Word Search Puzzles to Play Free Online

Having a few fun word games to play when you get a spare moment or two can help you relax and keep your mind sharp. If you don't have a word search puzzle book lying around, you might want to search for a few fun games online.

Online word search puzzles offer several advantages. Some have a stopwatch that can time you while you complete the puzzle. Others have several categories from which to choose. Still others allow you to dictate the specifications of the puzzle, such as how words are hidden.

No matter what kind of word search you want to play, you are sure to find plenty to play for free online. Use yourDictionary.com or another puzzle website to increase your vocabulary and fill your spare time with an enjoyable game.

YourDictionary.com's Word Jungles

You can link to YourDictionary.com's word search page by clicking on "Word Games" on the opening screen and then selecting "Word Jungles." Each month, a new topic is chosen. In June 2007, the topic was "Find Things Around the House." Each puzzle relates to household items. Several puzzles are available each month that relate to the topic.

To select a word, simply run your cursor over it, holding down the left clicker and releasing at the end of the word. You can choose a word by starting at the first or last letter of the word.

A timer on the side will let you know how quickly you complete the puzzle. If you struggle, click on the "Help" button to select the word you are hunting for. It will then be crossed out within the puzzle. The first letter of the word is highlighted in a circle for easier viewing.

Free Online Word Search Puzzles

Choose a word search puzzle that you find entertaining. Whether you want a puzzle that increases your vocabulary or a quick one to pass the time, you can always find one to do for free online. For example:

• CRpuzzles Word Search Puzzles: Tricky puzzles are found within this listing. Word lists are not provided, so you need to be familiar with the topic chosen. From Wales, football, and dogs to the NBA, clothing, and holidays, this listing has a lot of topics to choose from. Check out the puzzle entitled "The Maze" for a 2-in-1 puzzle that creates a maze when completed. A solution link is in small print below the puzzle if you need help at the end.
• ZDaily.com Word Search Puzzles: New puzzles are added daily to this website. Click on "Today's Word Search Puzzle" to open a new browser page for the puzzle. Each day has a theme, from vocabulary building to geography or spelling. Helpful hints of where the words begin are provided at the bottom of the page, so do not peak until you get stuck. Puzzle archives are on the right side of the screen.

Word Search Puzzles for Kids

Rainy summer days or blizzards in the middle of winter can cause kids to get bored quickly. Keep them entertained by giving them options for playing word searches online. Some great kids' websites that offer word searches include:

• Cyber Sleuth Kids Word Search Page: Choose from a variety of word search topics, including SAT, geography, science, and history. Each puzzle is timed, so working quickly is encouraged. A "Solve" button is available for those who get stuck and want the correct solution.
• Miniclip Letter Lasso: This site offers an interactive puzzle that is fun for kids and adults. Find the word at the bottom of the search puzzle and circle it. The word disappears and new letters are moved into that place. Fun graphics and links to other games make this a great way for kids to spend their online time. Points are totaled as each word is found.
• OzZoom Free Online Word Search Games: Choose a word search by topic, including San Francisco, pirates, baseball, and more. If you find the current search puzzle too difficult, hit "Rescramble" and the puzzle will reset itself. Educational links to more information are found at the bottom of the word search page, along with a factoid or question related to the topic at hand.