Printable word search puzzles for kids, free to download and print on US Letter paper. There are 16 puzzles in two levels. Each one has a theme, a list of words to find and a solutions page at the end of the PDF. No sign-up, no email.
In brief
- Easy: 8 puzzles on 8×8 grids, six words each. The themes are animals, fruit, colors, school, weather, farm, ocean and toys. Words go across and down only.
- Medium: 8 puzzles on 12×12 grids, ten words each. The themes are space, dinosaurs, sports, jungle, kitchen, nature, science and countries. Words go across, down and diagonally down to the right.
- Solutions are on the last two pages of each PDF.
Word search for kids: the printable PDFs
Two PDFs, ten pages each: eight puzzles and two pages of solutions.
Easy word search PDF (ages 5 to 7)
8 puzzles, 8×8 grids, 6 words each
Medium word search PDF (ages 8 to 11)
8 puzzles, 12×12 grids, 10 words each
Print on US Letter paper at 100%, with no scaling. A pencil works best for circling, and a highlighter makes the solution easy to check.
Which level to choose
As a rough guide, the Easy puzzles suit kindergarten and first grade, when children are learning to read short words. The grids are small and words never run diagonally or backward, so the eye has a simple path to follow. The Medium puzzles are a better fit from about third grade, with longer words and diagonals. Second graders can try either: start with Easy and move on when the first puzzles feel quick. Every child is different, so start with the level that feels fun and not frustrating.
How to use word searches with kids
- Look for the first word together. Once a child sees how it works, they usually want to go on alone.
- Read each word out loud before searching for it. It turns the puzzle into a small reading and spelling exercise.
- Use the themes. An animal puzzle fits a lesson on farms or pets, and the space and science puzzles go well with school topics.
- Keep a few for waiting rooms, car rides and rainy afternoons. All you need is a pencil.
- Let older children make their own: pick six words, write them in a grid and fill the gaps with random letters.
Frequently asked questions
Are the word searches free?
Yes. They are free to download and print, and you do not need to register.
What paper size are the PDFs?
US Letter, 8.5 by 11 inches.
Are the solutions included?
Yes. Every PDF ends with two pages of solutions, with the hidden words highlighted.
How hard are the Medium puzzles?
They are 12×12 grids with ten words each. Words go across, down and diagonally down to the right, and never backward.
Keep exploring
Try the riddles for kids, print a few coloring pages or browse all the tools in School.