30+ Fun Math Activities for Preschoolers
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Add up the fun with simple preschool math activities focused on counting, patterns, comparing numbers, and more!
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You can use nearly any situation to teach basic math skills, which makes finding fun math activities for your preschooler easy. Try these simple activities and games to help your preschool child master basics like counting, comparing numbers, recognizing patterns, and more.
Fun Hands-On Preschool Math Activities
At every age, hands-on math activities are engaging and fun. For preschoolers, they’re especially important, because little ones learn best when they can experience things with all their senses.
Pick and Count:
Fill a divided dish with a variety of small items, like toys or snacks. Then, draw big circles on a large piece of paper and write a number in each one. (You can also place a number of dots in some circles instead of a number.) Next, let kids choose a circle and count out items from the dish to put into it, matching the number of items to either the number or amount of dots they see in the circle.
Make sure they count out loud as they go. This simple activity from Engaging Littles is one you can repeat over and over, increasing the numbers as kids get older.
Scavenger Hunt Count:
This is similar to the activity above, but rather than collecting items in advance, send kids out to look for items to place in each circle, having them match the number of items to the number they see in each circle.
This is especially fun outside, where kids can gather leaves, acorns, stones, and other objects. A hunt like this also helps kids sort items into categories, another key pre-K math skill.
Uno-Movement:
This game from Still Playing School is going to become your preschooler’s favorite! Assign a motion to each color–for example, red cards mean hop on one foot or green means twirl around.
Take turns flipping over a new card from the deck, then complete the motion for that color the number of times indicated on the card. In other words, if you draw a red “8,” you hop on one foot eight times, counting out loud as you go.
More Uno Math Games:
You can do a lot of hands-on math activities for preschoolers with a deck of UNO cards! In this activity, have children sort the cards by color or number or lay them out in correct numerical order.
You can also use them to play Go Fish, which is terrific for helping kids sort and compare. Or, pull out all the “special” cards and use the number cards for an easy game of War.
Fish for Numbers:
Use a kiddie pool, water table, or even the bathtub to fish up some number practice! (Remember to supervise kids at all times around water. You can also play this game on dry land.)
Learn how to make foam fish and a DIY fishing rod at Buggy and Buddy. Then float the fish facedown on the water, and let your little one drop in a rod and pull one out. As they do, have them say the number out loud, and practice counting from one up to that number.
There are many ways to use this homemade fishing set. Challenge kids to catch only fish of one color. Or, turn the fish so they’re floating number-side up, and see if your little one can catch the fish in numerical order.
As kids get older, they can practice their math facts by catching two numbers at a time or add up their catches to see who scores the most points.
Domino Math:
As the Busy Toddler knows, dominoes are terrific for hands-on preschool math activities. Start by laying out a number line made from sticky notes. Then, have your child select a domino and count the total number of dots.
Lay that domino next to the corresponding number to practice the skill known as one-to-one correspondence (matching numerals with a group of items).
Don’t put those dominoes away just yet! Lay them all out face up, then call out a number. Let your child count the number of dots on each to find one (or more) that matches.
Over time, they’ll come to recognize the patterns of dots, which leads to a more advanced skill called subitizing (estimating a number of items with a quick glance). As kids advance, use dominoes to practice math facts too.
Cut and Sort Paper Strips:
Give small fingers some fine motor skills practice by having your child cut paper into strips of different lengths.
Then, use the free printable from Kinder Craze (or make your own) and have them sort the strips to see which are shorter and which are longer. They can also sort by color and other attributes.
Size and Weight Sort:
Take a look around your house or yard for similar items, then compare them to see which is bigger or smaller, taller or shorter, heavier or lighter, etc. The more kids practice sorting and comparing, the better equipped they’ll be to move on to more advanced skills.
Number Swat:
Write numbers on sticky notes and hang them on the wall within easy reach for your child. Hand them a flyswatter and call out a number. Watch as they have fun using the flyswatter to swat the correct sticky note with the matching number!
This interactive game is a fun way to reinforce number recognition and improve your child’s fine motor skills at the same time. You can mix up the numbers or make it a race to see how fast they can find the right one.
Craft Stick Patterns:
You can buy pre-colored wooden craft sticks, or have fun painting your own. Grab the free printable pattern cards from Playdough to Plato, then have your toddler lay out craft sticks in the right order to match what they see.
You can also have them practice making their own repeating patterns, or lay out your own designs for them to copy.
Wood craft sticks are terrific for preschool math skills practice. Have children use the sticks to make different shapes, counting the sides and naming them as they go.
Teach them how to use tally markers with the sticks, keeping score during a game or counting the number of cars that go by. The possibilities are endless!
Building Brick Math:
When you use toys for hands-on preschool math activities, kids won’t even realize they’re learning. Life Over C’s has free printable cards to use with your building bricks. Children learn to match colors and patterns as they create the numerals, and their fine motor skills get a workout too.
Count the studs (the raised circles) on each brick, and sort them by number, shape, or color. Build towers to compare taller and shorter, or use a marker to write numbers on the sides and put the bricks together in numerical order.
Put together a row of alternating colors in a pattern (red, blue, green, red, blue, green, etc.). Building bricks have so many math applications.
Number Match:
Start by making pairs of number cards using numbers 1-5 or 1-10, depending on your child’s comfort level. You can create the cards by writing numbers on pieces of paper or use pre-made number cards. Mix the cards up and lay them face down in rows on the table or floor.
Take turns flipping over two cards, trying to find a matching pair. If the numbers match, the player keeps the pair and gets another turn. If the numbers don’t match, flip the cards back over and it’s the other player’s turn.
