The 9 Best Puzzles for Kids to Challenge Their Brains

Jumbo, 3D, jigsaw, and more types of puzzles for kids of all ages

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Puzzles for kids we recommend on a pink background

Verywell Family / Lecia Landis

Puzzles are as entertaining as they are educational. They are an amazing tool for building hand-eye coordination, developing logic and spatial skills, and encouraging kids to enjoy screen-free time. As a bonus, they can also engage the whole family in unadulterated fun. The best puzzles are age-appropriate, durable, and come with a storage box.

To help families find the best puzzles for kids, we reviewed guidance from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) on the benefits of playing with toys, such as puzzles. We also surveyed 875 parents, asking them what toys their children enjoy playing with and how they play with them. Moreover, we asked parents what brands they like to buy from and why. We carefully considered age recommendations, material, storage, number of pieces, ease (or difficulty) of use, and value when reviewing products. 

Best Overall

Coogam Wooden Tetris Puzzle

Coogam Wooden Tetris Puzzle

Amazon

Why We Recommend It

Versatile, durable, challenging, and fun, this brain teaser puzzle is a great fit for preschoolers and up (even adults), which is why it's our top spot. If this puzzle looks familiar, it’s because it likely reminds you of the classic 1980s game “Tetris.”

The Coogam Wooden Tetris Puzzle features 40 pieces to fill the whole board in various ways, or kids can create figures, like an umbrella, flower, or fish. We love the durability of the solid wood pieces and appreciate the non-toxic paint. While this puzzle doesn’t come with a storage case, all pieces store neatly in its frame when complete.

Key Specs:

  • Age Recommendation: 3 years and up
  • Pieces: 40
  • Material: Wood

Best Educational

Melissa & Doug USA Map Floor Puzzle

Melissa & Doug USA Map Floor Puzzle

Amazon

Why We Recommend It

The Melissa & Doug USA Map Floor Puzzle has 51 pieces, is made of high-quality cardboard, and measures 3 feet x 2 feet when complete. It has great picture quality and an easy-to-clean coating that makes wiping up any accidental spills a breeze. Parents in our survey recommended several Melissa & Doug toys, including the company's puzzles, because they're durable, educational, and of high quality.

While it's for kids 6 years and older, this puzzle is informative for all ages. Younger kids will have fun putting it together, while older kids can learn the location, capital, and primary industry of all 50 states. For storage, you can simply use the box it comes in.

Key Specs:

  • Age Recommendation: 6 years old and up
  • Pieces: 51
  • Material: Cardboard

Best Personalized

SouthBendWoodworks Wooden Name Puzzle with Pegs

SouthBendWoodWorks Name Puzzle with Pegs

Etsy

Why We Recommend It

Build self-esteem, letter and name recognition, and hand-eye coordination with a personalized name puzzle. Kids will love seeing their very own names in puzzle form, especially those with unique names or spellings. Made in the USA, this all-wooden puzzle has room for up to 12 characters, all painted with colorful themes. You can even add a special engraving on the back of the puzzle for an additional cost.

Key Specs:

  • Age Recommendation: Not Listed
  • Pieces: Up to 12
  • Material: Wood

Best for Toddlers

Melissa & Doug Safari Jumbo Knob Puzzle

Melissa & Doug Safari Jumbo Knob Puzzle

Amazon

Why We Recommend It

Young toddlers will love this Melissa & Doug jumbo knob puzzle. The three safari animal puzzle pieces are made from extra-thick wood and have easy-to-grasp jumbo wooden knobs. Safe for kids ages 1 and up, this is a perfect introduction to puzzles. Little kids will love playing with the pieces and getting them into the correct places, and they can even mimic animal sounds or use puzzle pieces like cymbals to explore sounds and coordination. 

Key Specs:

  • Age Recommendation: 1 year old and up
  • Pieces: 3
  • Material: Wood

Best Interactive

GiiKER Super Slider Puzzle

GiiKER Super Slide Puzzle Games

Amazon

Why We Recommend It

Several parents in our survey recommend this brain teaser puzzle because their kids love it, and it keeps them entertained for hours. After pressing the on/off button, the LED screen will show a pattern for the game, which kids will replicate by rearranging the magnetic blocks. Once kids match the LED pattern, they’ll press another button to solve the puzzle. The goal? Slide the red block into the “sensor detector zone” to win. Bonus: This game features a mute button for quiet play. 

Key Specs:

  • Age Recommendation: 6 years old and up
  • Pieces: N/A
  • Material: Plastic

Best for Preschoolers

Melissa & Doug Wooden Jigsaw Puzzle

Melissa--doug-construction-vehicles-wooden-jigsaw-puzzle-with-storage-tray

Amazon

Why We Recommend It

A great gift for kids from 3 to 5 years old, this 48-piece puzzle offers an age-appropriate challenge. We love that this puzzle comes in its very own storage tray, so it can easily be stowed away once complete. The original artwork showcases a busy construction site with many favorite vehicles at work. To help younger kids, the wooden base has an outline of all the puzzle pieces, guiding kids to find the right piece for each spot. 

Key Specs:

  • Age Recommendation: 3 to 5 years old
  • Pieces: 48
  • Material: Wood

Best 3D

Rowood Wild Animal Wood Puzzle

Robotime Wild Animal Wood Puzzle

Harbor Freight

Why We Recommend It

Best for older kids, this 3D wooden puzzle helps develop hand-eye coordination, problem-solving skills, focus, and concentration. Plus, it will build confidence once your kiddo can show off their completed puzzle. No glue or other materials are needed as the easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions guide your child through the assembly.

