Free Printable Summer Word Search
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With the weather finally getting warmer and our pool membership renewed, I suddenly am finding myself dreaming of summer.
There is something about summer that makes life feel good. Between its lazy afternoons, evenings roasting s’mores and restful days not filled with school work, I love all of the quality time we get together as a family.
One thing about summertime though is how do you fill all of that free time. We try to find screen free activities for the kids, but sometimes you just need a paper and pencil game to keep the mind active.
Time for this Free Printable Summer Word Search. It’s the perfect activity for a lazy summer afternoon. You can even transform it into a competitive game or use it at a summer party.
Why Kids, Teens and Adults Love Word Searches
Word searches are more than just a fun puzzle. There’s something fulfilling about spotting a hidden word amongst a jumble of letters.
They also help kids build vocabulary, recognize patterns and grow their attention to detail. All skills that we try to continue to build over the summer months.
The Word Search Design
For this summer word search, I chose words that you find in summer. Some of them include:
- sunshine
- lemonade
- seashell
- waves
- vacation
There are 12 summer themed words to find in all.
I also added some fun summer graphics and typography to make the design appealing to all ages.
When to Use a Summer Word Search
One of the best things about a summer word search is there are lots of possible uses. The first step is to download and print it out. No prep required.
Here are some ideas on when to have a summer word search at the ready:
- afternoons at the pool (when the kids tire of swimming and don’t know what to do)
- end of school year activity (it’s a great way to kick off summer)
- rainy day activity
- summer party activity (see more ideas below on how to use this summer word search at your summer celebration)
- summer camp
- youth group activity (you can find more youth group activity ideas here)
- road trips (perfect for the car – check out our other road trip printables here)
- airport layovers (it’s the perfect activity if you are stuck in the airport on a layover)
How to Use at your Next Summer Party
You can also use this summer word search for extra party fun. Here are some ideas on how to use it at your next summer celebration.
Summer Party Favor
Send guests home with something they can use. Print out copies of this summer word search and pair with a fun smelling pen. Tie with ribbon or secure with washi tape. Party favor complete. (affiliate)
Team Challenge
Organize guests into teams. Give each team a copy of the summer word search. On the shout of “Go”, each team searches for the words in the puzzle. The first team to complete the word search, wins.
Icebreaker Activity
This summer word search is a great way to get your summer celebration started. Give one to guests when they arrive and see who can find all of the words first.
Word Search Party Station
Set up a word search party station for guests to enjoy. Have copies of the word search and see who can find all of the words.
Race the Clock Game
Choose a time and set the clock. See who can complete the word search in that amount time. If no one accomplishes this, the person who finds the most words, wins.
Team Relay Race
Split into teams. Place a word search for each team on a table. Players line up. At the start, the first player goes to the word search and finds a word. Then, they tag the next person in line. Then that person goes and finds a word. Play continues until all of the words are found. The first team to complete the word search, wins.
Color Code Challenge
Give each player a different color marker. This version involves one word search. When you say go, players race to find as many words as possible in the word search. They circle the words with their specific colored marker. The color with the most words circled at the end of play, wins.
Reverse Clue Game
Instead of letting players see the word list, just give each player the word search puzzle. Then, create a clue for each word. Players must guess the word being described and find it.
Last One Standing
Give each player a summer word search. Call out a word. Players find that word. The last person to find the word is out of the game. The last player standing, wins.
Word Search Charades
When a player finds a word in the word search, they act it out like charades. Players must guess which word they found. Once guessed correctly, everyone can circle it.
Download your Free Printable Summer Word Search
Ready to download your Free Printable Summer Word Search? Simply download below, print and play.
Other Summer Printable Fun
We love summer around here. Check out some other FREE summer printable fun that we’ve shared.
Want to save this Free Printable Summer Word Search for later? Be sure to pin it below.
Happy Celebrating,
Natalie