Are you on the hunt for the perfect puzzle to entertain your child and help their development? If so, we’re here to help you in your quest.
We’ve searched for the best puzzles for toddlers and kids and have narrowed our list of dozens down to these 13 unique and fun products. We selected creative, challenging, skill-building puzzles made with top-quality materials. These puzzles come highly recommended by thousands of parents and kids.
We’ve included puzzles that appeal to toddlers, preschoolers, pre-teens, and teens. We’ll highlight wooden puzzles, mega-piece jigsaws, 3D creations, and more. You may even find a few you’ll enjoy working on alongside your kids.
- 48 extra-thick cardboard pieces
- Easy-to-clean surface
- 100% happiness guarantee
- Bestselling puzzle brand worldwide
- Anti-glare surface
- Completely unique shape per piece
- Thick, durable cardboard construction
- Teaches early reading skills
- Self-correcting puzzles
- Approved ASTM & CPSIA test
- 1 board and 9 wood toy
- Safe and colorful
- Features fun animal pieces
- Eco-friendly materials
- Highly educational
- 142 puzzle pieces
- Value for money
- Easy but entertaining assembly
- Exceptional quality and value
- 24 extra-thick pieces
- 2 feet x 3 feet when complete
- Bright illustrations
- High-quality components
- Extra-large size
- Non-toxic
- No choking hazard
- Perfectly sized for toddlers' hands
Finding the Perfect Puzzle
With such a vast puzzle selection, it can be difficult to know where to start. And it can be challenging for some parents to find the right puzzle for their child’s age. We’ll help break down the process so you can find the best match for your kids.
Toddlers
Toddlers love animals, colors, textures, and new things to explore. There are many great puzzles available for this age.
However, some puzzles are designed for bigger toddlers, closer to the preschool age. These may have smaller pieces that can become a hazard or are simply too challenging for a young mind.
For young toddlers (ages 1 to 2), puzzles are typically made of wood. They usually feature a small number of large 2D or 3D pieces that your child has to figure out how to rotate to fit in place. Some puzzles are similar to a jigsaw, while others may have a board with various cutouts.
Preschoolers
Children aged 3 to 5 can easily take on more educational puzzles. This includes everything from learning the ABCs to more advanced jigsaw puzzles. There will be smaller but more numerous pieces to the puzzles.
An educational puzzle is a super fun way for your preschooler to learn words and numbers. These puzzles could be alphabet cutouts, planet puzzles, or maybe even a map.
The best thing is that your child will learn without feeling bored or forced.
Older Children
As children exit the preschool stage, puzzles will become more advanced. There are still lots of options when it comes to interesting educational puzzles. But as they get older, something more challenging, like a 1000-piece jigsaw, might be more fun.
3D puzzles are also an exciting option for older children. These can resemble animals, buildings, or other large objects. Some 3D puzzles are also quite large, so your child might see it as a huge triumph once finished. Just make sure you have enough floor space!
Product Reviews
Here are our favorite puzzles for toddlers and kids.
Melissa & Doug Solar System Puzzle
Best Puzzle for Intergalactic Fun
This extra-large floor puzzle could be just the tool for your child to get to know the solar system. The set features 48 thick pieces that are easy for children aged 3 and up to handle. The pieces also have a glossy finish that makes them easy to clean.
The artwork is incredible, and to make it even more educational, the names of the planets are listed on the puzzle as well, so spelling practice is an option too.
Ravensburger Horse Dream Puzzle
Magical Puzzle for Little Ladies
Let your child’s imagination run free as they assemble this colorful puzzle. The puzzle will show a magical unicorn, rainbow, and butterflies when finished.
The puzzle measures 14 inches by 19 inches. To make it even more girly, the puzzle pieces are decked out in glitter. It features 100 pieces — an excellent size for children ages 6 and up.
The Learning Journey Spelling Puzzle
Spelling Bee for Preschoolers
Learning to spell can be quite a challenge for some kids. Luckily, there are ways to make it accessible and less daunting.
With these self-correcting puzzles, your child has to match the pieces to form the correct words and pictures. It could be a great learning tool for children aged 4 and up.
The 20-piece set features only three-letter or four-letter words. There are also other sets available that feature uppercase and lowercase letters and even rhymes.
Gybber&Mumu Colorful Shape Puzzle
Great Choice for Young Toddlers
Young toddlers love bright colors and fun shapes. So this puzzle makes an excellent choice. It features large wooden shapes that your tot has to figure out how to place on the board.
The manufacturer created this puzzle with all the safety concerns in mind for children ages 12 months and up. The pieces are large, smooth, and painted with water-based paints, so it’s safe if your child chews on them.
Melissa & Doug Dinosaur Puzzle
Best for Prehistoric Exploration
This 60-piece puzzle is excellent for dinosaur-loving children aged 5 to 7. It features some of the most popular dinosaurs, with a volcano ready to erupt in the background.
