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[Get Friendly with Games] Math Games, Apps, and Activities
There are probably many people who still struggle with math even as adults.
If only we had gotten more comfortable with it back when we were little—maybe starting from basic arithmetic—we might not feel so intimidated by math now, right?
In this article, we introduce math games for children that help them get familiar with arithmetic from the early years of elementary school—fun activities that teach math through play.
We’ve lined up a wide range of options, from games kids can play solo to ones for groups, including apps and card games.
Of course, adults can enjoy them too, so be sure to try playing together with your child!
[Get Friendly Through Games] Math Games, Apps, and Activities (1–10)
Four Fours game
It’s a game where you create equations using four number 4s and symbols like +, −, ×, and ÷.
For example, you might set a goal such as “Combine four 4s with any symbols to make an expression that equals 1.” Naturally, you can’t reach 1 by just trying randomly.
By thinking about which symbols to use and how to place them, it helps improve arithmetic skills.
You can also adjust the difficulty depending on grade level and learning stage—for instance, by limiting answers to numbers that can be made with only + and −, or by allowing the use of parentheses.
Calculation Blackjack
Blackjack is a card game where you add up the numbers in your hand aiming for a total of 21.
Think of “Calculation Blackjack” as a simplified version of that.
You prepare two sets of cards numbered 1 through 5, and two players draw alternately, trying to get their hand as close to 10 as possible.
For example, if your hand totals 9, you’d lose if you go over 10, so you can choose to stop drawing at that point.
In that case, if your opponent ends up at 8 or below, or 11 or above, you win; if they hit exactly 10, they win.
Because you can keep track of which numbers remain, there’s strategic decision-making about whether to draw more.
It’s a highly engaging math game.
Arithmetic Magic
An arithmetic magic trick where, if you take a number you’ve thought of between 1 and 9 and then follow the steps to add, multiply, and divide in order, you always end up with “3”! The person who devised it really refined the calculation method—impressive.
Even many adults, unless they’re good at math, will probably wonder, “Why is that?” For elementary school students, presenting calculations they’ve just learned in class in this kind of magic-trick format could make studying arithmetic fun.
If you’re curious about the trick, you can find the explanation by searching online!
Todon (sea lion) math
Todo Math is a highly global math app that has even been used in classes at schools overseas.
Designed for young children who are just starting to encounter numbers up to about second grade, it covers a wide range of math topics, including shapes and interpreting data.
Its proven quality is guaranteed—it has reached No.
1 in the Education category of app stores in multiple countries.
If you’re overwhelmed by the options, this is the one I’d recommend you start with.
Noy (neu)
Neu is a math game that strengthens your two-digit mental arithmetic! Deal three cards to each player, then take turns playing number cards; whoever pushes the total over 101 loses.
The key is to play your cards while planning how to make someone else exceed 101 on their turn.
Since you have to add two-digit numbers up to 101, you’ll naturally build mental arithmetic skills as you play.
Like UNO, there are action cards—make someone draw two, change the turn order, and more—so enjoy the strategic depth as well!
Clock rock-paper-scissors
Especially with lower-grade kids, there are times when they look at a clock but can’t immediately say the exact time.
That’s where “Clock Rock-Paper-Scissors” comes in—it helps them learn to read clocks and is fun as a game, too.
Pair up in twos and prepare two clock models.
Play rock-paper-scissors.
The winner moves the clock hands forward by one hour, and the loser moves theirs forward by 30 minutes.
The basic rule is that the first to reach 12:00 wins.
It’s simple, but it gets surprisingly exciting, like a board game.
If you use 15-minute increments, kids can practice reading time more precisely, and it also becomes addition practice, like “It’s 2 o’clock now, so if I move forward one hour, it’s 3 o’clock.” It’s a versatile math game.
First Addition and Subtraction: “Number Try”
Here’s a smartphone app we recommend for children who have never done addition or subtraction before: “First Addition and Subtraction: Kazu no Try.” The goal is to solve math problems and evolve the monsters that appear to their final forms.
That nurturing element might really hook your child.
The problems are truly simple, making it a perfect introduction to math—just like the title says.
Why not start here to spark their interest in learning? It’s also great for filling small pockets of time.