5 Great Games for Addition and Subtraction
As a teacher turned homeschool mom, I’m always looking for new ways to keep my kids excited about learning—and let me tell you, games are a total game-changer! 💥 Not only are games an amazing way to practice math skills, but they also keep things lighthearted, fun, and full of energy. Plus, who doesn’t love a little friendly competition? Whether we’re at home, out and about, or just enjoying some downtime, these games bring a fresh burst of excitement to our homeschool routine.
And the best part? Learning doesn’t have to stay at home! I love games that are easy to grab and take with us, so we can sneak in some learning wherever we go! 🚗🎲
💡 Quick heads-up! Some links in this post are affiliate links. I only share products I truly recommend, and I may earn a small commission if you purchase through them. Thanks for your support!
If you’re looking for ways to make addition and subtraction practice fun, here are five of my all-time favorite games that will have your kids begging to play more:
1. Sum Swamp
Sum Swamp is hands-down one of the best ways to practice addition and subtraction while having a blast! 🐊🎲 This board game takes kids on a wild adventure through a swamp, where they’ll solve math challenges like adding, subtracting, and recognizing odd and even numbers. It’s perfect for early learners, with equations like 5 + 6 or 12 – 4, making math feel like an exciting quest instead of a chore. The interactive gameplay keeps everyone on their toes, racing to the finish line!
Why I love it: It makes math feel like an adventure, and my kids can’t get enough of it!
2. Qwixx
Qwixx is the fast-paced dice game that has everyone on the edge of their seats! 🎲💨 Players roll dice and use clever addition strategies to cross off numbers in different color rows. Every roll adds an element of surprise and strategy—will your next roll bring you closer to winning, or leave you rethinking your moves? It’s simple enough for young kids to pick up quickly but strategic enough to keep everyone engaged. And it’s so easy to pack up and take with you on the go!
You can also easily buy replacement Qwixx score cards when you run out of the cards that come with the game.
Bonus Tip: Grab the QWIXX MIXX set for even more ways to play—it’s like a whole new game in one!
Why I love it: Whether we’re at the park or on a road trip, Qwixx is always a hit. Plus, it’s perfect for any number of players!
Qwixx makes a great gift for other families who like to make learning fun!
3. Ultimatch
This is a fast and engaging cooperative card game that’s fantastic for boosting addition and subtraction skills! Designed for practicing with numbers 1-8, the game encourages players to use creative approaches to solve challenges and achieve their goals. By working together to match numbers, colors, or combinations, players strengthen teamwork, critical thinking, and strategic decision-making. With its dynamic, collaborative gameplay and opportunities for out-of-the-box thinking, Ultimatch turns math practice into a fun and rewarding group adventure. And it’s so enjoyable that when you don’t win a round, you’ll find everyone eager to play again and see if you can come out on top! It’s also super portable to take with you on the go!
Why I love it: It’s a fun way to practice math while building teamwork and critical thinking skills. And it’s portable, so we can take it anywhere!
4. Math Dice
Ready to turn math into a fast-paced challenge? Math Dice is a blast! 🎯 Players roll dice and use addition or subtraction to create equations that equal the target number. It’s an awesome way to get in some math practice while having a total brain workout. Every roll is different, which keeps things exciting and unpredictable—plus, it’s perfect for quick games when we’re on the go!
Why I love it: It’s portable, quick, and easy to play anytime, anywhere!
5. Addition War and Subtraction War
Who knew a simple deck of cards could be so much fun for practicing math? 🃏 In Addition War, players flip two cards and add them together—whoever has the highest sum wins the round! In Subtraction War, the goal is to arrange the cards to create the smallest difference. It’s a fun, competitive way to build math fluency—and the best part? You can take this game anywhere. Waterproof playing cards even make it great for the pool, lake, or beach!
Why I love it: It’s easy to set up, no prep needed, and a total crowd-pleaser wherever we go!
These five math games have been total game-changers in our homeschool. They make learning math feel like an exciting adventure instead of just another subject to get through. Whether we’re at home or on the go, these games turn addition and subtraction practice into a fun and memorable experience.
Got a favorite math game? I’d love to hear about it! Drop your recommendations in the comments below. I’m always on the hunt for new games to keep the fun going in our homeschool. Let’s keep making learning fun! 🎉
