Picture Word Search for Preschool and Kindergarten
Updated November 2026 · 10 free printables
Easy picture word searches for kids who are just starting to read: an 8 by 8 grid with big letters and six to eight short words, each shown with a colored picture. The words only go across and down, so little eyes know where to look.
Say the word together, point to its first letter, then hunt for it in the grid. Themes: farm animals, pets, under the sea, bugs, fruit, toys, things that go, sweet treats, winter and Christmas.
At a glance
- Pages
- 10 free printables, one PDF each
- Ages
- 3 to 6
- Levels
- Pre-K, Kindergarten
- Answer keys
- on page 2 of every PDF
- Paper
- US Letter and A4
- Price
- free, no sign-up needed to download
All 10 Picture Word Search for Preschool and Kindergarten, One by One
Here is a closer look at every page in this collection, with who it's best for and a coloring idea for each one. 2 of them belong to a smaller theme and are described there instead.
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1. Picture Word Search: Farm Animals
A free printable picture word search: farm animals for kids: 8 words hidden across and down in a 8 by 8 grid, from cow to egg. Each word has a little picture, so pre-readers can match the word and the drawing. The answer key on page 2 marks every word in color. Little ones can do most of it with crayons, and a grown-up can read the short questions aloud.
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2. Picture Word Search: Pets
A free printable picture word search: pets for kids: 6 words hidden across and down in a 8 by 8 grid, from cat to bunny. Each word has a little picture, so pre-readers can match the word and the drawing. The answer key on page 2 marks every word in color. Little ones can do most of it with crayons, and a grown-up can read the short questions aloud.
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3. Picture Word Search: Under the Sea
A free printable picture word search: under the sea for kids: 6 words hidden across and down in a 8 by 8 grid, from fish to starfish. Each word has a little picture, so pre-readers can match the word and the drawing. The answer key on page 2 marks every word in color. It suits ages 4 to 6, and little ones can count the pictures with a finger.
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4. Picture Word Search: Bugs
A free printable picture word search: bugs for kids: 6 words hidden across and down in a 8 by 8 grid, from bee to leaf. Each word has a little picture, so pre-readers can match the word and the drawing. The answer key on page 2 marks every word in color. Big pictures and only a few tasks per page make it a gentle start for kindergartners.
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5. Picture Word Search: Fruit
A free printable picture word search: fruit for kids: 6 words hidden across and down in a 8 by 8 grid, from apple to banana. Each word has a little picture, so pre-readers can match the word and the drawing. The answer key on page 2 marks every word in color. Little ones can do most of it with crayons, and a grown-up can read the short questions aloud.
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6. Picture Word Search: Toys
A free printable picture word search: toys for kids: 7 words hidden across and down in a 8 by 8 grid, from ball to yo-yo. Each word has a little picture, so pre-readers can match the word and the drawing. The answer key on page 2 marks every word in color. It is made for pre-K and preschool, roughly ages 4 to 5, with big pictures and one number per page.
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7. Picture Word Search: Things That Go
A free printable picture word search: things that go for kids: 7 words hidden across and down in a 8 by 8 grid, from car to boat. Each word has a little picture, so pre-readers can match the word and the drawing. The answer key on page 2 marks every word in color. Little ones can do most of it with crayons, and a grown-up can read the short questions aloud.
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8. Picture Word Search: Christmas
Download PDF + answer key · View page · More in Christmas Word Search for Kids
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9. Picture Word Search: Winter
Download PDF + answer key · View page · More in Winter Word Search for Kids
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10. Picture Word Search: Sweet Treats
A free printable picture word search: sweet treats for kids: 6 words hidden across and down in a 8 by 8 grid, from cake to corn. Each word has a little picture, so pre-readers can match the word and the drawing. The answer key on page 2 marks every word in color. Little ones can do most of it with crayons, and a grown-up can read the short questions aloud.
Tips for coloring Picture Word Search for Preschool and Kindergarten
- Have your child trace the word in the picture box with a finger before looking for it in the grid.
- Use a different crayon for each word, matching the color of its picture.
Fun facts about Picture Word Search for Preschool and Kindergarten
- Matching a picture to its written word is one of the first steps of learning to read.
- All the words in these puzzles go left to right or top to bottom, the way kids learn to read.
Fun ways to use your printables
- Cut out the picture cards at the bottom and play a memory game with them.
- Say a word that rhymes with each one you find.
How to print
Click Download PDF on any page and print it at 100% on US Letter or A4 paper. Use regular printer paper for crayons and pencils, or cardstock for markers and paint. Every page here is free for home, classroom and party use, so feel free to print as many copies as you need.
Frequently asked questions
Can a child who can't read do these?
Yes. The picture shows what the word is, so kids match the letters one by one. It is great practice for letter names and sounds.
How long does one take?
About 5 to 10 minutes for a 4 or 5 year old. Help with the first word, then let them find the rest.
Are the word searches free?
Yes. Every puzzle is a free PDF for US Letter and A4 with the answer key on page 2, for home, homeschool and classroom use.