Winter word search
10 free word searches to print, each with its own answer key PDF. Easy ones come first.
All 10 word searches
Winter clothes word search
K and grade 1 (ages 5-6)
Snow day word search
K and grade 1 (ages 5-6)
Penguin word search
K and grade 1 (ages 5-6)
Snowman parts word search
K and grade 1 (ages 5-6)
Arctic animals word search
Grades 2 and 3 (ages 7-8)
Winter sports word search
Grades 2 and 3 (ages 7-8)
Cozy winter word search
Grades 2 and 3 (ages 7-8)
Winter weather word search
Grades 2 and 3 (ages 7-8)
Animals in winter word search
Grade 4 and up (ages 9+)
Winter challenge word search
Grade 4 and up (ages 9+)
Make a word search with your own words
Teachers can type a class word list, such as this week's spelling words, and print a copy for everyone. Add an AI picture of any subject, in your own illustration style.
About these word searches
These ten winter word searches cover snowy days, warm clothes, penguins, Arctic animals and the ways animals cope with cold weather. Every puzzle includes a picture from our coloring library. Start with six short words in an easy grid, or choose a longer list for children who already enjoy word searches.
Easy puzzles use an 8 by 8 grid and words only go across or down. Medium puzzles use a 12 by 12 grid and add diagonal words. Hard puzzles use a 15 by 15 grid, with some words running backwards. The word list stays beside each grid, and the answer key is a separate download so it stays out of a child's worksheet.
They are free for personal and classroom use. Read the license.
Printing and playing tips
- Read the word list together before searching. A new reader can look for a word's first letter, then check the letters beside it.
- For a winter science lesson, use the Arctic animals or animals in winter puzzle. Penguins live in the Southern Hemisphere, so they have their own puzzle.
- Print at 100% or Fit to page on Letter or A4. A pencil makes words easy to circle, and crayons can finish the picture afterwards.
Which grades they suit
K and grade 1 (ages 5-6): easy puzzles such as the winter clothes word search. Their words only run across or down.
Grades 2 and 3 (ages 7-8): medium puzzles such as the arctic animals word search, with words on a slant as well.
Grade 4 and up (ages 9+): hard puzzles such as the animals in winter word search. Words run every way, including backwards.
Questions and answers
Are these winter word searches free?
Yes. Print copies for home, classrooms, winter clubs or a snow day. You do not need an account.
Which puzzles suit beginning readers?
Winter clothes, snow day, penguin and snowman parts each have six short words going across and down only.
How do I download a winter puzzle's answers?
Use the Answer key (PDF) button beneath the puzzle. Your separate teacher copy shows where every word is hidden.
Are these Christmas puzzles?
No. These puzzles use winter weather, animals and activities, so they work through January and February too. See the Christmas word searches
Can I use my own winter vocabulary?
Yes. The word search maker takes a list you type, such as this week's spelling words. Make a word search