Multiplication Games for Kids: 10 Ideas That Stick
Drilling the times table gets tiring. Games turn memorization into fun — here are ten proven options.
Game 1 — The finger trick for nines
The classic trick: fold down the finger matching the multiplier, tens on the left, ones on the right. 9×7 — fold the seventh finger, left shows 6, right shows 3 — answer 63.
Game 2 — Lightning flashcards
30 cards with multiplication problems, time the full deck. Try to beat your own record every day.
Game 3 — Multiplication bingo
A card with answer numbers, the leader calls out problems (7×8), the child covers 56. First to cover a full row wins.
Game 4 — Jump multiplication
Numbers on the floor. Call a problem — the child jumps to the correct answer. Movement locks in memory better than sitting at a desk.
Game 5 — The multiplication store
"4 bags of 6 apples — how many total?" Real-world purchases motivate more than abstract problems.
Game 6 — Who answers first
Parent and child solve the same problem out loud at the same time. Competition speeds things up.
Game 7 — Missing number
7×?=42 — the child finds the missing factor. Trains division through multiplication at the same time.
Game 8 — Table puzzle
A cut-up times table — the child reassembles it, recalling the number order.
Game 9 — Dice multiplication
Roll two dice, multiply the results. First to 50 points total wins.
Game 10 — Family quiz night
Every dinner — 5 problems around the table. Regularity beats one long weekly session.
FAQ
How long should multiplication games run each day?
10-15 minutes daily works better than one hour a week.