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Secret code puzzles for kids

Secret codes turn reading and spelling into a spy game. Children use a key of shapes, numbers or a shifted alphabet to reveal a hidden word, phrase or riddle answer.

Free to print for home and class, in five levels from age 4 to 10, every one with an answer key. Builds letter recognition, spelling and decoding.

Ages 4–5 Ages 6–7 Ages 8–10

Secret codes for 4–5 year olds

The first codes use three or four letters and big shapes. Say each letter sound as your child finds it, so the code doubles as phonics practice.

Secret Word #1: printable secret code puzzle, level 1, ages 4–5 — **Secret Word #1**Level 1 · about 5 minPlay or print · Answer

Secret Word #21: printable secret code puzzle, level 1, ages 4–5 — **Secret Word #21**Level 1 · about 5 minPlay or print · Answer

Secret Word #41: printable secret code puzzle, level 1, ages 4–5 — **Secret Word #41**Level 1 · about 5 minPlay or print · Answer

Secret Word #61: printable secret code puzzle, level 1, ages 4–5 — **Secret Word #61**Level 1 · about 5 minPlay or print · Answer

See all 12 for ages 4–5

Secret codes for 6–7 year olds

Riddle codes are a favourite at this age. Let your child guess the riddle before decoding, then check if they were right.

Secret Word #1: printable secret code puzzle, level 2, ages 4–7 — **Secret Word #1**Level 2 · about 5 minPlay or print · Answer

Secret Word #37: printable secret code puzzle, level 2, ages 4–7 — **Secret Word #37**Level 2 · about 5 minPlay or print · Answer

Secret Word #73: printable secret code puzzle, level 2, ages 4–7 — **Secret Word #73**Level 2 · about 5 minPlay or print · Answer

Secret Word #109: printable secret code puzzle, level 2, ages 4–7 — **Secret Word #109**Level 2 · about 5 minPlay or print · Answer

See all 12 for ages 6–7

Secret codes for 8–10 year olds

Number codes and shifted alphabets are real cipher work. Challenge your child to write a coded message for a friend or sibling.

River Riddle #1: printable secret code puzzle, level 4, ages 8–10 — **River Riddle #1**Level 4 · about 15 minPlay or print · Answer

River Riddle #21: printable secret code puzzle, level 4, ages 8–10 — **River Riddle #21**Level 4 · about 15 minPlay or print · Answer

Secret Phrase #41: printable secret code puzzle, level 4, ages 8–10 — **Secret Phrase #41**Level 4 · about 15 minPlay or print · Answer

Secret Phrase #61: printable secret code puzzle, level 4, ages 8–10 — **Secret Phrase #61**Level 4 · about 15 minPlay or print · Answer

See all 12 for ages 8–10

Questions parents ask

Can my child do these before they read well?

Yes. Level 1 codes reveal short words with a shape key, which supports early reading rather than needing it.

What kinds of codes are there?

Shape codes, number codes (A = 1), and shifted-alphabet codes for older children, getting harder level by level.

Are answers included?

Yes. Every code comes with an answer key showing the hidden message.

Want more? Members get 5× more secret codes, plus 30 new puzzles every Friday with their child’s name on them. See membership

Secret code puzzles for kids

Secret codes for 4–5 year olds

Secret codes for 6–7 year olds

Secret codes for 8–10 year olds

Questions parents ask

What’s inside Ari’s letter?