6 Family Math Games To Play on the Go

By Megan - 02/14/2023

Math doesn't have to be boring or only done in a classroom setting. In fact, there are many fun and engaging ways to incorporate math into family time, especially when on the go. Whether it's a long car trip, waiting in a doctor's office, or just a leisurely afternoon in the park, these 6 family math games are the perfect way to bring math to life while enjoying quality time with loved ones.

From dice games to counting drills, these games are designed to challenge and entertain while also improving mathematical skills. Keep reading to learn how these math games can pass the time while supporting your child’s learning and development.

1. Number 1 to 100

If you are driving in the car, have your children find numbers in order from 1 to 100. These numbers can be identified on license plates, street signs, maps and other areas in cities. Depending on the age of your children, you can make the game simple by only going up to the number 20 or more difficult by going up to 200. This game can be played at any level, so it’s a great way to pass the time on long road trips.

Children will be encouraged to take a break from their electronics and observe the surroundings around them. Kids of all ages can enjoy discovering new landscapes and features on the road, while sharpening their recognition, memory and retention skills.

2. Don’t Say My Number

Don’t Say My Number is fun to play on the go, especially if you have a full car of energetic family members. One person will choose a number that no one is allowed to say, such as the number 3. Everyone will take turns counting from number 1. However, you have to skip any number that contains the number you aren’t supposed to say. In this case, all players would have to skip 3, which will become increasingly difficult as the numerical values get larger and more complicated.

Kids enjoy playing this game as everyone is eager to stay on top of the next number without getting disqualified from the game. Parents can help their kids with their counting abilities while teaching them to think quickly in a fast pace environment.

3. Roll and Solve

If you aren’t in a car, you can gather some simple materials like dice, paper and a pencil to play Roll and Solve. This game can be played with two people or more. How it works is each player rolls a dice and writes down their number on a piece of paper. Everyone will take turns solving simple arithmetic problems using the rolled number (ex., 5 + 3, 4 x 6, etc.)

The first player to solve 5 problems correctly wins the game. This game is fun to play in multiple rounds to see who wins the most games! If you want to increase the difficulty for older children, try using 2 dice and adding or multiplying numbers rolled. You can also use higher-sided dice to solve more complicated problems. Roll and Solve helps kids think quickly on their feet. It can improve their ability to comprehend math equations while problem-solving in competitive environments.

4. Math Race

Math Race is a game that can be played with two or more players. All you need is a stopwatch, paper, a pencil and playing cards. Shuffle the deck of playing cards and place them face down in a pile. Each player draws a card and has 30 seconds to write as many math problems as they can using that number (e.g. if they draw a 5, they can write 5 + 2 = 7, 5 x 4 = 20, etc.).

The player with the most correctly solved problems at the end of 30 seconds wins the round. Play multiple rounds by continuing to draw new cards and repeating the process. The player with the most wins at the end of the game is declared the winner.

This fast-paced game helps to improve mental math skills and quick thinking, while also promoting competition and problem-solving skills. It can also be modified for different skill levels by adjusting the time limit or using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division problems.

5. Online Multiplication Games

In fast-paced online games, players compete against each other to solve as many multiplication problems as possible within a set time limit to achieve the game objective. The player with the most correct answers at the end of the time limit wins the round. Playing multiple rounds, kids can improve their multiplication skills, quick thinking, and mental math abilities, all while enjoying the competitive aspect of the game!

Our website MultiplicationGames.com is full of fun games, such as Tug Team. In this game you race your tractor to the finish line by solving multiplication problems as quickly as possible. This game can be played with or against friends and the team that gets their tractor across the finish line first wins!

6. Flash Card Frenzy

In this competition-style game, players draw math flashcards and have 30 seconds to solve as many problems as possible using that card. The player with the most correct answers at the end of the 30 seconds wins the round.

With multiple rounds, players can reinforce various math skills, including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, depending on the type of flashcards used. The time limit and competition aspect promote quick thinking and mental math abilities, making it a fun and educational game for the whole family.

The Takeaway

In conclusion, family math games are a great way to improve math skills and have fun at the same time. Whether you're on the go or at home, these 6 games offer a variety of educational and entertaining options for kids and adults alike.

From simple dice games to online multiplication races, there's something for everyone. By incorporating math into everyday activities, children can develop a love for learning and a positive attitude towards the subject. So why not try out one of these games today and see how much fun math can be!