25+ Hands-On Number Games for Toddlers (and Preschoolers!)

Last Updated on July 6, 2024 by Sheryl Cooper

Inside: Easy number games for toddlers are a fun way to expose them to number recognition and counting. This collection has something at every toddler level, and even preschoolers will enjoy them. Playful, hands-on learning for the home or classroom!

Games are a great way to help young children build skills. They can be done independently or with a small group of children. They can be adapted for use at home or in the toddler and preschool classroom.

This collection of number games for toddlers helps strengthen simple counting skills and number recognition. Some of the activities also include color sorting and fine motor strengthening.

Most importantly, these number games are fun!

This collection of number games for toddlers has a variety of activities for different skill levels. Start with the easier ones and, as your toddler is ready, try more challenging activities. Some of these might be more suitable for preschoolers. If at any time your child seems frustrated, stop and try an easier number activity on another day. The goal of these games is to create a fun, playful experience.

25+ Hands-On Number Games for Toddlers (and Preschoolers!)

Listen and Spray Counting Game – Write numbers on the sidewalk and have the child listen for how many claps and then spray that number with water. (Fantastic Fun and Learning)

Counting and Color Sorting Activity – Print out the free color cards and write a number on each one. Children can sort small objects by color and then put the number of objects on the card that matches the number. (Powerful Mothering)

Pipe Cleaner Counting Activity – This activity will take you less than 5 minutes to put together and should cost less than $2! (Planning Playtime)

Count the Coins – A simple 1-3 counting activity with a free printable. (Teaching 2 and 3 Year Olds)

Magnetic Fishing Number Game – Toddlers will have fun singing, counting, and ordering numbers as they catch the fish. (Messy Little Monster)

Counting Caterpillar Busy Bag – The main goal of this activity is counting, but it also works on number recognition and word reinforcement. Comes with free printable cards. (Powerful Mothering)

Gross Motor Counting Activity – A fun activity that goes with the book 1,2,3 to the Zoo. (3 Dinosaurs)

Smack the Number – Have your children line up foam numbers and smack the one that you call, using a flyswatter. (Sunny Day Family)

Playdough Cupcakes Counting Activity – How many candles go on each cupcake? A fun way to work on simple counting skills! (Messy Little Monster)

Printable Bear Number Game – After reading the book Time to Sleep, invite your children to play a fun number game that’s about hibernation and a bear. It teaches number recognition while the the children are also moving. (The Educator’s Spin on It)

Ten Apples Up On Top Game – Practice counting as you put the felt apples on the board. (Buggy and Buddy)

Counting Bear Number and Color Matching Activity – After reading the book Brown Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?, start counting and sorting the bears by color using the free printable cards. (Fun Learning for Kids)

5 Little Ducks Activity – Make your own duck props using stones and use them while singing the favorite finger play 5 Little Ducks. (Red Ted Art)

Let’s Go on a Counting Walk – This is a fun game to play while taking a walk in your neighborhood. Pick and item and invite your kids to start counting. (Creative Family Fun)

Number Maze Counting Game – Grab your masking tape! This math counting activity can be set up in minutes and played for days. (Days with Grey)

Feed the Lion Counting Game – Create a lion out of construction paper and “feed” it small pieces using tweezers. Children have to count how many pieces go in his mouth. (Rainy Day Mum)

Easy Card Counting Game – All you need is a pack of Uno cards and clothespins, and it works fine motor skills, too. (Planning Playtime)

Roll & Cross Math Game – A great game for number recognition and a bit of fine motor where toddlers will roll a dice and stamp off each number until they roll all 6 numbers. (Busy Toddler)

Simple Counting Activity – This is super easy to make using paper and markers. Can be played with 1 or more children. (Teach Me Mommy)

Car Parking Numbers Game – This game involves numbered cars and a cardboard parking lot with matching numbers that toddlers will match up by driving them into the correct spot. (B-Inspired Mama)

Sticky Number Match – Using contact paper and felt numbers, toddlers will stick the appropriate number onto the square with the matching number of dots for counting practice. (Busy Toddler)

Number Line Missing Numbers – Using popsicle sticks and clothespins, this activity involves preschoolers clipping the numbered clothespin onto the blank spot on the number line. (123 Homeschool 4 Me)

Bean Bag Toss – Combining counting with large motor, kids will attempt to toss the beanbag onto the stair or spot on the ground with the matching number. (Hands On As We Grow)

Race to Fill the Cup – Usings cups, dice, and some kind of small object, kids will take turns rolling the dice and filling their cup with the amount of small objects to race to be the first to fill their cup. (Frugal Fun for Boys and Girls)

Preschool Ice Cream Math – With a bit of fine motor practice, toddlers will use tongs to pick up pom-poms and line up the correct number on each numbered cone. (Fun-A-Day)

Zoo Animal Race to the Top – Using the printable dice, preschoolers will place a flat marble or other small item onto the animal they rolled to see which animal gains the most rolls first. (Playdough to Plato)

Play Dough Number Mats – These free printables include writing, counting, and fine motor play through play-dough. (Life Over C’s)

Number Pocket Game – Toddlers will match the number on their popsicle stick to the correct numbered pocket to practice number recognition. (Toddler Approved)