Although summer can be a great opportunity to take a break from formal learning, it can also be the perfect time to play fun games and learn in a more relaxed way.
LOW PREP! (like our 2000+ page of free math worksheets)
This "Fun in the Sun" math games can help you do just that! On those days when the kids are bored, or it's too hot to go outside, play one of these games to work on addition, subtraction, multiplication or division.
Summer Math Games
Materials Needed to Play:
- Fun in the Sun Board Game of your choice (4 choices included in download below)
- Two Dice
- Game pieces (either from another board game, or use things such as coins, beads, unifix blocks, etc.)
How to Play Fun in the Sun Math Challenge:
- Pick on of the four different versions, so that you can focus on a particular skill such as addition, subtraction, multiplication or division.
- Each version has basically the same rules, simply change the math operation.
To begin, place all game pieces on "start."
The first player then rolls both dice and adds (subtracts, multiplies or divides) the two numbers together.
If the new value is odd, they move to the closest "odd" space on the game board. If it is even, they move to the closest "even" space on the game board.
So on each turn, a player will be able to move forward either one or two spaces.
Players take turns rolling the dice, completing the calculation and moving accordingly until someone reaches the end space.
The first player to reach "end" (which requires an even value) is the winner!
A few things to note:
- To make playing easier and more enjoyable, you may need to review even and odd numbers before you begin, especially if you are playing with younger kids.
- If you are playing the subtraction version, make sure your child knows to subtract the smaller value from the larger value.
- If you are playing the division version, the value used to determine even or odd is the whole number part of the quotient. For instance, if a child rolls a 6 and a 4, 6/4 = 1 and 1/2. Because the whole number is 1, they would move to the nearest "odd" space.
- To make this more of a challenge, try using polyhedron dice that have more than just the numbers 1-6, or grab a set of blank dice and write larger numbers on each side.
- To win, you must roll an even value. If you are at the end and your roll gives you an odd value, you don't move and play moves to the next player.
Suggestions for Playing with Older Children
- If you have older kids who are up for a greater challenge, see if they can determine the chances of rolling an even or odd value for each game board.
- Have them answer questions such as, "How many rolls will give an even value?" or "Are the chances still 50/50 if you add the numbers first? What about when you multiply?"
- This is a great opportunity to work on some probability questions!
More Fun Math Games for Kids
- Apple Picking Multiplication Game
- Don't Get Caught Fishy Multiplication Game
- Firefly Catch Game (addition/subtraction)
- Hopscotch Multiplication Practice
- Hungry Caterpillars Money Games
- Knights Division Quest
- Leap Frog Multiplication game
- Low Prep Practice multiplication facts
Download Fun in the Sun Math Games
Before you download your free pack you agree to the following:
- This set is for personal and classroom use only.
- This printable set may not be sold, hosted, reproduced, or stored on any other website or electronic retrieval system.
- Graphics Purchased and used with permission
- All downloadable material provided on this blog is copyright protected.
>> Download Fun in the Sun Math Games<<
Bethany is the mom behind the blog, Math Geek Mama, a website dedicated to making math fun and engaging, while building a strong conceptual understanding of mathematics. When she's not playing with numbers, she is exploring with her four little ones, drinking way too much coffee, or soaking up the chaos of everyday life. Follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.
