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7 Best Puzzles for Kids – Mind Expanding & Fun (2025 Reviews)

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If you’re looking for a fun indoor activity that’ll get your child off the screen, a puzzle is a great choice. Not only do they have many educational and developmental benefits for kids, but they’re also a lot of fun!

Puzzles come in a wide range of styles, sizes, shapes, materials, and designs. Trying to choose one for your child can be challenging, especially when there are thousands of options. I’ve collected the 7 best kids’ puzzles for every skill level to help you find one that your child will love.

The Best Puzzles for Kids

  • 1. Melissa & Doug USA Map Floor Puzzle

    (Most educational — $)

    Why it’s great: This 51-piece floor puzzle is great for kids of all ages. The pieces are made of high-quality cardboard, and the puzzle is extra-large, making it easier for younger kids to put together. While they’re having fun finding the right shapes, they’ll also learn the shapes and locations of all 50 states, making this super informative and educational. Each state also shows the capital city and has a picture that shows something the state is known for.

    Keep in mind: This is recommended for ages 6 and up but can probably be done by younger kids with help.

    Good for: Parents who want a fun and educational puzzle for their kids.

    Melissa & Doug USA Map Floor Puzzle

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 2. Ravensburger Realm of the Giants 200 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle

    (Best for older kids — $$)

    Why it’s great: This giant 200 piece puzzle is made with extra-thick cardboard, so it’s durable and sturdy. Each piece is completely unique in shape, making it easier for kids to figure out where each fits. The dinosaurs and vibrant colors make it easy for kids to find where each piece goes while offering a stunning picture when it’s all done. Ravensburger puzzles are all highly-rated, and this one has earned even more stars than most.

    Keep in mind: This is a little more difficult puzzle, so it’s best for kids ages 8 and up.

    Good for: Older kids who want a fun and challenging puzzle.

    Ravensburger Realm of the Giants 200 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 3. Coogam Wooden Hexagon Puzzle

    (Best brain teaser — $)

    Why it’s great: This is a puzzle and a brain teaser all in one. It comes with a wooden frame and wooden pieces in different sizes and shapes. It also comes with a card showing 60 different challenges for your child to figure out. This puzzle offers endless options and fun while helping your child to problem solve and increase their logical thinking and spatial awareness. The challenges come in five levels of difficulty for all ages starting at three years old and into adulthood.

    Keep in mind: This can be pretty challenging and cause younger kids to get frustrated, so it’s best if you can be there to help them think it through until they get the hang of it.

    Good for: Kids and adults who love puzzles and brain teasers.

    Coogam Wooden Hexagon Puzzle

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 4. Mudpuppy Cats and Dogs Double-Sided Puzzle

    (Best 2-in-1 — $$)

    Why it’s great: This adorable puzzle is actually two-in-one. The puzzle is double-sided, with a different picture and design on each side, challenging your child to figure out each side individually and offering double the fun. The pieces are made with recycled materials, with one side glossy and one side matte, so your child can easily figure out which side is which when they’re putting it together. This puzzle comes in three different designs, so you can choose the combo that you think your child will like the best.

    Keep in mind: It doesn’t have the names or labels for the animals in the puzzle, which would have made it an even better educational tool.

    Good for: Kids ages 6 and up who want a challenging puzzle that they can do multiple times.

    Mudpuppy Cats and Dogs Double-Sided Puzzle

    View on Amazon.com ➜

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  • 5. Melissa & Doug Underwater Ocean Floor Puzzle

    (Best for younger kids — $)

    Why it’s great: While this puzzle features 48 pieces, it’s suitable for kids as young as 3 years old. The pieces are made of extra-thick cardboard to withstand youngsters’ rough abuse, and they’re easy to wipe clean and keep looking brand new. They’re also jumbo-sized, making them easier for little ones to handle. This is a floor puzzle, so your child can do this puzzle anywhere without having to clear table space. It comes in a variety of designs, including this beautiful underwater theme.

    Keep in mind: This is meant for young kids ages 3-6, so it may not be challenging enough for older kids.

    Good for: Toddlers and preschoolers who are ready to start doing large puzzles.

