Depending on their age, there are lots of different types of puzzles for kids. For example, if you’ve got a toddler, it’s best to offer chunky puzzles and shape sorters. By preschool age, though, they’ll have moved on to floor and frame puzzles. Children between the ages of five and seven can handle simple logic puzzles, along with jigsaw puzzles of up to 100 pieces. Meanwhile, those who are eight or older are ready for word puzzles, complex jigsaw puzzles (300+ pieces), and brain teasers.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at puzzles for children, including various types of puzzles for preschoolers. Along with puzzles, we’ve also included puzzle-like games. Read on to discover what puzzle types are best for your child!
1. Toddler Puzzles (Ages 1-3)
Most puzzles for toddlers are either extremely simple (for adults) or veer more into the puzzle-game category. For example, our Number Puzzle Boards & Pegs game. It’s a teaching tool and a game that becomes increasingly more difficult to provide your child with a challenge. This puzzle is meant for kids 3 and up and helps teach them numbers and basic mathematical skills.
Two and three year olds will enjoy our Little Moppet Stacking Shape Sorter! This sorter comes with 29 wooden blocks and dowels. Plus, it includes a wooden play tray. Your toddler will develop more hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills, too. Simply set them up with the colorful, various blocks and watch the magic happen.
For children one and up, we’ve got our Love in the Wild Wooden Tray Puzzle. This brightly colored puzzle encourages kids to put the eight puzzle pieces together. Once it’s completely built, it becomes two lions surrounded by a rainbow. It’s both a puzzle and a piece of art that celebrates inclusivity and acceptance.
2. Preschooler Puzzles (Ages 3-5)
Now, let’s look at the various types of puzzles for preschoolers. Your kid will be ready to advance to slightly more difficult puzzles and puzzle-like games. A perfect example can be found with our Lock Basic Puzzle. This wooden board comes with three unique locking mechanisms:
- A key
- A latch
- A hook
In other words, it teaches children how to use the most common locks that are found in your home. Even better, it will keep their attention as there are colorful animals hidden behind each lock!
Next up is our Arranging Magical Pyramids Game. This particular item works for both toddlers and preschoolers. The high-quality materials of the durable pyramid-shaped blocks will make sure your child can play with this game for a very long time! Plus, each block has different colors and patterns, which makes them perfect for sensory stimulation. There is a virtually endless list of designs they can make, too, from matching colors to building a rainbow.
Give your child the ultimate fidget toy with our Textured Tangled Jr. Featuring colorful textured sections and a bumpy surface, this toy offers endless opportunities for exploration and touch. You can even collect multiple Textured Tangled toys and connect them together! Therefore, your child can customize their fidget toy and puzzle. At the same time, they’ll enhance their range of motion and flexibility. This item also allows them to improve their focus.
3. Early Elementary Puzzles (Ages 5-7)
Your child is officially old enough to enjoy puzzles with up to 100 pieces! One prime example is our 70 pc Plus-Plus line. Not only can they build these 70-piece puzzles, but they’ll also love the fact that they’re 3D. There are currently more than 12 styles available, including a T-Rex, lion, and even a special puzzle for Halloween time! These puzzles can also be gently played with once they are built.
Teach your child about diversity with the Children of the World Puzzle. This puzzle features 100 pieces and 26 unique children’s designs. Each kid is dressed in their native country’s traditional clothing. You’ll have the chance to virtually travel the globe with your youngster, too. Visit faraway places like Australia, Norway, and Zimbabwe! This is a fantastic springboard to important conversations with your child about respecting other cultures.
EUGY provides a wide variety of 3D puzzles that will keep your kid happily occupied for hours! This collection offers more than 100 different puzzles, and it showcases real animals, extinct animals, and mythological creatures. A few top-notch examples include:
4. Elementary Puzzles (Ages 8+)
Do you have an especially bright eight-year-old who is looking for a new challenge? Our 500 piece space puzzle might be just the ticket! Before you begin worrying that it’s too big of a challenge, we should let you know that it’s a puzzle by number. In other words, your child will receive a numbered pattern. All they have to do is match the pieces with the numbers, and they’ll be able to blast off into space! You can also hang it in their room when they’re finished. No ironing or glue required.
The Chalk & Chuckles line includes their Caring Cats puzzles. For instance, they’ve got an activity puzzle that’s purpose is to make kindness easy! In fact, they’ll have to make their way through the puzzle as they perform caring acts. They’ll also get five unique pieces that are sealed in envelopes. By completing the tasks, they can uncover the hidden pieces to complete the puzzle.
Additionally, we’ve got our Safari Ltd 300 Piece Puzzles! Choose from six options, including:
- Sunrise Jubilee
- Enchanted Oak
- Sunset Splendor
- Majestic Splash
- Morning Dominion
- Harmonious Hills
Regardless of which one you choose, your child will be able to put together a vibrant puzzle that features real-life and extinct creatures. There is even one that mixes cryptids with real-life animals. Put together mothman, the yeti, and a dragon with Harmonious Hills!
Please Your Child with an Appropriate Type of Puzzle for Kids
It doesn’t matter if you’ve got a one-year-old toddler or a 10-year-old in elementary school. By using the list above, you’ll be able to find a fantastic type of puzzle for kids! By keeping their puzzles age-appropriate, they’ll have a challenge that won’t become overly difficult. This will encourage them to keep building and keep learning!
