5 Fun Maths Games to Play with Your Kids This Summer

Summer brings a much-needed break from the daily grind of school routines, but it’s also an important time to keep young minds active. For many parents, this raises the question: how can you keep your child’s maths skills sharp while still embracing the carefree joys of the season? The answer lies in combining learning with play, turning everyday moments into opportunities for maths exploration.

You don’t need a pile of worksheets or long, structured study sessions to keep the maths momentum going. Instead, think chalk on the pavement, splashes of water and bursts of laughter. With these games, maths becomes more than just numbers, it’s an adventure the whole family can enjoy.

Children are natural learners, especially when they’re having fun. Games offer the perfect mix of challenge and excitement, helping them see the practical and playful side of maths. Beyond that, they can grow confidence and curiosity, key ingredients for a lifelong love of learning.

And let’s not forget the importance of overcoming the summer learning loss. Research has shown that during long breaks, children risk losing up to two months’ worth of maths progress. Engaging in fun, maths-based activities can help bridge that gap, ensuring your child is ready for the new school year.

Imagine the joy of a treasure hunt, where your child searches for objects of specific sizes, shapes or measurements around your home or garden. A task like “find something 15 cm long” turns into a mini maths adventure. For younger children, this might involve spotting shapes like circles or squares, while older children can practice estimation or apply their knowledge of angles and measurements.

Or picture an outdoor game that brings together numbers and action: water balloon maths. On each balloon, write numbers or simple maths problems with a marker. Shout out a question, such as "What’s 6 x 4?" and have your child throw the balloon with the correct answer into a bucket. It’s fast, it’s engaging and it sneaks in mental maths practice without feeling like work.

Another favorite is fraction hopscotch. Chalk out a hopscotch grid, labeling each square with fractions like 1/2 or 3/4. As your child plays, they’ll sharpen their understanding of fractions and operations like addition or subtraction, all while improving their balance and coordination.

Games like these are adaptable, letting you dial up or down the difficulty based on your child’s skill level. The goal is to meet them where they are, creating opportunities to challenge them while celebrating their successes.

What’s wonderful about maths games is how easily they can slip into the rhythm of your family’s summer. Long car rides can become opportunities for guessing games or quick mental challenges and classic board games like Dots and Boxes can bring the family together on quiet evenings.

When you approach maths with a playful mindset, your child sees it not as a chore, but as something to explore and enjoy. You’re also showing them the value of perseverance, creativity and learning from mistakes, all while making precious memories together.

This summer, let maths be part of the adventure. With a bit of creativity and the right games, you can help your child stay sharp, build confidence and discover the joy of maths in ways they’ll carry with them long after the season ends.