5 fun 5th grade math activities
If you’re looking for ways to help your 5th grader enjoy math, these games are easy to prepare and fun for groups of any size and skill level!
Author
Katie Wickliff
Published:
April 2025
Key takeaways
- • 5th grade math deepens and broadens the knowledge gained in earlier grades.
- • Even though math is more complex, 5th graders still want to have fun!
- •5th grade math enrichment activities can be inexpensive, simple, and incredibly engaging!
In 5th grade math, students deepen their knowledge of fractions, decimals, and multi-step operations. In geometry, they focus on measuring volume, classifying shapes, and exploring coordinate planes. 5th grade students also strengthen critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
In short, 5th grade math combines everything students have learned in earlier grades. Since many middle schools begin in 6th grade, 5th grade students spend much time preparing for this important transition.
Even though this all sounds serious–and it is–5th graders are still little kids who love to have fun! Just like younger students, 5th graders who associate math with fun and positivity tend to do better. Games provide a low pressure environment to practice skills, helping reduce math anxiety and boost confidence. If you want to bring more fun into your homeschool or classroom, check out this list of our favorite 5th grade math activities. Let’s get started!
Fraction baseball
In this game, teams solve fraction problems to move around bases and score runs.
What You’ll Need:
Fraction task cards (simplifying, comparing, converting improper fractions to mixed numbers, identifying fractions from visuals, etc.)
Whiteboard or dry-erase marker
Baseball diamond drawn with chalk, tape, or pencil (size can vary)
How to Play:
Sort the task cards into single, double, triple, and home run categories based on difficulty.
Divide students into two teams.
Designate a pitcher to read fraction problems to the batting team.
Batting team selects a difficulty level, and the pitcher reads a fraction problem from that category.
Correct answers allow the student to advance bases; incorrect answers result in an “out.”
Each team continues batting until three outs.
Teams score runs by completing a full lap around the bases.
The team with the most runs after a set number of innings wins.
This activity is perfect for hands-on fraction practice and encourages teamwork and friendly competition.
Math jeopardy
This Jeopardy-style trivia game is an extremely fun way to review math concepts–my students loved this one! Math Jeopardy can be used over and over again with different topics.
What You’ll Need:
Math questions and answers, sorted by category and difficulty
Jeopardy template (digital or physical)
Whiteboard or digital display
How to Play:
Complete your Jeopardy board with categories (e.g., addition, subtraction, measurement).
Assign point values (100–500) to indicate difficulty.
Students can play individually or in teams.
Teams select a point value, and the teacher reads the corresponding question.
Correct answers earn points; the team with the highest score wins.
Many free Jeopardy templates are available online, making setup easy and repeatable.
Make 24!
In this game, students use playing cards and their knowledge of the four operations (+, –, x, ÷) to make 24.
What You’ll Need:
Playing cards or UNO cards (numbers only)
Pencil/paper or whiteboard/dry-erase markers
How to Play:
Place the cards face down in front of each team.
Each team draws four cards and lays them face up.
Use all four numbers once with any operations to make 24.
Example: If students draw 6, 6, 2, 2:
6 × 2 = 12, 6 × 2 = 12, 12 + 12 = 24
Encourage students to write down solutions or use manipulatives.
First team to find a correct solution wins the round.
For beginners, allow only two operations or fewer.
Set a timer for solo play challenges.
Online math activities
While tons of games and activities don’t require the internet, sometimes kids have the most fun with online math challenges, games, and activities. Online programs are also a great way to keep practicing skills while traveling. If that sounds like your student, check out DreamBox, an award-winning online math program. Dreambox can personalize a program tailored to your child’s current level, learning style, and individual interests.
Math relay
Math Relay is a great game to get kids moving! Teams compete to solve math problems at different stations. If you’re working with one student or a small group, this game is easily adaptable.
What You’ll Need:
Math task cards
Pencils or recording paper
Tape or chalk for relay lines
How to Play:
Create stations with different math problems.
Divide students into teams with mixed abilities.
Teams line up at the start line.
On “Go!”, the first player runs to station 1 and solves the problem.
Correct answers allow the player to return and tag the next teammate.
The first team to finish all stations correctly wins.
Adaptations:
Use a stopwatch for small groups or individual students for a timed challenge.
This activity is ideal for kinesthetic learners and review sessions.
Table of contents
FAQs
Teachers, homeschoolers, and parents can make math fun for 5th graders by incorporating a variety of games and activities into their learning. When kids reach 5th grade, math becomes more complex and requires students to apply prior knowledge to understand new and deeper concepts. Games provide a low stress way to reinforce these skills and build confidence.
About the Author
Katie Wickliff
Katie holds a master’s degree in Education, has over 15 years of education experience as a primary classroom teacher, and is Orton-Gillingham certified tutor. Most importantly, Katie is the mother of two primary school students, ages 8 and 11. She is passionate about maths education and firmly believes that the right tools and support will help every student reach their full potential.