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Picture sudoku for kids

Picture sudoku uses shapes and pictures instead of numbers, so children who cannot yet read numbers can still do real logic: each picture appears once in every row, column and box.

Free to print for home and class, in five levels from age 4 to 10, every one with an answer key. Builds logical reasoning and careful checking.

Picture sudoku for 4–5 year olds

Use the 4 × 4 grids. Point to one row and ask "which picture is missing here?" Colouring the pictures in as they go keeps young children engaged.

Dotted Spring Sudoku #1: printable picture sudoku, level 1, ages 4–5
Dotted Spring Sudoku #1Level 1 · about 5 minPlay or print · Answer
Brave Reef Sudoku #21: printable picture sudoku, level 1, ages 4–5
Brave Reef Sudoku #21Level 1 · about 5 minPlay or print · Answer
Sleepy Lagoon Sudoku #41: printable picture sudoku, level 1, ages 4–5
Sleepy Lagoon Sudoku #41Level 1 · about 5 minPlay or print · Answer
Pebble Spring Sudoku #61: printable picture sudoku, level 1, ages 4–5
Pebble Spring Sudoku #61Level 1 · about 5 minPlay or print · Answer

See all 12 for ages 4–5

Picture sudoku for 6–7 year olds

Move to 6 × 6 grids. Teach the habit of checking the row, then the column, then the box before drawing a picture in.

Golden Tide Sudoku #1: printable picture sudoku, level 2, ages 4–7
Golden Tide Sudoku #1Level 2 · about 5 minPlay or print · Answer
Giant Spring Sudoku #37: printable picture sudoku, level 2, ages 4–7
Giant Spring Sudoku #37Level 2 · about 5 minPlay or print · Answer
Hidden Shore Sudoku #73: printable picture sudoku, level 2, ages 4–7
Hidden Shore Sudoku #73Level 2 · about 5 minPlay or print · Answer
Wild Cove Sudoku #109: printable picture sudoku, level 2, ages 4–7
Wild Cove Sudoku #109Level 2 · about 5 minPlay or print · Answer

See all 12 for ages 6–7

Picture sudoku for 8–10 year olds

The harder 6 × 6 grids have more empty squares and need a strategy: look for the square where only one picture can go. Children who enjoy these are ready for number sudoku.

Echo Wave Sudoku #1: printable picture sudoku, level 4, ages 8–10
Echo Wave Sudoku #1Level 4 · about 15 minPlay or print · Answer
Sunny Tide Sudoku #21: printable picture sudoku, level 4, ages 8–10
Sunny Tide Sudoku #21Level 4 · about 15 minPlay or print · Answer
Tiny Bay Sudoku #41: printable picture sudoku, level 4, ages 8–10
Tiny Bay Sudoku #41Level 4 · about 15 minPlay or print · Answer
Mossy Harbour Sudoku #61: printable picture sudoku, level 4, ages 8–10
Mossy Harbour Sudoku #61Level 4 · about 15 minPlay or print · Answer

See all 12 for ages 8–10

Questions parents ask

Is picture sudoku good for 4 year olds?

Yes. A 4 × 4 picture sudoku needs no reading or counting, only noticing what is missing, which most 4 and 5 year olds can do with a little help.

How is it different from normal sudoku?

The rules are the same; only the symbols change. Pictures make the first steps easier, and the logic carries straight over to number sudoku later.

Does every puzzle have one answer?

Yes. Every picture sudoku is checked by computer to have exactly one solution, and the answer key shows it.

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