Yes. No sign-up, and you can make as many crosswords as you like.

How many words can I use?

From 3 to 12 words, each 2 to 13 letters. Clues can be up to 60 characters.

Why was a word left out?

Every word must cross another one, so a word that shares no letters with the rest (or only very short words) sometimes can’t fit. The maker tells you before you download: press New puzzle to try again, or swap the word.

Can I print it in black and white?

Yes: black and white prints the picture clues as outlines to colour in and uses much less ink.

Do you keep the words or my child’s name?

No. They are used to make your PDF, which goes straight to your download.

Where do the sight word and spelling lists come from?

The sight words are the Dolch lists (public domain). The spelling lists are the common exception words and statutory word lists for Years 1 to 6 in the National Curriculum in England, used under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

Free crossword maker for kids

Type your words (with your own clues, if you like) or pick a ready-made list, and print a crossword with a page of answers. Picture clues for young children, mixed-up letters for spelling practice, and three levels. Free, with no sign-up.

Start from a list

The words (3 to 12, one per line; add a clue after a colon, like "sun: it shines in the day")

9 words · 0 with your clues, 9 with a picture, the rest get their letters mixed up to solve

Title (optional)

Child's name (optional)

On the Name line.

Level

Letters:

Print in:

Paper:

Free, no sign-up. The words and name are used to make your PDF and aren't kept.

What makes these different

Clues that suit the child

Type your own clue after a colon ("sun: it shines in the day"). Words with a picture get the picture as the clue. Any other word gets its letters mixed up to solve, which is good spelling practice.

Three levels

Warm-up gives the first letter of every word and a box of words to use. Challenge keeps the box of words. Expert has only the clues.

Fitted together properly

Every word crosses another, letters only touch where words cross, and the grid is kept as small and square as it can be.

Squares big enough to write in

If the clues would squeeze the squares, they get a page of their own.

Answers every time

The last page is the finished crossword, with every answer listed.

Getting the most from a crossword

Start with pictures

For children who are learning to read, a picture list (animals, fruit, transport) turns the crossword into a spelling game: see the picture, count the squares, write the word.

Spelling practice

With a spelling list and no clues, every clue is the word with its letters mixed up. Children unscramble it, then check the squares.

Write your own clues

Clues written by you (or by an older child for a younger one) are the best way to talk about what words mean.

Warm-up first

Start at Warm-up. When the first letters feel too easy, move to Challenge, then Expert.

Also free: the word search maker (same words, one click), the name tracing maker, and printable sight word and CVC word worksheets.

Questions

Is it really free?: Yes. No sign-up, and you can make as many crosswords as you like.
How many words can I use?: From 3 to 12 words, each 2 to 13 letters. Clues can be up to 60 characters.
Why was a word left out?: Every word must cross another one, so a word that shares no letters with the rest (or only very short words) sometimes can’t fit. The maker tells you before you download: press New puzzle to try again, or swap the word.
Can I print it in black and white?: Yes: black and white prints the picture clues as outlines to colour in and uses much less ink.
Do you keep the words or my child’s name?: No. They are used to make your PDF, which goes straight to your download.
Where do the sight word and spelling lists come from?: The sight words are the Dolch lists (public domain). The spelling lists are the common exception words and statutory word lists for Years 1 to 6 in the National Curriculum in England, used under the Open Government Licence v3.0.