Preschool math and memory games make learning numbers, patterns, and problem-solving a total blast! These favorites help kids build number skills and sharpen memory all through hands-on fun.
- 10 preschool math and memory games preschoolers will love
- Why math and memory games are essential for preschoolers
- The connection between math and memory games for preschoolers
- Melissa & Doug Bead Sequencing Set
- Easy ways to incorporate math and memory games at home
- Why math and memory games are so effective
- Developing spatial awareness with shapes in math and memory games for preschoolers
- Frequently Asked Questions
10 preschool math and memory games preschoolers will love
Preschoolers are natural learners, and what better way to explore numbers and memory skills than through play?
These kid- and teacher-approved preschool math and memory games help little ones develop counting, pattern recognition, and problem-solving skills.
The best part? They make math a hands-on experience, building confidence while keeping kids engaged.
Why math and memory games are essential for preschoolers
Math isn’t just about numbers—it’s about thinking, predicting, and remembering.
Playing preschool math and memory games helps kids sharpen their focus, build recall skills, and develop logical thinking. It’s also a fantastic way to boost their confidence before they dive into more structured math concepts.
Plus, playing together strengthens social skills like turn-taking, patience, and cheering for friends.
The connection between math and memory games for preschoolers
Math and memory may seem like two separate skills, but they are deeply connected!
When preschoolers engage in memory-based math activities, they strengthen their ability to recall sequences, identify relationships, and build foundational math skills in a playful way.
Memory games improve working memory, which is essential for counting, recognizing number patterns, and solving simple math problems.
These engaging experiences make learning feel natural and enjoyable, setting the stage for future math success (a win-win!).
Wooden Shapes Puzzle
The fact that this game comes with beautiful wooden pieces and 60 double-sided cards is just beyond amazing. One side of the card shows the pieces needed and the other shows what to build. The pieces and cards each come in their own tin carrying case. Love, love, love.
Melissa & Doug Pattern Blocks and Boards
Pattern blocks are a preschool must and have been used in classrooms for millions of years. This set comes with gorgeous wooden pieces + boards and can be used and loved by kids of all ages.
Melissa & Doug Bead Sequencing Set
Chances are that if you walk into a preschool classroom, you’ll see this gem! It’s been a favorite for so, so many years and provides the perfect amount of challenge for little learners.
Wooden Stick Balancing Game
This. Game. Is. AWESOME! And because it’s compact and doesn’t take up a lot of space, this would be fun for restaurants, too. The goal of the game: Roll the die, pull a stick, and hope the tower doesn’t tumble over.
eeBoo: I Never Forget a Face, Memory & Matching Game
We have had this game for 10 years and not only has been a favorite this entire time, but it also looks brand-new. The pieces are gorgeous quality and this game is a wonderful way to recognize and celebrate kids from all around the word. The back of the box shows what country every child is from and it’s just perfection.
eeBoo: Life on Earth, Memory & Matching Game
Because we love the game above so much, we had to see more memory games by the same company – and guess what? It’s another 10/10. This “Life on Earth” version is just as beautiful and another dynamite way of building and expanding vocabulary.
eeBoo: Trucks and a Bus Little Memory Matching Game
Another one by the same brand, and another piece of perfection. This box is much smaller so it’s perfect for home or school and on-the-go. Match the trucks and have fun exploring the adorable themes.
Melissa & Doug Self-Correcting Wooden Number Puzzles
A must-have. This gorgeous wooden number game is fun to play and use in so many ways. My personal favorite way to use this is to scatter half of the pieces on a table and to bury the other half in a rice sensory bin (I learned this years ago from Busy Toddler!).
Melissa & Doug Primary Lacing Beads
These chunky, colorful beads and perfect for little hands. Kids can string necklaces over and over again. The tips of the strings have a hard plastic on them, making them easy for preschoolers to use and manipulate.
Melissa & Doug Deluxe Magnetic Letters and Numbers Set
Magnetic numbers and letters are another preschool classic, and I love this wood version. Honestly, we take any opportunity to choose wood over plastic. These can be used on the fridge, on baking sheets, for memory games, in sensory bins, and so much more.
