct routes or longer, more rewarding ones [11].

"Ticket to Ride is renowned for its engaging gameplay." - Games for Young Minds [11]

For younger players, Ticket to Ride: First Journey ($27.99) [12] offers a simplified version that keeps the core learning intact but adapts to smaller attention spans. With shorter game sessions of 15–30 minutes [12], it’s perfect for introducing younger kids to strategic thinking and basic math.

Here are some tips for parents to make the most of the game’s educational value:

• Play with cards face-up to spark discussions [13].

• Use mental math to calculate potential route points.

• Talk about geographic locations and measure distances.

• Help kids think through probabilities when drawing cards.

What sets Ticket to Ride apart is its physical gameplay and face-to-face interaction, which provide a hands-on learning experience that digital games often can’t match. By combining strategy, math, and geography, the game offers a dynamic way to build skills while growing alongside your child’s abilities.

Game Comparison

Here's a breakdown of key features for each math game:

Digital vs. Physical Games

Each format has its strengths, catering to different learning styles and preferences.

Digital Games
(Funexpected Math and Thinky Games)

• Offer personalized learning paths tailored to individual progress.

• Provide instant feedback to help kids identify and correct mistakes quickly.

• Feature regular updates to keep content fresh and engaging.

Physical Games
(Inkwell Games, Dino Math Tracks, Tsuro, and Ticket to Ride)

• Allow for hands-on play, encouraging active participation.

• Promote social interaction as players collaborate or compete.

• Help develop fine motor skills through manipulation of game pieces.

• Built with durable materials, making them a long-lasting option.

Choosing the Right Game

When selecting a game, consider these factors:

• Your child's learning preferences (digital or tactile).

• The amount of time available for play.

• Your budget.

• Storage and portability if space or travel-friendliness is a concern.

This comparison highlights options to suit a variety of educational and playtime needs.

Summary and Recommendations

Here’s how you can fine-tune your game-based learning approach to get the most out of it.

Choosing the Right Games

Pick games that align with your child’s age and educational needs:

• Ages 3-5: Start with Funexpected Math, a digital platform that introduces foundational concepts in an engaging way.

• Ages 6-8: Mix hands-on learning with Dino Math Tracks for math operations and Thinky Games for problem-solving skills.

• Ages 8+: Introduce strategy and spatial reasoning with games like Tsuro and Ticket to Ride.

Balancing Digital and Physical Play

Here’s an example of a weekly schedule that incorporates both digital and physical games:

Tips for Effective Implementation

1. Start Digitally, Reinforce Physically

   • Begin with Funexpected Math to identify and address specific learning gaps.

   • Follow up with board games that complement the digital lessons.

2. Monitor Progress

   • Use Funexpected Math’s built-in tools to track your child’s development.

   • Pay attention to how strategic thinking evolves during physical game sessions.

Aim for at least four combined sessions each week, blending digital tools with hands-on play. This approach ensures that digital insights and interactive play work together to support your child’s learning journey.

FAQs

How can I pick the best math game for my child's age and learning preferences?

Choosing a math game your child will love - and learn from - means thinking about their age, learning preferences, and hobbies. Younger kids might benefit from games that focus on simple skills like counting or shapes, while older children may enjoy tackling puzzles or mastering more complex concepts.

If your child learns best through visuals, look for games packed with colorful graphics and interactive features. For kids who enjoy a good story, pick games that weave math challenges into engaging narratives. It’s also worth checking if the game tracks progress, aligns with educational standards, and offers a fun, immersive experience to keep them engaged.

Above all, choose a game that makes math feel approachable and enjoyable while helping your child build confidence in their skills.

What are the advantages of using both digital and physical math games for kids?

Using a mix of digital and physical math games gives kids a more complete learning experience. Digital games make math fun and interactive, sharpening skills like problem-solving, strategic thinking, and focus, all while introducing tech-savvy tools. On the flip side, physical games bring hands-on learning into the mix, boosting spatial awareness, hand-eye coordination, and teamwork through group activities.

Blending these two approaches keeps learning fresh and engaging. Kids get to explore math concepts in different ways, helping them build a mix of mental, physical, and social skills - all while staying curious and motivated.

What are some simple ways to include math games in my child's daily routine?

Incorporating math games into your child's routine can make learning both enjoyable and productive. Dedicate two short sessions a week, each lasting about 15 minutes, to focus on these engaging activities. This manageable approach helps your child build math skills without feeling overloaded.

Keep an eye on their progress within the games and tweak the difficulty or topics to suit their learning pace. To make it even more interactive, play the games together or chat about what they’ve discovered. It’s a simple way to turn math into a fun and shared experience!

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