Fun Math Board Games for Kids: Learning to Count Through Play

Why Counting Should Be Fun, Not Frustrating

If you're a parent of a child aged 6 to 12 who's struggling with math or dreading homework time, you're not alone. Learning math, particularly counting and basic arithmetic, can feel like a never-ending uphill climb — for parent and child alike. It doesn't help when worksheets seem boring or pressure-filled, making your child feel like they’re "bad at math" before they’ve even begun to understand it. But here's the truth: math doesn’t have to feel like work. In fact, with the right approach, it can even feel like play.

Enter board games — those magical, screen-free family activities that can sneak in learning when kids least expect it. The right math-based board games can turn counting and arithmetic into an adventure, not a chore. If your child zones out with flashcards but lights up during game night, this may be your new favorite teaching tool.

Turning Numbers into Adventures with Board Games

Many parents feel unsure about how to bridge the gap between school assignments and real-life learning. The good news is your child is hardwired to learn through play — especially at this age. When numbers are part of a storyline or social interaction, they suddenly become more than symbols on a test.

Think about a game of Monopoly Junior. Your child isn’t just rolling dice — they’re practicing number recognition, simple addition, and even money management. In games centered around cooperation and teamwork, math becomes one piece of a bigger puzzle that makes the whole experience rewarding and fun.

Examples of Games That Make Math Click

Not all math games need to scream “learning.” In fact, the best ones don’t. The goal is to blend math subtly into gameplay so your child feels the thrill of victory — and the satisfaction of understanding — without ever labeling it "homework." Here are a few types of games that do this well:

• Dice games: Think Yahtzee or custom-made games with multiple dice. These help children get comfortable with number patterns and simple equations.
• Money-based games: Anything involving pretend transactions, such as The Game of Life or Monopoly Junior, builds counting and mental math skills.
• Strategy games with scoring: These require constant tallying and planning. Games like Qwirkle or even Uno keep your child calculating without realizing it.
• Pattern and number sequence games: These help develop logical thinking. Games like Sequence for Kids or Number Ninjas add structure to basic math knowledge.

If you're looking for more kid-tested options for different age groups and interests, check out our collection of unique board games of the year. There, you'll find ideas specifically curated for children who learn best through visual and hands-on play.

Building Math Confidence, One Game Night at a Time

Confidence is often the missing piece when a child says they’re “bad at math.” Board games help reframe this mindset beautifully. You’re no longer supervising a test — you're a teammate, working alongside your child to solve a problem, crack a code, or build the tallest tower.

Take a moment to reflect on when you most enjoyed learning as a child. Was it a worksheet — or a scavenger hunt? Did you enjoy lectures, or getting your hands into something fun and creative? Kids today are no different. Effective math games offer something school often doesn't: an immediate, meaningful reason to care about math in the moment.

And the best part? As your child plays, they’re also practicing patience, focus, and turn-taking — crucial skills that extend far beyond math class. If you’re hoping to boost your child's ability to think ahead, strategy board games offer another playful way to nurture those cognitive muscles.

Learning Beyond the Tabletop

While board games are incredibly powerful learning tools, success comes from a mix of approaches. Reading, listening, moving — they all play a role. For example, if your child struggles to sit still or focus at the table, try alternating between board games and audio storytelling sessions. Listening to stories that weave numbers or math problems into their plot can mentally reinforce what they’re practicing during game time.

Consider using the iOS or Android version of the LISN Kids App for screen-free stories that entertain and educate. It offers a range of original audiobooks and series thoughtfully designed for children ages 3 to 12. Some episodes even subtly incorporate mathematical thinking — perfect for car rides, wind-down time, or backyard play.

By engaging your child through multiple senses — eyes, ears, and hands — you deepen their understanding of math and help it stick in an organic, stress-free way.

Making It Work for Your Family

You don’t need a fancy setup, expensive games, or a math degree to help your child grow in this way. What matters is the consistency and how you frame the experience. Here are a few gentle ways to integrate math games into your routine without overwhelming anyone:

• Set aside one evening a week for family game night — and let your child choose a math-themed game.
• Use rewards not based on winning, but on participation and effort. Praise strategy, teamwork, and creative thinking aloud.
• Rotate between game types — from animal-themed to strategic. You can find inspiration in our animal-themed board games list or gifts for creative kids.

Most importantly, let play be the driving force. When kids feel that learning is enjoyable instead of stressful, they’re far more likely to stick with it, explore further, and develop the confidence they need not just to count — but to thrive.