Counting Games

These free online counting games will help to develop early number skills. There are lots of different games to practise different skills, such as putting the right number of cherries on the gingerbread men, counting the spots on a ladybird and putting numbers in the correct order.

Click on any play button and the game will open in a new window:

Counting games - Number Word Memory to 20

Number Word Memory Game to 20

Turn over the cards in pairs – if the number and word match, it’s a win. If not, try to remember where they are so that you can match it up next go.

Maths Games - Counting - Teddy Numbers game screenshot

Teddy Numbers

Choose numbers up to 5, 10 or 15 – you can even work on number words in this game, so it has lots of flexibility. Drag the correct number of objects to the teddy, then check if you’ve got it right.

Maths Games - Counting Games - Birthday Candle Counting

Birthday Candle Counting

You have to work out how old each child is. Click on each candle in turn to hear them counted out loud – once you’ve clicked a candle it will light up, so you won’t accidentally click twice. When you’ve clicked every candle on the cake, choose the correct number from the party balloons.

Maths Games - Counting Games - Ladybird Spots

Ladybird Spots

This early learning game has options for counting, matching and ordering. You can also choose to limit the numbers to 5 or 10, or to play using number words. Count the ladybird’s spots, then click the correct number.

Maths Games - Counting Games - Counting Fish

Counting Fish

The fish swim in then keep still so that you can count them easily. If you like you can click each fish to highlight it as you count it, to help you keep track. When you’ve counted the fish, click the correct number.

Maths Games - Counting Games - Count and Match

Count and Match

In this game you have to drag a number to the group with a matching number of objects. When you drag to the correct group, the group will disappear with a pop.

Maths Games - Counting Games - Home Time Ladybirds

Home Time Ladybirds

This game uses numbers up to nine. Count the number of spots on each ladybird and take it to the home with the matching number. If you get it right the door will open to let the ladybird in.

Maths Games - Counting Games - Bon-Go Go Go!

Bon-Go Go Go!

This counting game is a little bit different – instead of counting objects, you have to listen carefully and count the number of drum beats that you can hear.

Maths Games - Counting Games - Hide and Seek

Hide and Seek

You have to find the number word, the number, and the number of animals hiding in this game.

Maths Games - Counting Games - Count the Yeti

Count the Yeti

This game is exactly what it says it is – you have to count the yetis that pop out of the holes, then click the answer at the top. There are 3 levels, with the timer getting shorter as you move up the levels.

Maths Games - Counting Games - Underwater Counting

Underwater Counting

You can choose numbers 1-5 or 1-10. Count the sea creatures and click the correct number.


How Children Learn the Foundations of Mathematics

Counting is a fundamental skill that serves as a cornerstone for a child’s mathematical development. From the early days of infancy to the primary school years, children embark on a remarkable journey of understanding numbers, quantities, and the concept of counting. This article delves into the fascinating process of how children learn to count, exploring the cognitive and developmental milestones that pave the way for mathematical fluency [continue reading]