Learning Resources Pretend & Play Calculator Cash Register
Kids love being able to emulate what they see adults doing, and adding a cash register into your home or classroom is a recipe for fun. Kids can count out money, learn about currency, and engage in tons of imaginative play!
Melissa & Doug Fresh Mart Grocery Store
This would pair beautifully with the cash register above, but it’s also wonderful on its own. You’ll be delighted to see just how much imaginative dramatic play can come from this adorable set.
Roylco Straws and Connectors Building Kit
This is hands-down my mom’s favorite building toy ever! Use the straws and connectors to build large, elaborate structures or small, simple things – it’s all up to you and anything’s possible. Tip: When done, we wash these in a garment bag in the washing machine.
Learning Resources Baby Bear Counters
I could easily share 100 ways to use these. My top faves include freezing in ice (swap letters for bears), in an Insta-Snow powder sensory bin, and in a shallow tray lined with baking soda while kids squirt colored vinegar on top (kind of like this).
Learning Resources All About Me Family Counters
I wish every child has these because they’re absolute perfection. I love using these for water play, in DIY lemon boats, in the block center, a the writing center, and more. When done, we wash these in a garment bag in the washing machine.
Think Fun Zingo 1-2-3
Zingo is a blast! It’s like bingo, but with some “zing.” Zingo comes in a lot of themes, and this numbers version is perfect for your math-loving littles. The boards have two sides/levels making it wonderful for kids of many ages.
The Sneaky, Snacky Squirrel Board Game
This game is terrifically famous, and for good reason. Kids spin a spinner to fill their acorn boards all the while learning about probability, counting, comparing, predicting, and more. It’s a simple game with big-time learning.
Classroom Balance Scale
Don’t scroll past this! You might be thinking, “A scale? For kids?” and the answer is a resounding, “YES!!!!!!” Kids can use just about anything small in your home for playing, observing, and comparing weight. This thing is perfection.
Melissa & Doug Underwater Ocean Floor Puzzle
Puzzles are an easy yes for kids’ math games, and giant floor puzzles are over-the-top fun. This brand holds up wonderfully well and can be used for years and years.
Melissa & Doug Fairy Tale Castle Jumbo Jigsaw Floor Puzzle
Just like above, this puzzle brand is top-quality. This puzzle measures 2′ x 3′ with 48 pieces, making it wonderful for kids working on their own or bigger groups, too.
Easy ways to incorporate math and memory games at home
The best part about math and memory games is that they can be played anywhere! There are so many ways to integrate playful learning into daily routines.
Here are a few simple ideas:
- Use everyday objects like buttons, coins, or blocks for counting and sorting memory games.
- Create homemade number or shape matching cards to encourage recall and recognition.
- Turn snack time into a math game by having kids count and group different foods.
- Use storytelling to build memory skills—ask kids to recall numbers, patterns, or sequences in a story.
- Bring games to restaurants, on planes, to medical appointments, and more.
By weaving these activities into playtime, math becomes an exciting and natural part of a child’s daily life.
Why math and memory games are so effective
Preschoolers learn best through hands-on activities that engage multiple senses.
Memory games that incorporate numbers, shapes, and patterns help children retain information in a fun, interactive way. Instead of rote memorization, kids make meaningful connections, which improves their long-term understanding of math concepts.
Memory-based math games also encourage problem-solving and critical thinking.
When kids remember a number sequence, match shapes, or recall a pattern, they’re building essential cognitive skills that lay the foundation for future math success.
Developing spatial awareness with shapes in math and memory games for preschoolers
Memory games that involve shapes help preschoolers improve their spatial reasoning and visual memory.
Recognizing, remembering, and matching different shapes strengthens their ability to differentiate between forms, which is an important early math skill.
Understanding shapes also plays a key role in later geometry concepts.
When children engage in shape-based memory activities, they build familiarity with attributes like edges, corners, and symmetry—all of which become important in more advanced math learning.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can use household objects for counting and sorting games, create DIY number matching cards, or use memory-based board games and puzzles that involve numbers and patterns.
Yes! By making math feel fun and low-pressure, these games help children develop a positive attitude toward learning math, reducing anxiety and building confidence in their skills.
Absolutely! These games require kids to recall information, make connections, and think critically to find solutions, which are essential problem-solving skills that support math learning.
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