5 free maths games for primary-age children

Maths games are a great way to help children enjoy maths and problem-solving from an early age. If you’re a parent or home educator looking for hands-on activities, here are five free games you can play at home with things you already have.

1. Counting apples

A classic for young children that teaches counting and sorting. Gather apples (or pine cones, conkers or stones) of different sizes and colours, put out a few small bowls and let the sorting and counting begin.

2. Number-line hopscotch

This helps children understand ordering and sequencing. All you need is chalk to draw a number line on the ground and a few stones to throw as markers. Hop to the number, say it out loud, and hop back.

3. Pattern matching

Great for slightly older children who are ready for sequences and patterns. Draw several pairs of shapes in different sizes and colours, cut them out, mix them up and challenge your child to sort them into matching pairs – or to continue a pattern you start.

4. Counting race

Best with two or more players. Draw a start line and a finish line about a metre apart, with several circles in between. Players race to count all the circles – then try counting in twos, or backwards.

5. Number memory

Perfect for number recognition and memory. Make a set of cards with numbers on them (or use our Number Cards 1–12), lay them face down and take turns trying to find matching pairs.

These easy games help children gain confidence with numbers while having a lot of fun. For more hands-on maths, take a look at our Learning Printables collection.