    Melissa & Doug Underwater Ocean Floor Puzzle

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 6. Rainforest Search & Find Puzzle

    (Most Versatile — $$)

    Why it’s great: This gorgeous puzzle features all kinds of rainforests animals that your child will love putting together. It has 64 pieces that are easy to fit together for little kids. You can choose from a few different themes if your child doesn’t like the rainforest, and each puzzle comes with a field guild that identifies each creature in the puzzle, making it an excellent educational resource. Plus, after your child completes the puzzle, there are also 40 objects for your child to search and find, making this a fun and versatile toy.

    Keep in mind: The search and find is pretty easy, so older kids won’t find it as fun.

    Good for: Kids ages 4 and up who love puzzles and finding hidden objects.

    Rainforest Search & Find Puzzle

    View on Amazon.com ➜

  • 7. Ravensburger Disney Frozen 2 Castle - 216 Piece 3D Jigsaw Puzzle

    (Best 3D — $$$)

    Why it’s great: If you’ve got an older child or teen who’s looking for a very challenging puzzle, a 3D puzzle is just what you need. This 216-piece puzzle has easy-click pieces that fit together perfectly to build this amazing 3D castle. It’s highly durable and meant to be displayed once it’s built. Each piece is numbered to help your child figure out where it goes. The best part: this is Anna and Elsa’s castle from Frozen! Your child will love seeing their favorite characters in their own environment, painted into life on different parts of the castle.

    Keep in mind: This is recommended for ages 12 and up, so it’s going to be pretty hard for younger kids.

    Good for: Teens who are looking for a fun 3D puzzle to build.

    Ravensburger Disney Frozen 2 Castle - 216 Piece 3D Jigsaw Puzzle

    View on Amazon.com ➜

Best Overall

Melissa & Doug USA Map Floor Puzzle

The Melissa & Doug USA Map Floor Puzzle is our overall top recommendation. It's the highest quality product we have found with the most affordable price making it the best value on our list..

Melissa & Doug USA Map Floor Puzzle

View on Amazon.com ➜

FAQs about Kids’ Puzzles

  • 1. What are the benefits of getting my child a puzzle?

    Puzzles offer a variety of benefits to both kids and adults alike. It helps improve concentration, hand-eye coordination, and fine motor skills. It also teaches children shape recognition, spatial awareness, and problem-solving skills. Not only that, but puzzles are a lot of fun and a great activity to do as a family.

  • 2. At what age can my child start doing puzzles?

    Kids can start doing puzzles as early as they are able to grip objects and sit up. Just make sure that the puzzles you choose for your child are age-appropriate.

  • 3. How many pieces should a kids’ puzzle have?

    The size and number of pieces you should get for your child’s puzzle will depend on their age and skill level. From 0-2 years old, you’ll want jumbo knob puzzles with 3-10 pieces. From 2-3 years old, you can bump up to 8-20 pieces depending on their skill level. 3-5-year-olds can do 20-60 pieces. Try the smaller ones first and progressively move to larger ones as your child’s skill develops. At 6 years old, your child should be able to master regular jigsaw puzzles. The number of pieces you choose will depend on their skill level, but the sky is the limit.

  • 4. How can I get my child interested in doing puzzles?

    The best way to get your child interested in doing puzzles is to do them with them. Kids love spending quality time with their parents and will run to join you if you sit down to do a puzzle. It also helps to pick puzzles with fun designs and themes that your child enjoys. Pick their favorite characters or animals, and your child is sure to join in the fun.

  • 5. What should I look for in a kids’ puzzle?

    After you’ve made sure that you’re looking at age-appropriate puzzles, the next thing you’ll want to consider is durability. Kids are tough on their toys, so you need puzzle pieces that won’t easily bend or break while they’re putting them together. Storage is also something to consider. Make sure the puzzle you choose comes in a sturdy box or has some other durable means of storage when not in use.

Conclusion

Puzzles are one of the best toys for kids because they’re both fun and educational. Whether you choose a puzzle with an educational theme or not, your child is still developing new skills and growing as they work.

Whether you’re looking for a beginner puzzle or something that’ll really push your child, you should be able to find the right choice on this list. The options are endless, from wooden puzzles and floor puzzles to double-sided or 3D puzzles.