Word search maker for kids

Tips for a great word search for kids

Young children are still learning to read left to right and top to bottom, so the best first word searches only use those two directions. This page starts on the Easy setting: words run across and down, never backwards or diagonally, and the grid is small enough that every letter prints large.

Keep the word count low — about one word for every ten squares. A 10 × 10 grid with 8 to 12 short words is ideal for ages 4–7; by age 8 most children can handle 12 × 12 with diagonals switched on. Lowercase letters can help pre-readers who learned print letters first.

Use the words your child is already practicing: this week's sight words, names of family members, or a theme they love such as dinosaurs or trucks. Recognising a familiar word inside a jumble of letters is real reading practice, not just a game.

Recommended settings

• Easy level: across and down only
• 8–12 words for ages 4–7
• Try lowercase for pre-readers
• Print the answer key for helpers

How to make a word search

1. Type your words. Enter a title and your word list — one word or phrase per line, or separated by commas. Up to 60 words.
2. Choose the difficulty. Easy hides words across and down, Medium adds diagonals, Hard adds backwards words and Expert also uses decoy letters. Pick a grid size or leave it on Auto.
3. Check the answer key. Switch to the Answer key tab to see every word circled. Click New layout for a different arrangement of the same words.
4. Print, save or play. Click Print / Save PDF for the puzzle on page 1 and the answer key on page 2, download a PNG, or click Play online.

FAQ