To make it even simpler for preschoolers, you can use bright colors or images that correspond to the numbers on the cards (like one apple, two stars, three hearts, etc.). This adds a visual element to help them connect the numbers to quantities.
Number Smash:
Write numbers on a piece of paper, then roll balls of playdough and place one underneath each number. Call out a number, and let your child smash the matching playdough ball flat! It’s a fun way to reinforce number recognition.
Number Tic-Tac-Toe:
Traditional tic-tac-toe is a great way to practice Xs and Os, so why not try it with numbers too? For Example, instead of Xs and Os, one player can be “3” while the other is “5.” The first one to get three of their number in a row wins!
Number Hop:
Write numbers randomly on the sidewalk with chalk. Then, call out a number and have your child hop onto the correct one. This is a great way to reinforce number recognition while burning off some energy!
Number Bingo:
Create bingo boards with numbers in the squares instead of letters. Call out numbers one by one and see who can get a full line first. This can be a fun introduction to recognizing numbers.
Sticker Numbers:
Start by gathering small stickers—these can be star stickers, smiley faces, or any fun designs your child likes. On a sheet of paper, draw or print large outlines of numbers (you can start with numbers 1-5).
Then, encourage your child to use the stickers to fill in the shape of each number, carefully sticking them along the lines. This will help them become familiar with the shape and form of each number while practicing their fine motor skills as they place the stickers.
To add a little extra fun, you can use different types of stickers for each number (for example, using star stickers for number 1, heart stickers for number 2, etc.). As they work, you can talk about the numbers and count together.
For a challenge, once your child has completed a few numbers, you can mix up the pages and ask them to count the stickers to match the number on the page. This reinforces both number recognition and counting skills.
Number Line Jump:
Create a simple number line on the floor with masking tape, writing numbers 1-10 on it. Call out a number and have your child jump to that number on the line.
You can also practice simple addition or subtraction by asking them to jump forward or backward a certain number of spaces.
Balloon Pop:
Inflate balloons and write a number on each one. Call out a number, and see how fast your child can find the right balloon and pop it by sitting on it! It’s a loud and exciting way to practice numbers.
Number Parking:
Label toy cars with numbers using stickers or masking tape. Draw a parking lot on a piece of paper, with each space labeled with a simple math problem (like 1+2 or 2+3). Have your child drive the cars into the spaces with the correct answers.
Online Preschool Math Games
Screen time can be learning time when you choose games designed by experts to expand your child’s learning. Online preschool math activities aim to keep children interested and engaged, which can build their enthusiasm for learning. Pair them with real-world activities to bring the learning to life. Find even more Preschool Math learning games here. Please note: Many of these games require an ABCmouse subscription to play.
Numbers on the Fence
In this preschool activity children practice counting numbers from 1 to 20 by placing the correct numbers on a virtual fence.
Number Space Maze
In this preschool number learning game children guide a spaceship through a space-themed maze by following the correct numerical order from 1 to 20.
Egg Counter
In this game, children practice counting from 1 to 10 by collecting eggs laid by chickens on a farm. This fun and interactive game helps strengthen number recognition and counting skills in a playful, farm-themed environment.
More or Less
In this activity children practice comparing quantities by identifying which group of objects or numbers has more or fewer items. This strengthens their understanding of numerical comparison.
Dinosaur Chomp
In this preschool learning game children are challenged to identify the leaf with a different number of drops compared to the others. This helps develop attention to detail, observational skills, and the ability to compare and contrast numerical quantities.
Number Koi Maze
In this math game children help guide a koi fish through a maze by selecting the path that matches a designated numeral. This engaging game strengthens number recognition, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
Preschool Math Worksheets
Interactive preschool math worksheets provide an excellent way to complement the learning your child is gaining through the math activities and games mentioned above.
These worksheets often feature engaging puzzles, counting challenges, and hands-on exercises that make math fun while reinforcing essential early math skills.
In this section, you’ll find a selection of worksheets designed to support preschool math learning and help build a strong foundation for future math success.
Pattern Worksheets for Kids
Free printable pattern worksheets help preschool children practice identifying and creating patterns, boosting their recognition skills and developing early math concepts. These activities also enhance fine motor skills as kids engage in fun, hands-on exercises with shapes, colors, and sequences.
Tip: Slip these coloring pages into clear plastic sheet protectors, and kids can use dry erase markers to practice again and again!
Color By Number Worksheets
Color by number worksheets for preschoolers combine the fun of coloring with the educational task of number recognition.
Each section of the picture corresponds to a specific number, helping children learn their numbers in a creative way while also practicing color recognition and fine motor skills.
Preschool Number Tracing Worksheets
Each of these worksheets features a number along with space for children to trace and practice writing it, reinforcing number recognition and fine motor skills. You can work with your child to trace the number while saying it aloud to build number familiarity.
Tip: Create a fun number book with your child as they complete each worksheet. Collect them in a binder or folder so your child can review and proudly display their progress.
Number Recognition Videos for Preschoolers
Engaging, well-designed videos can boost a child’s interest and get them excited about learning their numbers and counting. To make the most of these videos and songs, watch them with your child and follow them up with more hands-on math activities.
More ABCmouse Math Activities and Lessons for Preschoolers
Looking for more ways to help your child develop early math skills? The ABCmouse Math Program is designed by experts to guide preschoolers through a step-by-step series of lessons, helping them build a strong foundation in counting, number recognition, and basic math concepts. Discover how the ABCmouse Math Program supports your child’s learning journey and sign up today!
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