App
Reading Eggs
$13.99/mo(0)
Free printable crossword puzzles for kids
10-word Animals crossword puzzle with a word bank and answer key · 1 page + answer key
Explore crossword programs
Compare listed prices and grade ranges. Save favorites on this device; directory inclusion does not imply funding approval. Confirm current prices and availability with the provider.
This kids' crossword uses 10 animals with clues written for young readers: "the tallest land animal", "an animal that builds dams with its strong teeth", "a bird that hunts at night and can turn its head far around". The boxes are big enough for 2nd-grade handwriting, the clues are short, and a word bank at the bottom lists every answer.
Crosswords ask more of kids than word searches: they have to read a clue, think of the word, count the boxes and spell it right, and the crossing letters tell them when they're wrong. The word bank makes that doable for grades 1 to 3. Turn it off for older kids. Switch the theme for holidays, seasons, science or math vocabulary, or type your own words and clues.
Tips for using it
- Teach the box-count trick: if the clue says (5) and your word has 6 letters, try another word.
- Fill in the words you're sure of first. The crossing letters make the hard ones easier.
- Read the clues aloud for kids who are still building reading stamina.
Variations
All puzzles worksheets- Word scramble worksheets for kids
- Free printable word search for kids
- Free crossword puzzle maker
- Back to school crossword puzzle
- Christmas crossword puzzle
- Easter crossword puzzle
- Easy crossword puzzles printable
- Halloween crossword puzzle
- Spring crossword puzzle
- Summer crossword puzzle
- Thanksgiving crossword puzzle
- Valentine's Day crossword puzzle
Questions
At what age can kids do crossword puzzles?
Most kids can do a simple crossword with a word bank by age 6 or 7, once they read short sentences. Crosswords without a word bank fit most kids from about 8 or 9.
Are crossword puzzles good for kids?
They practice reading comprehension, vocabulary and spelling at once, because a misspelled word won't fit the crossing letters. Choose clues that match what your child is learning.
How do I check the answers?
Every puzzle includes an answer key page with each word filled in red. Turn it off in the options if you don't want it to print.