Word Searches for Kids

A word search asks a child to hold a word in mind and look for its exact spelling among a grid of letters, which is good practice for spelling, letter patterns and careful looking. Because each puzzle here is built from one topic, it doubles as vocabulary review: sight words for new readers, prefixes and suffixes, science terms such as erosion or habitats, and words in Spanish and French.

Easy puzzles have short words that run only across and down. Medium and hard puzzles add longer words and diagonal and backward ones. Choose a grade to see the puzzles for that year, and read the words aloud together before the hunt starts. Every puzzle prints free, with an answer key for grown-ups.