Maths puzzles for kids

Ages 7–9 (Years 3–4)

• 4×4 SudokuLearn placement logic on a tiny grid.
• Magic Sum 3×3Addition practice with a goal.
• TangramShape and space.
• Magic Path 4×4Multiples and odd/even rules.
• Binary Puzzle 6×6Two symbols, three simple rules — a perfect first logic puzzle.
• Bridges 7×7 (single bridges)Counting and connecting — a gentle first puzzle.
• Nonogram 10×10 picturesCounting and logic that reveals a picture.
• Tents 6×6Counting and placing with friendly rules.

Ages 9–11 (Years 5–6)

• CodeBreakerDeduction from feedback.
• BODMAS GameOrder of operations.
• Maths CrosswordYear 6 revision in crossword form.
• Calcudoku 4×4All four operations in cages.
• Magic ProductTimes tables and factors.
• Skyscrapers 4×4Seeing and counting from every side.
• Star Battle 6×6Rows, columns and regions — logic with no numbers.
• Rectangles 6×6Area and factor pairs in a logic puzzle.
• Light Up 7×7Lines of sight and counting neighbours.
• Kakurasu 5×5Making totals in several ways — addition with strategy.

Ages 11–14 (Years 7–8)

• Magic PathPrimes, factors, fractions, Fibonacci and more.
• KakuroSums and combinations.
• NimBinary numbers and game theory.
• FutoshikiInequalities and logic.
• Killer SudokuMental arithmetic plus logic.

Why puzzles work

Logic puzzles make children check their own reasoning: a wrong digit breaks a rule they can see. Arithmetic puzzles like Calcudoku and Kakuro add purposeful practice — a times-table fact is needed to finish the puzzle, not just to fill a worksheet. Games like Nim and CodeBreaker introduce strategy and proof in a form that is easy to start and hard to master.

Questions