If your kids aren't into the lion design, the company makes other challenging shapes, like a dinosaur, a helicopter, a shark, an owl, and a military tank. Also, it's important to note that while the puzzle costs just over $1, you do have to pay for shipping, which may range from $6.99 and up (depending on how quickly you need it).

Key Specs:

  • Age Recommendation: 8 years old and up
  • Pieces: 34 (lion)
  • Material: Wood

Best Challenging

Mudpuppy Animal Kingdom 100-Piece

Mudpuppy-animal-kingdom-100-piece-double-sided-puzzle

Amazon

Why We Recommend It

Two puzzles in one, this double-sided choice is just challenging enough, so it’s recommended for kids ages 6 and up. One side showcases illustrations of the world’s most colorful animals while the other side features black and white animals. For easier sorting, one side is glossy and the flip side is matte. We love this puzzle for kids to do alone or with friends; our only drawback is that the puzzle image doesn’t include labels identifying the animals.

Key Specs:

  • Age Recommendation: 6 years old and up
  • Pieces: 100
  • Material: Cardboard

Best Wooden

BeginAgain Animal Parade A to Z Puzzle

Beginagain-animal-parade-a-to-z-puzzle

Walmart

Why We Recommend It

This creative wooden toy is a puzzle and so much more. Introduce your kiddo to colors, animals, and the alphabet in a fun, interactive way. The 26-piece puzzle is made of animal-shaped wooden blocks that all fit together into an animal parade.

Each piece has an uppercase letter on one side and a lowercase letter on the flip side. Younger kids will enjoy playing with all the animals, and older children can be challenged to complete the parade puzzle. The beechwood storage box holds all the animals and looks bright and colorful in a playroom or displayed on a bookshelf. 

Key Specs:

  • Age Recommendation: 5 years old and up
  • Pieces: 26
  • Material: Rubberwood

How We Selected and Tested Kids' Puzzles

In order to find the best puzzles for kids, we reviewed guidance from the AAP on the benefits of play and what toys can help children learn and expand new skills. We also surveyed 875 parents, asking them what toys their children play with, how they play with them, and why they love them. Moreover, we asked parents to provide their favorite brands (Melissa & Doug was a top brand in our survey) and why their family continues to purchase from them. 

After reviewing guidance from the AAP and recommendations from parents, we researched dozens of puzzles for kids on the market. We carefully considered size, ease or difficulty of use, age recommendations, number of pieces, material, and family budgets when reviewing products.

What to Look for in Puzzles for Kids

  • Age Appropriateness: Follow the manufacturer’s age recommendation to ensure your child isn’t too young or old to complete the puzzle. For example, if a puzzle is too advanced for a child, they may become easily discouraged because of the difficulty. On the other hand, a puzzle that’s too easy may make children bored or disinterested. Most puzzles start at age 1 and up; these types of puzzles often feature large pieces, as smaller pieces can be a choking hazard. For toddlers, look for puzzles with large knobs to help develop fine motor skills. As children get older, opt for more pieces and different designs, like 3D puzzles, to offer them a challenge.
  • Durability: Puzzles for smaller children, like toddlers or preschoolers, are often made with wood a nontoxic finish should a child decide to gnaw on it. Puzzles for older kids (and with more pieces) are typically formed with cardboard. While cardboard isn’t as sturdy as solid wood, look for thicker cardboard to ensure the pieces don’t warp easily with lots of handling.
  • Storage: There’s nothing worse than losing a piece to a puzzle, especially when it’s the last piece of your puzzle. Opt for a puzzle that comes with its own storage box. Puzzles with hundreds of pieces often fit right back in the box they came in, while toddler puzzles require you to leave the puzzle pieces in their designated spots.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What puzzles should a 4-year-old be able to do?

    This is a great age to start transitioning kids from larger pieces to smaller pieces. Look for a puzzle with a clearly defined image to help them solve the puzzle, as well as those with interesting shapes, which will interest kids this age. 

  • What age can a kid do a 100-piece puzzle?

    It varies from child to child. A 5- or 6-year-old may be able to do a 100-piece puzzle, if the pieces are larger and the image is simple and clear. An older child might have a favorite 100-piece puzzle that they return to time and time again just because they like it. Since puzzles are a fun way for parents to play with their children, try doing a 100-piece puzzle together!

  • What puzzles are best for a 6-year-old?

    Six-year-olds can try using puzzles that have smaller pieces. You could task your 6-year-old with trying to solve a puzzle that has 50 or more pieces, up to about 100. Be patient with them as they make the transition from littler-kid puzzles with fewer pieces. They are also moving away from large pieces to smaller pieces. A puzzle that has a clearly defined image will be easier than one that is more abstract. Puzzles can help build confidence and independence, which are great skills for a 6-year-old to have.

Why Trust Verywell Family

Maya Polton is a former marketing manager and current freelance writer who covers food, home, and parenting. She’s also the mom of a 10-year-old son, 7-year-old son, and 3-year old daughter. Her husband is a “puzzle person” and loves to complete puzzles with (or more realistically without) help from the rest of the family. "When we do puzzles together, everyone has an age-appropriate task that’ll help us complete the puzzle," Maya says. 

Additional reporting by:

Katrina Cossey is a commerce writer, enthusiastic shopper, and devoted mom. She spent several years in broadcast journalism but found her true passion in writing about the best products for families, pregnant people, and kids of all ages. She’s researched thousands of baby products, toys, gifts, and more and personally tested many of them. In her spare time, you’ll likely find her in the beautiful outdoors of Oklahoma with her husband and 3-year-old son. Katrina's family loves Melissa & Doug puzzles because they're durable, easy to use, and always decorated with a fun theme.

1 Source
Verywell Family uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
  1. American Academy of Pediatrics. Power of play in early childhood.