25+ Fun Counting Activities for Preschoolers: Make Learning Numbers a Blast!
Are you looking for creative ways to introduce Counting to your little ones? Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, these 25+ Fun Counting Activities for Preschoolers will turn learning numbers into an exciting adventure! From counting activities to number games, these ideas are perfect for kindergarteners and preschoolers alike. Let’s dive in and make math fun!
Why Counting Math Activities Matter
Math doesn’t have to be boring! For young kids, hands-on activities and play-based learning are the best ways to build a strong foundation in numbers, counting, and problem-solving. These games and activities are designed to be simple, engaging, and educational—perfect for little learners.
30+ Fun Counting Activities for Preschoolers
Here’s a mix of counting activities, number games, and math games that will keep your kids entertained while they learn:
1. Count & Clip Cards
Source: Count & Clip Cards
Print number cards featuring images of vegetables. Kids count the objects on each card and clip a clothespin to the correct number. This game enhances counting skills, number recognition, and fine motor coordination.
2. Ice Cream Scoop Counting Activity
Source: DIY IceCream Scoop Counting Activity With Free Printables
Cut out paper ice cream scoops and cones with numbers written on them. Kids stack the scoops on cones in the correct order, reinforcing counting and number sequencing.
3. Apple Tree Counting Activity
Source: Apple Counting Activity – Free Printables
Draw or print a tree with number spots on it. Kids “pick” apples by counting and placing them on the number spots. You can also create a Velcro version where they attach apples to the correct number spot on the tree.
4. DIY Math Pizza
Source: Learn To Count: How To Make DIY Math Pizza
Make a paper pizza with different toppings, and base, labeled with numbers. Kids match and place the toppings slice on each base. This game strengthens counting skills and introduces simple addition.
5. Number Hunt in a Sensory Bin
Source: Number Hunt in a Sensory Bin
Fill a bin with water, rice, beans, or sand and hide small numbered objects inside. Kids dig through and match the numbers they find to a chart or call them out. Sensory play combined with math makes learning extra engaging!
6. Counting Rhymes
Sing classic rhymes like “Five Little Ducks” or “Ten in the Bed” while using free printable or finger puppets or toys along with it. These rhymes make counting fun and memorable for preschoolers.
7. Counting with Pompoms
Give kids tweezers and a bowl of colorful pompoms. Have them pick up and count the pompoms, sorting them into numbered sheet. This activity improves counting, color recognition, and fine motor skills.
Source: 10 Innovative PomPom Activities To Play With Your Little Ones!
Use numbered paper cones and pompoms as scoops. Kids place the correct number of pompoms on each cone, reinforcing counting and one-to-one correspondence.
8. Count with Blocks
Stack or place blocks into sheet and count how many blocks on the numbered blocks on sheet.
Source: 10 Building Blocks Activity Bonanza For Your Little Architects
Use blocks or LEGO to create a small city on a free printable sheet with numbers. Kids can also compare towers to see which is taller or shorter, introducing basic measurement concepts. This encourages counting in a fun and imaginative way.
9. Count with Spy Sheets
Source: I Spy Sheets Archive
Create a spy-themed worksheet. Kids use a magnifying glass to find, circle, and count them. This activity makes number counting more exciting.
10. Counting with Buttons
Source: 10 Engaging Button Activity Ideas For Kids
Provide kids with a variety of buttons. They sort them by color, size, or shape, then count how many are in each category. Sorting and counting together build early math skills.
11. Cookie Jar Counting Activity
Source: Cookie Jar Counting Activity For Kindergarten – Free Printable
Print a cookie jar template and small paper cookies with different numbers of chocolate chips. Kids count the chips and match them to the correct numbered jar. This game makes counting deliciously fun!
12. Feed the Shark Math Game
Source: Feed The Shark – Fun Math Game For Preschoolers With FREE Printable
Create a shark from a cardboard box and cut out a mouth. Kids “feed” it fish labeled with numbers, rolling the dice or saying the number aloud as they drop it in. This hands-on game strengthens counting skills and number recognition.
13. Counting Spider Legs
Source: Counting Spider Legs Activity For Preschoolers – Free Printable
Download FREE Printable and make a spider with it. Cover the centre with transparent cello tape. Write a number (e.g., 1, 2, 3, etc.) in the white circle using a write-and-wipe pen. Offer your child a set of clothespins and ask them to attach the corresponding number of “legs” to the spider.
More Simple Counting Activities for Kids
Write a number sequence on a whiteboard or paper, leaving some numbers blank. Kids identify and fill in the missing numbers, reinforcing number order and problem-solving.
Number Line Hop
Draw a number line on the floor using chalk or tape. Call out numbers, and kids hop to the correct spot. This activity helps with number recognition and physical coordination.
Counting with Stickers
Provide a sheet with numbers written on it and a pack of stickers. Kids place the correct number of stickers next to each number. It’s a simple yet fun way to practice counting.
Roll and Count Dice Game
Roll a die and count the dots. Kids can move that many spaces on a board or collect the same number of small objects. It’s great for number recognition and simple math operations.
Shape Sorting and Counting
Give kids different cutout shapes and ask them to sort them by type. Then, have them count how many of each shape they have. This activity strengthens both shape recognition and counting skills.
Counting with Nature
Source: Nature Scavenger Color Hunt
Go outside and collect leaves, rocks, or sticks. Kids count them and sort by size or color. Nature-based activities make learning math more engaging and hands-on.
Number Bingo
Make bingo cards with numbers instead of letters. Call out numbers, and kids mark them on their cards. The first to complete a row wins! This game improves number recognition in a fun way.
Counting with Playdough
Roll playdough into balls and count them. You can also use number stamps to press into the dough, combining sensory play with math learning.
Counting with Finger Paint
Dip fingers in paint and make dots on paper. Kids count the dots as they go, turning math into a creative art activity.
Number Puzzles
Create simple puzzles where kids match numbers to corresponding pictures or groups of objects. This reinforces number recognition and one-to-one counting.
Counting with Flashcards
Use flashcards with numbers and pictures. Kids count the objects and say the number aloud, strengthening their counting and speaking skills.
Counting with LEGO
Build LEGO towers and count the bricks. Challenge kids to build towers of a specific number, combining counting with hands-on construction.
Counting with Beads
String beads onto pipe cleaners and count them. You can also create simple patterns with the beads for an added challenge.
Counting with a Number Wheel
Make a spinning wheel with numbers. Kids spin the wheel and count objects to match the number they land on.
Counting with a Ten Frame
Use a ten frame (a grid of 10 squares) and place counters inside. Kids practice counting, adding, and subtracting using the visual frame.
Sorting & Counting Cup Game
Fill cups with small objects like buttons or beans. Kids count the objects in each cup and sort them by quantity.
Let’s Make Math Fun!
With these 25+ Fun Math Counting Activities for Preschoolers, learning numbers has never been more exciting! Whether you’re counting chocolate chips on cookies or building a city with blocks, these activities will spark a love for math in your little ones.
So, grab your supplies, download printables, and start counting! Share your favorite math games in the comments—I’d love to hear how your kids are enjoying them.
Happy counting!