Mini Sudoku for Kids
Sudoku puzzles for kids follow similar rules to traditional Sudoku grids, but they are smaller, making them easier for children to solve. We offer 4x4 and 6x6 options in easy and hard difficulty levels. Play with your kids online or print our free Sudoku worksheets below to help them practice their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. You can also always play classic Sudoku.
Kids Sudoku Rules
In 4x4 Sudoku, fill in the blank cells so that each row, column, and block contains the numbers 1 through 4 without repeats. 6x6 Sudoku follows the same rules, but uses numbers 1 through 6 and has 32 cells instead of 16.
At the beginning of each Sudoku game, some cells have numbers in them. These are called givens. The more givens, the easier the logic puzzle is to solve. Easy 4x4 Sudoku has more givens and is great for beginners and young kids, ages 4 to 6. Hard 6x6 Sudoku has a larger grid and fewer givens, making it more suitable for upper elementary students.
How to Teach Kids Sudoku
Sudoku is great for kids who love brain teasers and logic games. While it uses numbers, no math is involved, and you can even play with shapes or colors instead. When introducing number puzzles to kids, these tips can help.
- Choose the right difficulty level. Easy Sudoku puzzles may seem boring, while overly difficult ones can lead to frustration. Each child is different, so choose a grid that is slightly challenging, but achievable.
- Explain the rules simply. Use plain language like, "Each row, column, and block must have numbers 1 through 4 without repeats in each section." Advanced terminology isn’t needed for these puzzles.
- Use counting to find missing numbers. Encourage kids to count which numbers are in a row, column, or block. This can make it easier for them to identify what’s missing.
- Practice together. It can be helpful to solve puzzles together and explain the reasoning as you go.
Free Kids Sudoku Printables
In addition to online games, we offer numerous printable Sudoku puzzles.
You can access hundreds of other free printables on our free Sudoku printables page. Simply choose the number of puzzles per page, difficulty level, set, and if you’d like solutions.
If your child outgrows kids puzzles, level up to easy 9x9 grids. They are a great way to encourage logical thinking and a fun way to pass the time!