The puzzle is made of durable cardboard. It’s an excellent way for children to use their problem-solving skills as they sort the pieces and put them together.
BeginAgain Animal Parade Puzzle
Clever Design for ABC Fun
This alphabet animal parade was designed with clever kids in mind. It features a variety of animals that hook together in an impressive display. While mom or dad could help a toddler with this one, it may be more suitable for preschoolers due to the challenging configuration.
Each animal piece is made from eco-friendly rubberwood and displays a letter. On one side, you’ll see the letter in uppercase; the other side shows the lowercase. A wooden storage case is included.
CubicFun 3D Vessel Puzzle
3D Puzzle for Brave Kids
This puzzle is a great fit for older kids ages 10 and up. These 3D puzzles are a unique challenge, and we think this is the perfect bonding project for kids to work on with their parents.
The medieval steamboat vessel is made up of over 142 EPS foam board pieces. It features a steamboat that will remind you of the Mississippi River.
One of the best parts about this puzzle is that once it’s assembled, your child will feel a great sense of achievement, boosting their confidence. In addition, they’ll have a steamboat to play with long past the assembly date.
Melissa & Doug Safari Jumbo Puzzle
Safari Fun for Adventurers
This safari-themed jigsaw puzzle features 24 pieces and stretches 2 feet by 3 feet when assembled. It presents child-friendly African artwork depicting savanna animals, such as an elephant and a giraffe.
The pieces are extra large and thick, suitable for children from 3 years. They’re also easy to keep clean due to the glossy finish.
iPlay, iLearn Wooden Solar System
Best Puzzle for Space Enthusiasts
Outer space is a mystery waiting to be explored. Your child may already be interested in stars, planets, and aliens. This unusual wooden floor puzzle appeals to kids interested in the universe outside their reach and is great for children aged 3 and up.
It features 48 large pieces that fit together to form a circle. The pieces are made out of natural, non-toxic wood. The edges are also smooth to prevent any unwanted splinters.
Joyin Toy Educational Sorting Puzzles
Skill Building for Toddlers
In this package, your toddler will receive four 3D wooden puzzles. Each one features a unique challenge with shapes and colors. These unique designs develop hand-eye coordination, counting, sorting, and stacking skills.
The wooden pieces are large, colorful, and free of toxins — making them safe for children 18 months and older.
White Mountain Candy Wrappers Jigsaw
Best Jigsaw for Advanced Puzzlers
Children aged 12 and up might like a more challenging puzzle. Something like this 1000-piece jigsaw could really test their limits and resolve.
It’s large, colorful, and decked out in brightly-colored candy wrappers. And you might just find your favorite candy among them. Parents will also get a walk down memory lane, with some old-school candy brands included.
The Learning Journey USA Map
Geography for Beginners
If you’re looking to teach your little one early geography skills, this puzzle could help. It features 40 large pieces representing the 50 U.S. states. Each state includes a landmark or fun fact, and the pieces are slightly raised for easy placing and lifting.
This puzzle is recommended for ages 3 and up, but given the content, we think older children would also greatly benefit from this one.
Ravensburger 3D World Globe Puzzle
Top Pick for Globetrotters
This amazing globe puzzle was designed for children ages 7 to 12 years. The 180 high-quality, peel-resistant pieces click into place when correctly assembled.
Once your child has completed the 3D puzzle, which is almost 8 inches in diameter, they can put it on the included display stand.
FAQs
What Kind of Puzzles are Best For Toddlers?
The best puzzles for toddlers are large, simple, and have a few pieces. Wooden peg puzzles, jumbo knob puzzles, and chunky puzzles are ideal for their small hands and developing motor skills.
When Should I Introduce Puzzles to My Toddler?
You can introduce simple puzzles to your toddler as early as one year old, starting with 2-3 piece puzzles and gradually increasing complexity based on their interest and abilities.
What are Montessori Puzzles?
Montessori puzzles are typically made of wood and designed with a self-correcting, educational purpose. They often represent real-life objects and are used to teach specific concepts or skills in a hands-on manner.
Are Wooden Puzzles Good For Toddlers?
Wooden puzzles are excellent for toddlers as they are durable, easy to handle, and often feature educational themes. They help with motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving.
What are the Benefits of Puzzles For Toddlers?
The benefits of puzzles for toddlers include improved fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, problem-solving abilities, shape recognition, and concentration. Puzzles also provide a sense of achievement and can be used to teach various concepts like colors, numbers, and letters.
Are Kids With ADHD Good at Puzzles?
Kids with ADHD can be good at puzzles, especially if the puzzles capture their interest and provide the right level of challenge. Puzzles can offer a constructive outlet for focusing attention and energy, improving problem-solving and perseverance.
