Summer Crossword Puzzle for Vocabulary Practice

Summer Vocabulary word search, scramble and crossword puzzle

I made this summer vocabulary puzzle set for my 1st and 2nd graders during our end-of-year unit. The kids loved summer but had no idea what words like vacation, beach, or sunscreen meant when we talked about summer activities. So I put together a word search, a word scramble, and a crossword using words like summer, sun, beach, sand, ocean, wave, pool, swim, camp, vacation, travel, hike, bike, picnic, barbecue, ice cream, lemonade, sunscreen, and July. Nothing fancy — just puzzles to help the summer vocabulary finally stick.

The PDF is four pages. Three puzzles plus one answer key page. The word search works well for quiet time after recess or indoor recess. The scramble gets them talking because they argue about whether a beach or a pool is better. The crossword I use for partners or as a review. I added a couple simple sun, beach ball, and ice cream drawings but nothing too busy.

Works for K through 3rd grade. Print and go. Sometimes I have early finishers draw their favorite summer activity on the back. The kids actually ask for these now.