15 Math Games to Play in the Car (No Supplies Needed)
Why Car Time Is Math Time
You're stuck in the car anyway. Kids are bored. Why not sneak in some math practice?
These games require zero supplies and work for various ages. Pick what fits your family.
Counting Games (Ages 3-6)
1. Count the Colors Pick a color. Count how many cars of that color you see. First to 10 wins, then pick a new color.
2. I Spy Numbers "I spy a number on a sign that shows how many days in a week." (7) Let them look for it.
3. Counting Songs Sing counting songs with variations. "Five little monkeys jumping on the bed" — but start with 10 monkeys for more counting practice.
Addition & Subtraction Games (Ages 5-9)
4. License Plate Addition Add the digits on license plates. "ABC 247 — what's 2 + 4 + 7?" First to answer gets a point.
5. Number Stories "Three birds were on a fence. Two more landed. Then one flew away. How many are there now?"
6. Twenty Questions (Math Edition) "I'm thinking of a number between 1 and 20. It's less than 15. It's more than 10. It's odd." Let them guess.
Multiplication Games (Ages 7-11)
7. License Plate Multiplication Same as addition, but multiply two of the digits. "In 247, what's 2 × 4?"
8. Buzz Count up together, but replace multiples of a chosen number with "buzz." For 3s: "1, 2, buzz, 4, 5, buzz, 7, 8, buzz..." Miss one and start over.
9. Times Table Challenge Take turns giving multiplication problems. Keep score by counting correct answers.
Mental Math Games (Ages 8+)
10. Chain Math "Start with 5. Add 3. Double it. Subtract 4. What do you have?" Make chains longer as they get better.
11. Estimation Game "How many minutes until we get there?" Check who's closest. Try distance, speed, or arrival times.
12. Price Is Right Name items and guess prices. "How much does a gallon of milk cost?" Closest without going over wins.
Logic Games (All Ages)
13. What Comes Next? "2, 4, 6, 8... what comes next?" Start simple, get trickier. "1, 4, 9, 16..." (square numbers)
14. Greater or Less "Is 47 greater than or less than 52?" Quick-fire questions. Good for number sense.
15. Story Problems Make up word problems based on what you see. "That truck has 18 wheels. If each axle has 2 wheels, how many axles?" Let them make some up too.
Tips for Car Math Success
Keep it playful. Stop if it feels like school.
Mix easy and hard. Success keeps them engaged.
Let them give YOU problems. Kids love stumping parents.
Use natural moments. "That sign says the exit is in 3 miles. We're going 60 mph. How many minutes?"
Don't correct harshly. Wrong answers are learning opportunities.
Make It a Routine
The best math practice is consistent. Make one game "your thing" for car rides. Kids will start asking to play.
Even 10 minutes of mental math a few times a week builds fluency that shows up in school.
More Practice When You're Home
When you're back at home, continue the practice: