Sudoku for Kids #90
sudoku · ages 5-8 · medium
Editorial team · Published August 15, 2026
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Here's a delightful 6x6 Sudoku puzzle, specifically designed for young problem-solvers. Your child will find a clear grid with 2x3 boxes, and roughly half the numbers (1-6) already filled in. The goal is simple: complete each row, column, and the outlined 2x3 box with the numbers 1 through 6, ensuring no number repeats within any of those sections. There's a real sense of satisfaction that comes with logically placing each number and seeing the grid fill up correctly.
To tackle this Sudoku, encourage your child to start by looking for a row, column, or 2x3 box that has only one or two empty spaces left. By focusing on these nearly complete sections, they can quickly deduce which missing number must fit. For example, if a row has 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6 already present, the missing number has to be 3. This method builds confidence by providing early wins.
A great tip for this puzzle is to laminate the printed sheet or place it in a clear plastic sleeve. Your child can then use a dry-erase marker to fill in the numbers. This allows them to erase mistakes easily and reuse the same puzzle multiple times, which is fantastic for reinforcing the logic skills and providing practice without needing to print new copies.
Teacher notes
Skills practiced
- Logical reasoning and elimination
- Number recognition and one-to-one checking
- Persistence with a multi-step problem
- Explaining reasoning aloud: "this must be a 3 because..."
Suggested use in class
- Math warm-up projected on the board, solved together
- Independent center with the answer key face-down for self-checking (pair up students who need support)
Time estimate
10–15 minutes
Materials
- Printed page
- Pencil with eraser
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US Letter (8.5×11"). Print at home, no sign-up needed.
Tip: set your printer to “Fit to page” for best results.
Includes answer key (page 2 of the PDF)
Print just page 1 for the puzzle, or both pages to keep the solution handy for checking.
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Frequently asked questions
Is this sudoku size right for a beginner?
Smaller grids are the on-ramp: 4×4 boards suit first-timers, 6×6 suits kids who've solved a few and want more of a challenge. This 6×6 is a good step up once the 4×4s feel easy.
How long should a kids' sudoku take?
Anywhere from five minutes to half an hour is normal, and speed doesn't matter. If it's over in two minutes, move up a grid size; if it stalls completely, solve the next number together and hand the pencil back.
Can my child do this one alone?
That's the sweet spot of this age — hand it over and let them own it. Resist hovering: figuring out a sticking point solo (or choosing to ask for help) is a bigger win than a perfectly completed page.